WORKS | portfolio

SONOKO OBUCHI

Sonoko Obuchi is a cross-dimensional multimedia artist / visual storyteller.

Born in Fukuoka, Japan, Sonoko pursued art in the UK and completed BA in Spatial Design at University of The Arts London in 2005.

Sonoko was appointed as the first Artist in Residence at Historic Royal Palaces.

Many of her works are often of a person, people, and relationships, exploring identity in distorted dimensions - capturing a flash of a moment in hours or drawing in portraits, translating intangible stories into theatre designs, and forgotten / unlived journeys into animations & music videos.

Video Design, Animation and Illustration

Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami (2023)

Animation by @sonoko.obuchi
Mentioned by Kylie Minogue

Direction, story and animation
1883 article

Wonderland. article

Direction, story and animation
NeonLDN YouTube

Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami (2023)

Animation, Video Design and Poster illustration for Sputnik Sweetheat at Arcola Theatre, London.

The Lion Family Youtube Chnnel Character Design (2023)

The Lion Family Youtube Channel Character Design (2023)

Character Design for Cyrus Dobre (of The Dobre Brothers, 12.1 Million subscribers) & Brenda Esperanca's new family channel. 533k subscribers at this moment after launching 4 months ago, and it's growing fast.

Neon LDN animation (2022)

Neon LDN is a video animation series by Sonoko Obuchi and her son, raising awareness about the gap in support for teenagers facing difficulty in schools.

Caves by REUNIØN animation (2022)

”‘Caves’ is a song about emerging from something, somewhere. We’ve all been kind of cooped up of late so there’s that desire to head back out in the world, but it’s also about stepping out of any dark place, into the sunlight… from a broken heart, into a new chapter.”
The video was directed and animated by Sonoko Obuchi.

Lofi video graphics (2020 - )

Creating lofi & aesthetic graphics and animation.

Anna Lou of London graphics (2008 - present)

I produce Anna Lou of London's social media graphics and some graphic contents.

What To Do Now animation (2022)

Fully in charge of its story, direction and animation.

Star by Archie Faulks animation (2021)

Direction & animation. This MV is also available to download on iTunes. https://music.apple.com/gb/music-video/star/1558020873

Way Out West by REUNIØN animation (2020)

“Oh my god” Kylie Minogue (IG)

“Obuchi’s music video simply takes our breath away – it’s that extra layer of nuance that helps us connect REUNIØN’s music and lyrics to our own lives. We’ve all known love and we’ve all known loss, but grief is so much more than these two feelings combined.” Atwood Magazine
https://atwoodmagazine.com/wowr-reunion-way-out-west-song-video-premiere/

The narrative of the animation is based on a real life, coming of age story of Sonoko just before she moved to the UK.
The most personal, intimate work of the artist to date.

Anna Lou & Friends animation (2020 - )

Anna Lou & Friend is a mental-wellbeing animation series targeted for age group 3 - 7.
Executive Producers: Anna Scaife, Sonoko Obuchi
Studio: Nucleus Media Rights
Animation: Green Gold Animation
Script: Andrew Viner
Pilot Episode (Jan 2021)
Anna Lou & Friends Christmas Theatre (Nov & Dec 2021)
Anna Lou & Friend is a mental-wellbeing animation series targeted for age group 3 - 7.
Executive Producers: Anna Scaife, Sonoko Obuchi
Studio: Nucleus Media Rights
Animation: Green Gold Animation
Script: Andrew Viner
Pilot Episode (Jan 2021)
Anna Lou & Friends Christmas Theatre (Nov & Dec 2021)

Millfield Theatre Panto Set Design (2011 - )

Sonoko has been designing Pantomime at Millfield Theatre every year since 2011. One of a few theatres in the UK that remained open during 2020 (COVID-19). Sonoko is part of V&A Panto Day 2020.

Platinum Academy Manga Mural (2020)

To celebrate the energy and passion of the young dancers, this Manga Mural was created for the opening of Platinum Academy of Performing Arts at Millfield House.
Featured in Enfield Festivals:

Pop Japan Solo Exhibition (2017)

Solo exhibition POP JAPAN at The Dugdale Centre, London. Sonoko has explored and rediscovered her identity as Japanese-Londoner. Due to popular demand, the show was extended for further 2 months than originally planned.

Go to Page POP JAPAN SOLO EXHIBITION

Featured in Guardian https://www.guardian-series.co.uk/leisure/latest/15042444.the-dugdale-in-enfield-and-william-morris-gallery-in-walthamstow-are-holding-japanese-themed-exhibitions

Quarantine Manga Tutorials (2020)

Total of 77 Manga tutorials were created during the lockdown period in the UK due to Covid-19, in a hope to engage and provide activity for Manga-loving kids and teens stuck at home. Featured in iPaper. https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/coronavirus-home-schooling-self-isolation-websites-kids-occupied-resources-412603
Watch on YouTube:

Historic Royal Palaces Artist in Residence (2006)

Sonoko was selected as the first Artist in Residence by Historic Royal Palaces (Kensington Palace, Tower of London, Hampton Court). The work links Londoners living in council houses and the palaces through their architectural similarities. Became a permanent collection in 2009.

Standon Calling Stage Set Design (2007-2015)

Sonoko designed the stage set for Standon Calling in 2007, 2009, 2010, and in 2015. The festival theme was set every year and the set design followed and challenged its boundaries. Musicians such as Giles Peterson, DJ Yoda and Hawkwind had performed on the stage.

Anna Lou of London Character & Graphic Design (2008 - )

Characters were designed for contemporary jeweller Anna Lou of London. The jewelleries were sold in Selfridges, Topshop and large department stores in Japan.

Private Portrait Commissions

My unique style of portraits with Japanese words are appreciated across the continents. My clients are very happy with their portraits. The waiting list has been 6-8 months in 2023. My commission work starts at £2800.
£2800: A3 Watercolour & pencil portrait on watercolour paper
Please contact me for more details.

SONOKO OBUCHI

Sputnik Sweetheart by Haruki Murakami (2023)

Animation by @sonoko.obuchi Mentioned by Kylie Minogue

Direction, story and animation 1883 article

Wonderland. article

Direction, story and animation NeonLDN YouTube

Instagram

Animation by @sonoko.obuchi
Mentioned by Kylie Minogue

Direction, story and animation
1883 article

Direction, story and animation
NeonLDN YouTube