Japanese Artist Beautifully Illustrates What Happiness Looks Like

Tokyo-based freelance illustrator Maori Sakai‘s animated gif illustrations are as sweet as can be. They capture everyday happy moments through Sakai’s unique lens of whimsy and magic.

Sakai has been drawing for most of her life, and learned the basics of sketch at her art sciences high school.

In college, she pursued a three-year digital art course at a design school in Tokyo.

When asked what she would have been doing if she hadn’t ended up illustrating, Sakai says, “I have no idea! … I don’t have any other skills besides making art!”

What makes Sakai’s illustrations so unique is that they’re the stuff of daydreams.

Enchanting with an underlying theme of childlike happiness, Sakai’s gifs pull you into her world where even a simple plate of pancakes is imbued with magic.



Sakai’s attraction to gifs comes from her enjoyment in showing seasonal scenes and expressing everyday emotions in short loops.

“For some reason, I can’t keep my eyes off the short loop,” she says.

Inspired by “places, seasons, people, coffee and chocolate,” Sakai sees life itself as her muse.

She hopes that people who see her work appreciate more the little moments of happiness that are found in everyday life.

“There’s beauty in nature and in daily experiences,” she says.

“I think most people depend on others or a lot of money to feel this happiness, but I think, happiness is always a state of mind.”

Looking at this young artist’s work, one just can’t help but smile.

To see more of Sakai’s spell-binding creations, hop on over to her website and Facebook page.

You May Also Like