Akiko Obuchi

Akiko Obuchi (born February 3, 1968) is a Japanese illustrator, graphic designer, fashion designer, and essayist. She is the representative of aube design.

She was born in Kita Ward, Tokyo, as the eldest daughter of Keizo Obuchi, who was a member of the House of Representatives and later Prime Minister of Japan. Her mother is essayist Chizuko Obuchi. She graduated from Tamagawa University’s Faculty of Arts, Department of Arts.

Regarding her career and activities, after working in the planning department of a greeting card manufacturer, she became independent in 1994 (Heisei 6) and established her own design office, aube design. Her office undertakes a wide range of projects including stationery goods, original ties, illustrations, and packaging design. Her style is characterized as warm and has received high praise.

In 2005 (Heisei 17), she launched an 11-model series of women's eyeglass frames called “VISAGE” from Citizen Watch, which was selected for the Good Design Award that year. She also designed the home surveillance camera “PEPOT Camera” produced by Matsushita Electric Works.

In terms of family, she is the eldest child of Keizo Obuchi but is not involved in politics. After Keizo Obuchi’s death in 2000 (Heisei 12), her sister Yuko Obuchi entered politics as her father’s successor, winning a seat in the 42nd House of Representatives election from Gunma’s 5th district in June of the same year. Akiko has also written books themed around memories of her father, including “Father’s Warmth” (2001), “Letters Dad Could Not Read” (2001), and “Family Garden” (2012).

Additionally, she was responsible for designing the attendants’ uniforms for the Japan Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai Expo, as well as the uniforms for the secretariat staff, the Tr lol stand character, and the mascot character Kunkun (昆昆).

On television, she appeared on the Fuji TV variety show “Investigating the Present of Celebrity Children—What Kind of Children Do Those Parents Have?!”, broadcast on December 31, 2018.

Her major works include “Father’s Warmth” (Fuso Sha, 2001), “Letters Dad Could Not Read” (Fuso Sha, 2001), and “Family Garden” (self-published, 2012).