Tadanori Yokoo (横尾 忠則) is a Japanese graphic designer, illustrator, printmaker and painter born in 1936, in Nishiwaki, Japan.
As a young man, Yokoo began his career by replicating paintings, designing wrapping paper, and drawing posters for a local Chamber of Commerce. At the age of 22, he won an honorable mention at the Japanese Advertising Artists Club (JAAC) poster exhibition in Tokyo. In 1960, at the age of 24, Yokoo moved to Tokyo, where he initially worked as a stage designer for avant-garde theatre. In 1964, he established his own studio, "Ilfil."

Yokoo's work is characterized by a blend of traditional Japanese imagery with elements of pop art and psychedelic design. His posters from the 1960s and 1970s are particularly notable for their bold colors, intricate patterns, and a combination of photographic and illustrative techniques.

Yokoo frequently incorporates the rising sun symbol as a recurring motif in his work. The rising sun motif, considered old-fashioned at the time, has become emblematic of "Yokoo style" and an international symbol of Japanese pop art. In his designs, the rising sun often appears alongside other imagery such as Mount Fuji, bullet trains, and Buddhist iconography.

The rising sun symbol has become controversial due to its historical association with Japanese imperialism and wartime aggression. During World War II, the Rising Sun flag was used by the Imperial Japanese military and is linked to atrocities committed in occupied territories. Many people in countries like South Korea, China, and other parts of Asia view it as offensive, comparing it to the Nazi swastika. Yokoo's use of this symbol is complex: he seeks to reclaim and recontextualize a controversial national emblem, challenging its historical associations with imperialism while exploring how symbols' meanings evolve over time. By incorporating the rising sun alongside other imagery, Yokoo creates a visual dialogue about Japan's past and present, pushing boundaries of artistic expression.

Over the years, Yokoo designed posters and album covers for international artists like The Beatles, Carlos Santana, and Cat Stevens, making a lasting contribution to popular culture.
He currently lives and works in Tokyo, with his works held in major collections including The Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Hara Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo. (ss)