Born in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Graduated from Yamaguchi University (Faculty of Education). An art director and graphic designer whose works express a distinct worldview. Involved in a wide range of projects including textiles and packaging. Designs products for D-BROS and clothes for CACUMA. Has received numerous awards in Japan and abroad including ADC (Tokyo Art Directors Club) Award, TDC (Tokyo Type Director's Club) Award D&AD (U.K.) Gold Prize, ADC (NY Art Directors Club) Gold Prize and One Show Design Gold Pencil (U.S.). After working at graphic design company DRAFT, established KIGI in 2012 with Ryosuke Uehara. In May of the same year, held "KIGI exhibition - Ryosuke Uehara and Yoshie Watanabe" (Ginza Graphic Gallery). In March 2013, held "KIGI Exhibition - Implosion and Explosion" (Hillside Forum) and in April 2013 held "One-off design" exhibition (Pass the Baton Gallery). Has drawn illustrations for the long-selling picture book "Brooch' written by Yayako Uchida (published by Littlemore) and "Journey" (poetry by Hiroshi Osada and jewelry by Etsuko Sonobe). A long-awaited publication was made recently of the popular picture book "UN DEUX" (written by Naomi Takayama) in a new format. Co-authored "KIGI" (published by Littlemore) with Uehara. "Merry Book Round", a children's story illustrated by Watanabe and showing her unique worldview is available on the following site: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/merry-book-round-meribukkurando/id673037200
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