What term did Takashi Murakami coin to describe aspects of traditional Japanese art and society?

Takashi Murakami coined the term "Superflat" to describe a particular approach that bridges traditional Japanese art with contemporary culture. This concept reflects a unique characteristic of Japanese art, where the distinctions between high and low art, as well as the boundaries between different genres and media, become blurred. Superflat emphasizes two-dimensionality and often highlights the flat, graphic qualities that are prevalent in both anime and traditional ukiyo-e prints.

Murakami’s Superflat movement critiques the commercialization of culture and the superficiality of consumerism in Japan, while also celebrating the richness of Japanese visual culture. By using this term, he has been able to articulate a significant shift in artistic expression that both acknowledges Japanese heritage and engages with modern-day influences, such as pop culture and mass media. This concept has had a profound influence on contemporary artists and continues to resonate within discussions about the intersection of tradition and modernity in art.