The "JUFU" series is a new form of crypto animism that depicts talismans traditionally passed down in East Asia to ward off disaster and pray for good fortune, rendered in pixel art while引用ing the design of modern trading cards. The six works introduced here are part of the "AKAE" series, painted in red—the color long believed to ward off evil—and were issued as crypto art during the COVID-19 pandemic. "GOZUTENNO" A deity worshipped mainly in the western regions of Japan, including Kyoto, whose distinctive feature is a cow’s head, and who has long been enshrined to pray for the eradication of epidemics. Though an aggressive guardian deity, it is also a symbol of prosperity, as exemplified by the tale of Somin Shorai. "MIMIZUKU" A bird identified with the auspicious owl (FUKUROU), believed in Japan to bring in good fortune (FUKU), and this AKAE version is a special version depicted in red, the color said to ward off evil. Its wide-open eyes keep watch so that epidemics do not approach. "DARUMA" A very important monk in Japanese Zen, and this AKAE version is a special version depicted in red, the color said to ward off evil. Its indomitable body, which rises again no matter how many times it falls, holds the powerful force to fulfill prayers. "TAMETOMO" A military commander active in the late Heian period of Japan, and this AKAE version is a special version depicted in red, the color said to ward off evil. Though hot-tempered and violent, he left behind numerous legends and, as a god, drives away epidemics with his power. "AMABIE" A yokai from Japanese folklore, and this AKAE version is a special version depicted in red, the color said to ward off evil. Emerging from the sea, it foretold bumper harvests and epidemics, and instructed people to show others pictures copied from its likeness. "VACCINE" A pharmaceutical used to prevent infectious diseases. Antibody production is a modern Western amulet for protecting oneself from disaster. It became the final work in the "AKAE" series.

Title: "Towards the light" I put my feelings into this work, hoping that as we move toward the light, the scenery will gradually change and that the light will reach COUNTDOWN JAPAN.