Japanese POP and CONTEMPORARY Art. For a number of years, the key phrase "Cool Japan" has gained popularrity around the world. The art, fashion, animation, cuisine and architecture that we Japanese have long taken for granted have beenlatched on to as new and exciting by consumers around the world. Arttists introduced here by BOOM are all contemporary art makers currently working in Japan. They vary in technique and age, and essentially have no common theme or genre. However, the one thread that links all of these artists is that, in this ever changing era, they continue to conceive and pursue new and unique methods of expression in their work. In every sense they are "artists living in the NOW." Through BOOM we hope audiences will experience that special "something" that is found in the very DNA of the Japanese people. That je ne sais quoi which has its basis in the traditions of Japanese art and is only emphasized through the expression and craftsmanship of the individual artists presented. These contemporary artists are the true life-breath of their generation. our greatest hope is that this volume may inspire an interest in both these extraordinary artists and their art.