Have you ever seen a map depicting the townscape of Kurashiki from above at JR Kurashiki Station or in the Bikan Historical Area?
This is called a bird's-eye view map.
The artist creating it is Okamoto Naoki.
Okamoto has produced the Kurashiki bird's-eye view maps for the 2005 edition and the 1963 edition.
Currently, he is working on the 2025 edition of the Kurashiki bird's-eye view map.
Curious about the production process, I headed to Okamoto's studio.
What is the bird's-eye view map drawn by Okamoto?
A bird's-eye view map is a map drawn from the perspective of a bird flying in the sky, looking down at the town from above.
Typically, bird's-eye view maps are drawn at a scale of about 1:2500, but Okamoto draws at a scale of 1:500.
According to Okamoto, this is the size that can depict life just barely.
If you look closely at Okamoto's bird's-eye view maps, you can see people and vehicles depicted.
Okamoto's style is to divide the entire map into about 100 pieces and draw each one individually.
After that, he colors them, and when the 100 pieces are connected, the full-scale bird's-eye view map is completed.
Additionally, it is characteristic of Okamoto to use a technique called axonometric to draw the bird's-eye view map.
Since he determines the size based on the actual dimensions of the buildings, they are depicted faithfully to the real town.
Okamoto has created bird's-eye view maps not only for Kurashiki but also for the area around his alma mater, Kinko Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, and for Okayama City.
And now, he is working on the 2025 edition of the Kurashiki bird's-eye view map.
I spoke with Okamoto in his studio about his thoughts on the production and the differences in the production methods compared to previous editions.
I want to see the changes in the town
During the last interview, I think you mentioned that you might create the 2025 edition of the Kurashiki bird's-eye view map. The production has finally begun, hasn't it?
Okamoto (no honorifics)
Honestly, I just want to see it myself.
I want to compare how much the town has changed between the 2005 edition and the 1963 edition. That's all there is to it.
It's been about 20 years since I made the 2005 edition of the Kurashiki bird's-eye view map.
Are you also walking and observing for this edition?
Okamoto
Of course. Whether it's a public facility or a private home, I look at it from various angles and take photos.
Since I stare intently, I often get suspicious looks (laughs).
Sometimes people ask me, "What are you doing?" and I explain, "I'm drawing a Kurashiki bird's-eye view map..."
Then they are surprised and say, "You're the one drawing it!"
It's nice when I get a reaction that shows they know about the Kurashiki bird's-eye view map.
After 20 years, I have developed my observational skills
Do you feel the changes in the town as you walk around?
Okamoto
The number of apartments is drastically different. I can't believe how many have increased in just 20 years.
Also, the establishment of Achi Terrace Kurashiki is a significant change.
While there are certainly changes in the town, my observational skills and drawing techniques are completely different from what they were in 2005.
This is your fifth time creating a bird's-eye view map, right?
Okamoto
I think I've developed my ability to see and my skills through experience.
When I was making the 2005 edition of the Kurashiki bird's-eye view map, it was my first time creating one in Kurashiki, and I had a lot of uncertainties, so I was just thinking, "Is this how it should be?"
Looking back now, the size and angles were completely off.
So, I am starting from scratch for the 2025 edition.
Starting from scratch? I thought you were creating it by overwriting the 2005 edition.
Okamoto
I feel better and clearer when I completely start over.
Even for buildings that haven't changed since the 2005 edition, my current perspective might reveal that the sizes are actually different or that the angles are different.
Even if they haven't changed in reality, there will be subtle differences when depicted in the Kurashiki bird's-eye view map.
For the viewers, it might not be very noticeable.
Walking through the town while also relying on digital tools
Have there been any changes in the production process since 2005?
Okamoto
I have changed how I take photos and how I review the photos I take.
During the production of the 2005 edition, I sketched the town's scenery and buildings or took photos with a camera. I would send the photos for developing and printing to check them.
I kept the photos in an album, so managing them was quite a hassle.
Now, I do both the photo taking and reviewing with just one smartphone.
For me, this is a significant leap in digitalization.
Another change is that I have started to refer to digital maps as well.
Of course, I continue to walk through the town, but I rely on digital maps when I want to confirm something.
Using digital maps seems to provide more accurate information.
Okamoto
Actually, not necessarily.
Digital images are created by integrating images taken from several cameras into one image.
So, there are subtle differences in size and angles compared to the actual objects.
Both carefully observing the town in person and relying on digital tools are equally important.
Mechanisms only I can understand
Are there any particular challenges unique to the 2025 edition?
Okamoto
First of all, I need to correct my own assumptions.
Since I have already drawn the 2005 and 1963 editions, I tend to think, "This building is this size."
However, as I have mentioned, the sizes and angles I recognized at that time are often actually different.
It takes quite a bit of time to correct those subtle differences.
There are times when I think, "I spent three days fixing this, but I haven't made any progress at all."
It's frustrating that things don't progress smoothly.
On the other hand, what parts do you find particularly enjoyable while drawing the 2025 edition?
Okamoto
I have kept only the house where I was born in the Showa era.
In a previous interview, I mentioned that I am in the aerial view illustration of Kanemitsu Gakuen Junior and Senior High School as myself as a student, but this time's trick is something you wouldn't know unless I told you.
Having a little trick makes it interesting to draw.
Finally, please share your thoughts as you work towards completion.
Okamoto
As of now, I have finished drawing 20 out of 100 pieces (as of September 2023).
I still have 80 pieces to draw, color, and connect the 100 pieces to complete it, so there is still a long way to go.
However, I am looking forward to seeing the changes in the town.
I will do my best to create it, so please look forward to it.
Conclusion
Mr. Okamoto mentioned, "Compared to 20 years ago, my perspective has matured."
When I heard that he was going to start from scratch, I couldn't help but think, "What an enormous task."
While Mr. Okamoto himself said, "It's tough," I was left with the impression that his expression was very charming.
I felt that it was probably because he is creating the work in accordance with his own curiosity to see the changes in the town that he showed a cheerful smile even during the lengthy production process.
I am looking forward to seeing how the 2025 edition of the Kurashiki aerial view illustration will come together.
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