Shin Tanaka and Nao Shimojo are Tokyo-based partners in life and design. Shin's paper toys are inspired by hip-hop and street culture, like an accessible update on traditional origami. To date, over 500 artists and brands have joined his paper toy project, and fans print, cut and assemble his designs. His work is included in Nike's design library, sought after by Disney and UNIQLO and has been exhibited in cities around the world.
Nao produces collectible vinyl toys and lifestyle items under her brand, Dankeschoen. The popular mascots, Danke and Schoen, have been customized by world-famous artists, featured in Misukoshi Department store and appeared in Asia's largest toy shows. Together, Shin and Nao collaborate in a positive style that can be called "urban kawaii".
