Focusing on one of Murakami’s largest and most important works, (2014), this book offers a lavish introduction to the work of one of Japan’s greatest artists. This publication provides a broad overview of Murakami's practice and features 12 works from The Broad's substantial collection of Murakami’s work, including his early sculpture (1999), (2001–6) and such notable later paintings and drawings as (2009), (2011) and (2018). The main essay by Ed Schad is presented along with studio photography, archival material and illuminating illustrations of Murakami works from around Los Angeles and the world. Notably, the volume features a conversation between Murakami and Ed Schad on making art during times of crisis and in the wake of global events such as the 2011 tsunami in Japan and the global COVID-19 epidemic of 2020 and beyond. was born in Tokyo in 1962 and received his BFA, MFA and PhD from the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. His work has been exhibited in prestigious museums all over the world.