Mariella Del Federico

Culture Clash: Tradition vs. Modernity in Tokyo

This series of editorial illustrations aims to capture the duality of past and future, tradition and modernity, and act as a visual commentary on the generational divide in Japan. Through vivid and vibrant depictions of everyday life in Tokyo, the illustrations reflect the comfort and security of the past felt by the older generation of Japan, while simultaneously echoing the younger generation’s uncertainty about the future. The contrast in warm and cool tones implies that the future of Japan is shrouded in shadows of the past and highlights how the generational divide affects the wellbeing of not only young people, but also the wellbeing of the country. The illustrations contribute to a wider conversation surrounding the economic, social and political implications of the intersection between tradition and modernity in Japanese culture and how this impacts the country’s future.