A Nag Pa I Root (NAGNAGNAG) and der Angora Patio

Regardless of how you felt about the man, his work, his approach, his fans; you cannot deny his prowess, legacy and permanence on the hobby, medium and community. “Often imitated, never duplicated” couldn’t be more apt a descriptor for what Shig’s accomplished throughout his artistic career. My condolences to friends, acquaintances and collectors alike. Seems very sudden and all too soon, but the body of work and effect he’s left behind is everlasting.

 

RIP to a LEGEND

 

RIP Shig

 

Feel saddened for anyone who passed and has left an impact on people. Nothing is certain RIP.

 

RIP Master Shigeru. My favorite artist.

 

Rest In Peace & Chaos

*edited out of respect and for those who actually knew or experienced the man.

 

Gone too soon and left a huge print and mess of a scene.

His chaos was definitely formative to the contemporary scene. Secret handshakes and long drags of smokes in his honor all week.
I hope he’s spending as long as he’s ever wanted painting eyes in the great after. Rest well, Mr Arai

 

I am still trying to come to terms what happened. So suddenly.
We were planning to meet up for dinner just a few weeks ago.
I will probably regret forever that the appointment had to be postponed.
I met Arai for the first time many years ago in the RxH line at Jyarinco (or was it JunkSpot) and had the privilege to be there when he started his Nag journey. Thank you for the great time & memories. RIP.

 

nothing but respect. RIP.

 

In 2014 Shig pounded on my door in Tokyo, and spent the next half hour yelling at me about stuff, criticizing my choices in friends and collaborators and my collection, and getting angry at me when I asked him to define multiple words he was using (lawyer, for one). My fledgling Japanese was not up to his standards. When I eventually retorted and asked him why he didn’t speak ANY English, he got even angrier, barked (in Japanese) ‘…because this is JAPAN!,’ hopped on his teal Vespa, donned his retro-styled (Science Patrol-esque) helmet, and zoomed off. I never saw him again, and never will again.

Doubt this guy is resting in peace - nor do I expect he would want to. What a character. I can only imagine the oddball stories others could tell.

 

This is refreshing. To put it mildly, the guy was a lunatic...and to think he would want people to remember him otherwise after his passing is absurd. Similar to what Paul said, I always saw him as chaos in human form, which I'm sure thrilled him to no end.

 

Within context, probably the funniest thing I’ve ever read on this board.

 

How can we ever forget Shigeru? He brilliantly created Iggy Pop in sofubi form. RIP

 

Haha, I have a very oddball story from when I last hung out with him over 10 years ago. But it is better not shared. Anyway, what shocking news, and it has saddened me much more than I would have expected. I had always hoped to meet him again.

 

I had always hoped to meet him. Life isn't long. That's why it's better to put your talent out there because one day we all git got. If you have a story tell it.

 

This photo from 2014 NYCC (Mishka booth I believe) was the first time I saw Shigs work in person. I found/find it appalling and mezmerizing at the same time. The world needs chaos and disruptors in order to evolve. RIP to a true disruptor.

Spoiler: NYCC 2014

 

Shig absolutely changed the entire sofubi scene forever.

Like many lol, my relationship with Shig was also …. Weird.

Love or hate the man, you have to appreciate what he did, and for pushing the art form forward. It was super interesting and inspiring to see his works and recently with the 4KDO10 shows.

Gonna be missed, such a bummer.

 

Damn. This all confirms some of what I have already heard about the guy.

Volatile, inappropriate, misogynistic, confusing, mean, conniving… but memorable.

However, this is always secondhand information for me, and rarely specific stories. So, an enigma he’ll remain, I guess

 

Shigeru was nuts. His toys a perfect reflection of his character.

I had the *pleasure of meeting him a few times at NYCC. Some distinct memories include: shaking his hand while he tickled my palm + smiling awkwardly.

Shig was one of a kind.

 

10,000 full nag run coming soon from Medicom per shigs request? Curious what happens to an artists molds after they pass? Is Nag incorporated now?

 

He never fondled your balls? Consider yourself lucky. Or maybe I’m the lucky one. We’ll never know.

 

The man had an impact, not gonna claim i knew him but we can all see his influence and the mark he has left in this scene. Shit I remember sculpting something cos i was obsessed with his toys. never got the chance to get own one till the NAG gojis came around medicom. RIP Shig

 

Ok yea. I won a 4 eyes BG Nag and we posed for a picture for Vice magazine during NYCC. He may have grabbed my balls in that pic.

 

Does anyone who's owned the Johnny Ryan Nag Id what color vinyl was used in production?