Masayuki Murai

Masayuki Murai is Professor and Head of the Department of Fine Arts at Osaka University of Arts, specializing in Japanese painting. A renowned artist and educator, he studied at Seitosha art school under Ikeda Yoson beginning in 1968.

His research focuses exclusively on Japanese Painting and Fine Arts, with deep expertise in traditional techniques and contemporary applications.

Professor Murai has received prestigious honors including:

• Imperial Prize & Japan Art Academy Prize (2019)
• Dark Blue Ribbon Medal
• Nitten Special Selection Award
• Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award

He created the commemorative postage stamps for the Athens Olympics marking the 100th anniversary of Japan-Greece diplomatic relations.

Key professional affiliations include directorship at Nitten Exhibition and memberships in Shin Nishunten Exhibition, Japan Artists Federation, and Kyoto City Arts Center committee.