Japanese artist grabs attention with bizarre accessories that resemble flesh

by Irene Wang and Kyung Hoon Him; Writing by John Geddie; Edited by News Gate Team

Reuters, 6 February – Making bizarre, flesh-like accessories in the style of horror movie special effects, a Japanese DJ has discovered a new career. Examples include purses with gaping mouths and beards, necklaces with flashing eyes, and ink stamps made from severed fingers.

Masataka Shishido, popularly known as DJ Doooo, received a commission to create a music mixer covered in silicon flesh for his debut album’s cover in 2017. Since then, he has been asked to create dozens of additional unusual works of art.

Shishido, 36, who was holding a disco ball with a flashing eye around his neck, told Reuters that “in the beginning practically everyone thought it was gross.”

“Once people realized it was a piece of art with a definite purpose, they started calling it cute and interesting.”

The custom components are pricey; the disco ball he wears costs approximately 580,000 yen ($4,500), while USB gadgets and ink stamps shaped like fingers cost about 150,000 yen ($1,166).

Celebrities have shown interest in his work, according to Shishido. In 2021, the American musician Lil Yachty uploaded a video to social media showing him holding one of his blinking balls.

Japanese artist turns heads with freaky flesh-like accessories https://t.co/JQpbOoD3wT pic.twitter.com/M6vDGR9mMG

— Reuters (@Reuters) February 6, 2023

His works also draw attention when they are seen in the streets of Tokyo.

The artwork hanging from Masataka’s neck in the capital’s bustling Shibuya Crossing “looks like so lifelike that it really takes you by surprise,” said Laura Teale, 22, an Australian tourist who stopped to inquire about the piece.

“I feel it’s too real. I feel a little bit gross, but it’s really cool,” she said.

by Irene Wang and Kyung Hoon Him; Writing by John Geddie; Edited by News Gate Team