Stephanie Key, the 20-year-old daughter of the 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Philip Key, is a student at a prestigious art school in Paris. We have released a self-portrait for the promotion of the event "Paris Design Week 2013" to be held from 9th next month.


This work has become a hot topic in France and New Zealand because the daughter of the active prime minister has become nude. But as a Japanese, I'm more interested in the Japanese culture (?) Expressed in the work. For example, a work in which an octopus is placed on the head and the octopus's legs are held in the mouth. What does "Kamikaze" mean in the chest of this work?


It is also interesting to see "Shinji" in the background of the work that says "Nyotaimori". "Japan Expo 14th Impact" was just held in early July in Paris. At the venue, the exhibition of the popular anime series "Neon Genesis Evangelion" was very popular. Perhaps "Shinji" refers to Eva's main character, "Shinji Ikari"? But then I would like you to write it in katakana.


In this way, Stephanie Key's series of self-portrait works, which are subtly worrisome about understanding Japanese culture, seem to be highly evaluated by many artists. According to the British media Daily Mail, fashion photographer Chris Sisarich praised "it's clear she's talented." In addition, only six students, including her, were selected for the event promotion among the students of the art school that Key attends. Certainly, he may be talented.

So what does Key's father think about this work? "Photographs are part of the school's curriculum. We are very proud of her work," New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, Stephanie Key's father, said in an interview with a local television station. ..