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Magic: The Gathering – Fist of the North Star’s Tetsuo Hara Explores Cyberpunk & Japanese Elements In Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty

The long-running legacy of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) allows much room for creative exploration, and its 91st expansion will continue to upkeep this spirit of the imagination. From Japanese mythology to mythical night creatures, its current tabletop iterations have expanded upon narrative realms and genres, but the Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty set (check out our unboxing for a glimpse) promises an interesting and different experience—in more ways than one. 

It begins from the thematic influence itself. The 302-card deck makes its mark as the first in the trading card game’s universe to feature a sci-fi plane: a neon-lit, futuristic Japanese-inspired world filled with cyberpunk elements, set more than 1200 years after the original Kamigawa block concluded in 3326AR. Now, the marriage of its feudal past and modernity has spawned ninjas and samurai who are carrying a cyberpunk aesthetic.  

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For the team, however, the significance goes beyond fiction. The central theme of Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, which highlights the conflict between tradition and modernity, actually mirrors their struggle in developing a sequel to one of the worst received blocks of MTG, where they had to separate it from the previous setting without making it stray from the genre. As a result, half of the set will feature the new mechanised world of modern Kamigawa, while the other half portrays the more traditional Kamigawa. 

Where new worlds rise, new characters follow. Making his debut here is the legendary Planeswalker Shizuki Kaito, the brainchild of three influential Japanese artists, including veteran manga illustrator Tetsuo Hara. Known for his works such as Hokuto no Ken (localised as Fist of the North Star), Hana no Keiji, Soten no Ken, and Ikusa no Ko, the man shares his excitement on diving into a new-yet-familiar space of creation.

The following interview has been edited for clarity. 


Question (Q): Share with us your impressions of the world of Magic: The Gathering and the card illustrations. 

Tetsuo Hara (TH): The design of Magic: The Gathering and Kamigawa—even for the other characters—is so free, with different world views and directions; yet, it’s still able to work as segregated elements. I wanted to create a sci-fi ninja warrior story set in this kind of world.  is so free, with different world views and directions; yet, it’s still able to work as segregated elements. I wanted to create a sci-fi ninja warrior story set in this kind of world. 

Q: Can you talk about the similarities of composing a pose that reads well in a smaller format (like an MTG card) to composing an individual manga panel?

TH: In the case of manga, I tend to use a bust-up or waist-up composition, because it’s difficult to see the facial expressions when the composition is pulled back as in this illustration. In terms of art direction, the various elements and flow of movement, such as “smiling fearlessly,” “drawing a sword”, “throwing a shuriken,” and “running on a tiled roof” are expressed through multiple panels in manga. However, for the MTG piece, I had to complete the character figure first before adding the other elements, which is something I don’t usually do. 

Q: When you knew you would draw Kaito Shizuki’s character, what’s your initial design concept for this character? 

TH: For Kaito Shizuki, I already had a character design in mind, so I didn’t have to choose an image from a real person.

As I have to follow the original design and setting, I decided on the “fearless smile” expression. Then I thought about what I could do to arrange the picture so that it would be recognised as my own […] I decided to add elements of Lao from Fist of the North Star and Hana No Keiji’s Maeda Keiji to it. Also, I always add Western elements even when I draw in a Japanese style—if I don’t do that, I can’t finish the drawing. 

Q: How does it feel to be a Magic: The Gathering artist? 

TH: I was delighted to be asked to illustrate the world’s most famous card game, and since I like sci-fi art, the world of Kamigawa, with its Japanese and cyberpunk elements, was a dream come true to me, so I was happy to do it. 

The world of Magic: The Gathering and Kamigawa is interesting, and I’d like to draw at least five more pieces. Please send your requests to Wizards of the Coast (laughing). 

Q: To many readers, they may not notice the small changes in your art over the years – can you talk about how you still seek to improve after so many years of drawing? 

TH: I try to value the stimulation I receive from the people around me. I also try to keep my chuuni spirit (used to refer to someone who acts and talks like they live in a fantasy game, manga, or anime world with magic, evil organisations, and the like) in mind (laughs). Actually, I’m quite a pessimistic person, so the encouragement I receive from the people around me is important to me. The reason I created the company Coamix in 2000 is because I can’t continue without my friends, and I need them to help me fill in the gaps. Authors who have had a big hit are also authors who’ve worn themselves out.

I think the important thing is the idea and the feeling for the picture. If you put your heart and soul into it, you’ll be able to convey the merit of the picture. If there was a rule that you had to be good at drawing, I wouldn’t be able to draw. There are many people who are better than me. But I can do this because there are people who are happy with my pictures. 

Q: For Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, a never-before-seen Magic story unfolds in the cyberpunk world of Kamigawa, which is based on the Japanese theme. Would you give a message to your fans before the release? 

TH: I will be happy if my drawing of Kaito Shizuki makes even one or two people happy. If you play Magic with this card, I will be even more happy. The world of Magic: The Gathering and Kamigawa are interesting, and I’d like to draw at least five more pieces. Please everyone tell Wizards of the Coast that (laughing). 


Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty is slated for release on 18 February, with some exquisite works of full-art cards showcasing certain Legendary creatures and Planeswalkers. It will be available on Amazon and Shopee in regular Draft Boosters, Theme Boosters, Collector Boosters, Set Boosters, as well as the Neon Dynasty Bundle and two Commander decks.