Hajime Sorayama

Hajime Sorayama is an illustrator and artist celebrated for his futuristic, hyper-realistic artworks, particularly his humanoid robot illustrations and sculptures. Sorayama’s work combines elements of fantasy, science fiction and erotica.

Sorayama was born in 1947 in Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. After graduating from Shikoku Gakuin University in 1968, followed by studies at Tokyo’s Chuo Art School, he started working in an advertising agency before becoming a freelance illustrator in 1972.

In 1978 he drew his first robot that would become the artist’s most iconic subject and image. Sorayama gained international acclaim with the publication of his book Sexy Robot in 1983. The book featured his iconic airbrush paintings of sleek, chrome-plated robots with distinctly human-like sensuality. Since then, female humanoid robots became Sorayama’s signature. In 2021 his Sexy Robot, Life Size Seating Model B (2017) sold at Christie’s Hong Kong for HK$5,750,000, a world auction record for the artist. His pin-up work appeared monthly in the pages of Penthouse magazine. His style famously influenced other works in this genre, including the 2015 film Ex Machina.

In 1999 Sorayama conceptualised and designed the ‘AIBO entertainment robot’, an electronic pet developed and released by Sony Corporation. The design won the grand prize for Japan’s Good Design Award that year. AIBO can be found in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Smithsonian Insitution in Washington, D.C.

Sorayama’s influence extends into the worlds of wearable and collectible art. His collaborations with fashion designers and brands like Thierry Mugler, Dior, artists such as Daniel Arsham, KAWS, and toy company including BE@RBRICK by MediCom Toy Incorporated have produced highly sought-after collectible pieces. Sorayama’s ability to blend technology, sensuality and hyper-realism has made his work iconic and influential.