Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2009

Takeshi Kitano wears many hats—filmmaker, comedian, tarento. Now, we can add “artist” to the list. Kitano was chosen to create a novelty plate for this year’s “Art of Christmas Namiki” event, which is held annually on Ginza’s Namiki Dori. The somewhat mournful creation shows a solitary man smoking and drinking while a family across the street enjoys a happy Xmas celebration. “I haven’t a single good memory of Christmas during my youth,” explained Kitano, who in his dish-drawing efforts for the promotion follows such legendary artists as Takashi Murakami. The plates cost ¥12,600 and will be sold at 40 area shops and restaurants through December 25. In the true spirit of the season, Kitano donated his commission to help underprivileged people in the Republic of Benin.