Discover Japan through illustrations and testimonies
From the Japanese megalopolis to the vineyards of Alsace, via the Chinese countryside and the Mongolian steppes, Jean Freund fills his Moleskine notebooks with his stories. He likes to take the time to sit down and absorb his environment in order to leave a mark on paper.
Jean Freund is a French illustrator and author specialized in the creation of posters on the theme of travel, mainly on Japan where he lived for 12 years. A polyglot with a passion for languages, drawing is for him a universal means of communication that invites travel and encounters.
Japan Experience collaborated with Jean Freund during the Salon Idées Japon 2021 in Paris, where he presented his book – Le Bon Voyage Japan . The opportunity for us to find out more about Jean.
Why Japan?
I have always been passionate about foreign languages and My goal was to become fluent in Japanese . So I moved to Japan in 2008 to work as an interpreter at the French Embassy in Tokyo. Two years later, I was recruited into a multinational company. Then I had the chance to enter the Matsushita Institute of Politics and Management (公益財団法人松下政経塾, Kōeki Zaidan-hōjin Matsushita Seikei-juku ).
What is your relationship with Japan?
I started learning Japanese when I was 16 and was then also fascinated by culture and tradition from the country. Tradition and modernity meet and mix in Japan and you will find incredible gastronomy, breathtaking landscapes and even futuristic-looking urban areas.
It was a natural decision for me to move to Japan.
Japan is pleasant all year round. Each season has specific landscapes and experiences to offer. I enjoyed spending the summer in Hokkaido for the air is crisp and clear wherever you go. Kyoto remains one of my favorite places in Japan because never in my life have I seen such a magical place in autumn. The old capital is dotted with many historic temples and shrines and also a popular destination to enjoy the fall foliage .
During the coldest months , it's the perfect time to visit Takayama . Winters add another dimension of appeal to the already charming historic town like Hida-Takayama or the historic village of Shirakawago . Without forgetting the island of Shikoku in spring because it is the most popular pilgrimage season. With its moderate temperatures and magnificent landscapes, it is the most optimal time to visit this sacred island.
What is your favorite dish in Japan?
I adore Japanese cuisine! THE Japan is home to some deliciously fresh and famously nutritious cuisine, with a diet based on super fresh seasonal produce. The first thing that immediately comes to mind is the sushi . Simply put, sushi is raw fish served over rice lightly seasoned with vinegar.
My favorite late night meal is Ramen . Almost every region of Japan has its own variation of ramen. Honestly, I loved them all with or without soup!
.... And which one would you like to have available in France?
Without any hesitation, it is Takawasa . It's a real adventure for anyone interested in seafood exotic and raw. It's a an essential classic of Japanese cuisine, made with fresh raw octopus, vegetables and a wasabi sauce.
what is essential for a trip to Japan?
Your passport of course! This is the most important thing!
When you travel very far to go to Japan, The most essential thing you should have is “curiosity”. As we know, when it comes to etiquette, Japan conjures up a lot of images of special routines and rituals. I would recommend reading about the label and basic phases . 
Have a nice trip Japan
Tell us about your illustration book
As indicated by his name, " Bon Voyage Japan » takes you through Japan through handmade posters and calligraphy. Bon Voyage Japan is aimed at lovers of Japan, who wish to travel to Japan and those who are nostalgic to return there.
The drawings in this book are done by hand in a sketchbook while traveling or wandering through cities. My source of inspiration comes from written language which is similar to a form of drawing. Writing Kanji is an art to me, and I love picking up a paintbrush and practicing it.
Finally, I am inspired by travel, cultural interaction, events and local customs . Honestly, I learned a lot from the places I visited by drawing them.
Why there calligraphy ?
Ever since I learned how to hold a pencil, it's something I love doing. ...Passion is what drives me and everyone who shares it to pick up our pencils and put them to paper. I travel with my sketchbook and I like to document my trip in drawings.
I was inspired by the goshuin, a form of seal traditionally collected in temples as a memorial of a traveler's or pilgrim's visit. It is a form of art , a means of communication, and finally, I decided to learn calligraphy. In my book, I try to respect the order of the brushstrokes and the style.
The Good Studio
Studio Bon is a publishing house specializing in the creation of books, posters, screen prints and other cultural goods related to travel. From the Japanese megalopolis to the vineyards of Alsace, via the Chinese countryside and the Mongolian steppes, Studio Bon will help you discover the world through the creations of Jean Freund (Mr. Good).
