Otani’s unwavering loyalty towards his own perceptions allowed him to break free from the increasingly rigid cage formed by knowledge, systems, and education in reality. When he doubted the educational approach of art schools, he chose to take a sabbatical to experience life directly. As a beginner in Shigaraki, the epicenter of Japanese ceramics, Otani persisted in his trials and learning, seeking help from local artisans to tackle technical challenges. Despite uncertainties about becoming a sculptor, he tirelessly worked in his studio from dawn to dusk, transforming the visions in his mind into tangible works in his hands.

While standardized norms continually suffocate genuine bodily perceptions, Otani has established his own standard as an individual. His world might appear hazy and elusive in his paintings, but such is the reality of our world. And it is in chaos and uncertainty that poetry blossoms and beauty flourishes.

For Otani, the individual reigns supreme, each harboring a unique soul. The artist’s expression is simple and straightforward, as he often says, “Each work portrays an individual, and I hope viewers will observe each one closely.” The titles he assigns are equally straightforward, stating facts such as “Boy,” “Bear,” “Sleeping Boy,” “Golden Boy,” and so forth. Each protagonist could be you, me, or anyone else, for we all share common memories and experiences.