Ryuji Kagami; Masaru Anzai - タロット魔法 未来からの伝言 - 2004

### History / Description

**Tarot Magic: Messages from the Future – Japanese Illustrated Tarot Set – First Edition, 2004**

An attractive Japanese tarot set combining the symbolic world of Western tarot with the distinctive artistic expression of contemporary Japanese illustration.

Created through the collaboration of **Ryuji Kagami**, a prominent Japanese astrologer and author, and **Masaru Anzai**, a Japanese illustrator and contemporary artist.

Ryuji Kagami is well known in Japan for his contributions to psychological astrology and for exploring the connections between tarot, mythology, symbolism and human psychology. His publications have helped introduce Western esoteric traditions to a wider Japanese audience.

Masaru Anzai, born in Yokohama in 1967, began his professional illustration career in 1992. His creative work spans book illustration, advertising, publishing and contemporary art projects.

Anzai's artwork for this tarot set features expressive characters, vivid colours and imaginative compositions, presenting traditional tarot imagery through a distinctive Japanese artistic perspective.

Published by **Shueisha on 25 August 2004**, this copy is the **first edition, first printing**, as confirmed by the publication details in the accompanying book.

The set includes a specially illustrated 22-card Major Arcana tarot deck and a 191-page Japanese-language guidebook.

### Collector Appeal

This set represents an appealing collaboration between two Japanese creative figures: Ryuji Kagami's psychological and symbolic approach to tarot and Masaru Anzai's colourful, imaginative visual artistry.

The 22 Major Arcana cards feature bold colours, expressive figures and individually designed compositions. The illustrated card backs feature an elegant red and gold ornamental design.

The accompanying 191-page guidebook explores the meanings of the tarot cards, their symbolism and methods of divination, making the set interesting both as a practical tarot resource and as an example of Japanese esoteric publishing.

The combination of its **2004 first-edition, first-printing status**, distinctive illustrations and accompanying packaging makes this a charming addition to collections of Japanese tarot decks, illustrated occult literature and contemporary Japanese graphic art.

### Condition

**Very Good overall condition.**

The tarot cards remain secured together in transparent wrapping, with clean-looking illustrated faces and decorative backs visible in the photographs.

The wrapping has not been removed, so the individual cards have not been counted or inspected separately.

The accompanying hardcover guidebook, card case and outer packaging show minor signs of previous storage and handling.

Please examine the photographs carefully for the condition and contents of the set.

### Specs

- Title: Tarot Mahou: Mirai kara no Dengen (タロット魔法 未来からの伝言)
- English title: Tarot Magic: Messages from the Future
- Author: Ryuji Kagami (鏡リュウジ)
- Illustrator: Masaru Anzai (安斉将)
- Publisher: Shueisha, Tokyo, Japan
- Series: be-bunko
- Publication date: 25 August 2004
- Edition: First edition, first printing
- Country of publication: Japan
- Guidebook: 191 pages
- Binding: Hardcover
- Language: Japanese
- Tarot deck: