Born in Hokkaido, Go Yayanagi’s artistic pursuits were deeply influenced by his daily interaction and studies of animals, birds, and fish. After completing his studies at university, Yayanagi embarked on a two-year journey through the Mediterranean and Brazil, engaging in various creative activities. In the late 1960s, he further developed his skills at Atelier 17 in Paris, where he apprenticed under the venerable Stanley William Hayter. This experience allowed him to master the art of etching and lithography, laying the foundation for his paintings in the 1970s and 1980s, which incorporated similar elements of composition and colour. Inspired by his Japanese heritage and extensive travels, Yayanagi’s vibrant creations represent a captivating fusion of wildlife patterns and cultural nuances.

Yayanagi coined the term ‘Pop-Uki’, which combines ‘Pop Art’ and ‘Ukiyo-e’ to describe his unique style of paintings and prints. His works are characterised by clean, refined black lines and vibrant colours. Yayanagi views Ukiyo-e as a traditional form of Japanese Pop Art and aims to incorporate contemporary pop culture and personal experiences into this traditional medium, employing a fresh aesthetic approach. His artworks have been featured in various exhibitions, including the 11th St. Paul Biennial (1957), the 2nd Frenchen International Print Biennial (1972), and the 5th British International Print Biennial (1976).