Koji Kinutani (, January 24, 1943 â August 1, 2025) was a Japanese Yà Âga painter. He was a recipient of the Order of Culture and a member of the Japan Art Academy. He served as a professor at Osaka University of Arts and as an emeritus professor at Tokyo University of the Arts. He was also recognized as a Person of Cultural Merit.
Kinutani had previously held positions such as professor at Tokyo University of the Arts and director of the Japan Artists Association.
Kinutani was born in Motoyoshicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. He graduated from Nara Prefectural Nara High School and later from Tokyo University of the Arts, majoring in oil painting (1966, under Ryohei Koiso). He won the Ohashi Prize for his graduation work.
Kinutani began learning oil painting at the age of six. After graduating from university, he studied in Italy in 1971, where he researched classical fresco painting techniques in Venice. In 1974, he received the Yasui Prize for "Portrait of Mr. Anselmo." Following further study in Mexico, he became a professor at Tokyo University of the Arts in 1993, contributing to the education of future artists. He also appeared on NHK's "Sunday Art Museum" and conducted public lectures on fresco techniques to promote understanding of classical Western painting. His works are showcased in solo exhibitions at major department stores across Japan.
In 2000, he became a member of the Japan Art Academy. In 2008, he established the Koji Kinutani Prize, recognizing young artists under 35, with sponsorship from the Mainichi Shimbun. In 2010, he was named an emeritus professor at Tokyo University of the Arts.
On August 1, 2025, Kinutani died in Tokyo due to malignant lymphoma. He was 82.
Kinutani has created numerous murals and public artworks across Japan, including "VIVA YOKOHAMA" at Yokohama Station and "The Sun of Hope" at the Consulate-General of Japan in New York.