Kyoshi Takigawa

Kyoshi Takigawa (瀧川 虚至) is a Japanese mechanical designer and illustrator known for his detailed and refined mecha artwork, particularly within the Gundam franchise. Originally from Nagasaki Prefecture, he has contributed extensively to various Gundam artbooks, most notably the Master Archive and Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam Define series, where he reimagines classic mobile suits with modern mechanical sensibilities.

Takigawa’s designs cover a wide range of iconic mobile suits across Gundam timelines, including RX-78-2 Gundam, Zaku II, Zeta Gundam, Unicorn Gundam, Sinanju, and more. His work is recognized for balancing fidelity to original mecha concepts while adding realistic mechanical depth and updated proportions.

Beyond Gundam, he has also illustrated mecha from other series such as Macross (VF-1 Valkyrie), Vifam, Layzner, and Armored Trooper VOTOMS (Scopedog). Some of his concept work has been used in actual plastic model kit production, such as specific variations of Vifam mobile suits.

Fans appreciate Takigawa’s ability to breathe new life into classic designs, making him one of the standout illustrators and mechanical reinterpretation artists in the mecha genre. His art continues to influence both official publications and the modeling community.