JAPOFUTURISM STUDIOS

Michael Grant (Captain KA’Zen) Founder of Japofuturism | Multidisciplinary Artist | Creative Director | Public Speaker Michael Grant, professionally known as Captain KA’Zen, is the founder of Japofuturism—a genre-defining art movement that merges Japanese aesthetics with African diasporic philosophy to imagine new cultural futures through fine art, storytelling, murals, animation, and design. For more than a decade, KA’Zen has developed an unmistakable visual language recognized for its cinematic compositions, emotional storytelling, and collector appeal. His work explores identity, spirituality, innovation, nostalgia, and the future of humanity through a distinctly original lens. As the creator of Japofuturism, he is not simply producing artwork—he is building an intellectual property ecosystem spanning fine art, public installations, publishing, animation, education, and cultural innovation. ⸻ Why Collectors & Organizations Invest in My Work KA’Zen’s artwork exists at the intersection of contemporary fine art, anime-inspired aesthetics, Afrofuturism, and Japanese visual culture—creating highly recognizable pieces with lasting cultural significance. His work has been exhibited in respected galleries and public exhibitions while earning recognition for both artistic excellence and community impact. Career highlights include: • Founder of the Japofuturism movement • Founder & Executive Director of AKU, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through the arts • Three-time gallery exhibiting artist • Two-time arts grant recipient • Selected for an international exhibition in Tokyo, Japan • Creator of large-scale murals across schools, commercial properties, and public spaces • Featured artist for Charlotte SHOUT! • Collaborations with organizations including: * Urban Outfitters * Lowe’s * North Carolina Football Club * NC Courage His murals and installations can be found throughout educational institutions, commercial environments, private collections, and public spaces, including projects at West Charlotte High School, Tuck Elementary School, and Glenstone Lodge in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. ⸻ Investment Potential KA’Zen is building one of the few emerging artist brands that combines: • Fine Art • Public Art • Intellectual Property • Original Characters • Animation Development • Publishing • Cultural Education • International Exhibitions This multidisciplinary approach positions Japofuturism as more than an art practice—it is an expanding creative universe with opportunities for collectors, investors, galleries, museums, licensing partners, and cultural institutions. Early acquisitions represent ownership of works created during the foundational years of an original artistic movement. ⸻ Available Services • Museum & Gallery Exhibitions • Luxury Residential & Commercial Murals • Corporate Commissions • Public Art Installations • Speaking Engagements • Artist Talks • Educational Workshops • Live Painting Experiences • Creative Direction • Brand Collaborations • Licensing Opportunities ⸻ Current Focus • International exhibitions • Museum partnerships • Corporate commissions • Public art initiatives • Private collector acquisitions • Strategic brand collaborations ⸻ Serious inquiries only. Collectors, galleries, museums, developers, corporate partners, and institutions seeking culturally significant, investment-quality artwork are encouraged to connect.