1935 (Showa 10), born in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture on March, 1957 (Showa 32). Dropped out of the Oil Painting Course at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music. 1962 (Showa 37) onwards. Began work laying out and illustrating books, and editing newspaper advertisements in March, 1973 (Showa 48).

Relocated to Miyazaki, his wife’s hometown, where he set up his studio the following year, 1980 (Showa 55). Worked on the international poster for American film “Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back”. Won the Seiun Best Artist Award for his work on the poster at the Japanese SF convention in 1981 (Showa 56). Held his first exhibition as an artist at Aoki Gallery in Miyazaki. The “Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back” international poster created a massive surge in demand for his artwork, both from within Japan and abroad from 1980 to 2010. As well as book illustrations and film posters, Ohrai produced a great many works in a variety of media, including commercial posters, game software, plastic model kits, and records.

As well as the above, ohrai had the opportunity to contribute to a wide-range of high-profile projects, as listed below. 1984 (Showa 59). Poster Artwork for the film “Godzilla” (and also for the subsequent 8 films); 1985 (Showa 60). Poster artwork for the film “The Goonies”; 1988 (Showa 63) onwards. Package illustrations for the “Nobunaga’s Ambition” series of computer games, and; 2006 (Heisei 18). Poster artwork for the film “The Sinking of Japan” (a remake of the 1973 original).