Shinji Kanda

Pokémon card illustrator

Shinji Kanda (カンダシンジ) is a Japanese illustrator based in Kyoto who debuted in the Pokémon TCG during the Sword & Shield era with commons in Brilliant Stars (2022) and quickly gained recognition for his surrealist, obsessively detailed compositions built with experimental linework, unusual shadows, and rich atmospheric depth. His breakthrough Giratina V Alternate Art from Lost Origin and the Magikarp Illustration Rare from Paldea Evolved are among his most sought-after works, and his cards command a measurable price premium collectors call the "Shinji Tax." Outside Pokémon, Kanda exhibits fine art under the Monolith series — drawings on heat-shrunk plastic boards — and has illustrated cards for the One Piece TCG and Union Arena.