In Japan, there is a longstanding tradition of sending summer greeting cards known as Shochu Mimai (暑中見舞い). Typically exchanged between July 7 (小夏Shosho) and August 7 (立秋Risshu), during the hottest days of the year, these cards are a thoughtful way to express care for someone's health and well-being while also sharing gratitude and appreciation.
The tradition dates back to the Edo period and continues today as a meaningful seasonal custom. This year, for our Rei Cosmetics Summer Greeting Card, we are honored to once again collaborate with renowned illustrator Yuko Shimizu, who also created one of our Thank You Cards last year.
About Yuko Shimizu
For those unfamiliar with her work, Yuko Shimizu is a Japanese illustrator based in New York City whose artwork has appeared across some of the world's most recognizable publications and brands. Her illustrations have been featured in The New York Times, TIME, and The New Yorker, as well as on book covers for DC Comics, Penguin Random House, and Scholastic. She has also created artwork for advertising campaigns for global brands including Apple, Google, BBC, and Sony.
Yuko's distinctive style blends traditional Japanese influences with a contemporary perspective. Her work often explores themes of gender, race, and identity while bringing strong female figures, everyday urban life, and cultural nuance vividly to life.
In addition to her illustration career, Yuko is a dedicated educator at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Through her teaching, website, and social media, she offers valuable insight into both her creative process and the craftsmanship behind her work.
About Fully Booked
Traditionally, Shochu Mimai cards feature imagery associated with summer, such as the ocean, wind chimes, fireworks, seasonal fruits, and flowers. When we first came across Yuko's illustration Fully Booked, we were immediately drawn to its calming atmosphere. The image of a girl peacefully reading while floating in a beautiful sea perfectly captures the feeling of an ideal summer day. A small duck floating nearby adds a touch of whimsy and charm, making the scene feel both playful and serene.
Beyond its relaxing summer mood, Fully Booked is also a remarkable display of artistic craftsmanship. The intricate details of the waves alone reveal the extraordinary skill and patience required to create a piece like this. If you have the opportunity to see Yuko's process, you'll gain an even greater appreciation for the dedication behind every line and texture.
A Summer Keepsake from Rei Cosmetics
As a small token of our appreciation, we are including this exclusive Yuko Shimizu × Rei Cosmetics Summer Greeting Card with every order while supplies last.
We hope this card brings a moment of joy to your day and serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, stay cool, and take care of yourself during the summer months. Thank you, as always, for supporting Rei Cosmetics. We wish you a healthy, happy, and relaxing summer.