Kōtarō Bandō is a Japanese sculptor known for his hyperrealistic wooden sculptures. He creates his works, predominantly of animal subjects, from a single block of wood—typically camphor or Japanese cypress—reproducing the texture of the skin, wrinkles, and fur of the subjects with exceptional precision. His most celebrated animal subjects include rhinoceroses, walruses, and cats, whose vitality is captured through meticulous craftsmanship. His technical skill and artistic vision have earned him widespread recognition both in Japan and internationally. In 2018, he was awarded the prestigious Hirakushi Denchū Prize, one of the highest honors for sculpture in the country. His creations, which challenge the perception of the material, are exhibited in numerous galleries and have garnered significant media attention for their extraordinary realism.