ART JAPAN 2026
SPACE 1
Exhibition dates : 6 - 18 October 2026
Opening reception : Wed 7 October 2026, 6:00 - 8:30pm
More than 80 art works will be exhibited include 3D artworks. Each showcases their materials and unique forms of expression. Ranging in genre from pop to modern and everything in between. (oil, watercolor, acrylic, lithograph, CG, ceramics and other) Approximately 41 artists participate. All artworks will come from Japan. Participating in the Melbourne Fringe Festival
Hiroki Maruyama
“Through the depiction of flowers and women I want to explore the mysterious and spiritual world beyond my subjects.” He creates psychological expressionist paintings. Graduated Musashino Art University in Tokyo, Japan. Maruyama's work has been regularly exhibited in the UK, Europ, Taiwan and other countries. Maruyama's work has been regularly exhibited in the UK, France, Switzerland, Croatia, Taiwan and other countries. Participating in the Melbourne Affordable Art Fair
Hoshino Brothers
Hoshino Brothers is a Japanese artist duo, consisting of Suisei Hoshino and Shinwa Hoshino. Inspired by The Barnabas Project by the Fan Brothers, the duo creates one-of-a-kind monster sculptures using ceramics and stone clay. Suisei handles all sculpting — each piece born without sketches. The moment clay is touched, a creature comes to life. No failures exist. Shinwa brings the sculptures to life through vibrant, expressive coloring and painting. Their flagship project, the 1000 Monsters Project, now counts over 700 unique sculptures. Their series include Hoshino Monsters, Fluffy Creepy Land, Mini Monsters (100g clay), and the Hoshino Cat series.Some of these will be exhibited in Melbourne and Brisbane, their work blends the eerie with the gentle — strange creatures that ask for nothing, yet make the world a little softer just by being near.
https://instagram.com/suiseihoshino
https://instagram.com/monsters_laboratory
Makoto Nakane
“The energy found in the cycles of the natural world, expressed through the brilliance of life. Through motifs including koi carp, butterflies, and birds I depict this energy that is found in all living things, showing their connection to space and life.” She regularly exhibits her works at group exhibitions and art fairs in Japan, USA and Spain. Participating in the Melbourne Affordable art fair.
https://art.libli.co.jp/author/mako@atoe/
Takashi Suzuki
“I create detailed animal paintings using pencils and a variety of other art materials. I try to include as much detail as possible in my work to bring out my subjects' sense of life. As a result, viewers can get up close and enjoy the detailed depictions of each animal’s fur and the scenery reflected in their eyes, The audience isn’t limited by viewing distance." In 2015, Takashi Suzuki transitioned from photography to painting. He regularly exhibits his works at group exhibitions and art fairs in Japan and the United States.
https://suzuki-art.comhttps://www.instagram.com/wild_pencil0/
Akane Asano
Asano say “I wondered if it would be possible to use visual representations such as light, to express concepts like human emotions, movement and voice vibrations. It has been a journey of trial and error, but finally I think I have succeeded in giving shape to my ideas.”
In addition to Japan, she has exhibited her works in London, Sydney and other places.
Rieko Kameyama
“Through abstract works and animal-inspired pieces, I create art that resonates with the deeper layers of human experience.” I am an artist who intuitively captures the movement of light, consciousness, and soul. Through abstract works and animal-inspired pieces, I create art that resonates with the deeper layers of human experience.
www.instagram.com/riekokameyama_art
Shuhei Tominaga
Award-winning artist. For over thirty years, Shuhei Tominaga has practiced as an artist and designer, working across a diverse range of creative disciplines including furniture design, interior goods, wooden toys, tableware, and corporate branding. In recent years, the artist has focused on exploring the relationship between humanity's historical legacy and contemporary existence through universal themes such as human expression, inner emotions, contemporary social issues, environmental concerns, and love and peace.
Graduated in Fine Arts (Painting), TAMA ART UNIVERSITY, Tokyo (1996) Studied furniture design at ISTITUTO EUROPEO DI DESIGN, Italy (1998)
https://www.shuheitominaga.com/https://www.instagram.com/tshuhei/
Akae Saito
"I incorporate classical encaustic wax painting techniques, taking advantage of the translucent quality of this medium to create layered paintings. I paint directly on board, tracing the lines of the wood grain to create shapes. The spaces within the painting shift and change slightly at these lines. A single image takes shape from the accumulation of these fragmented worlds." Graduating from Tsukuba University Graduate School in 2009, Akae Saito has won numerous awards in the United States and Japan. She has shown her work in solo exhibitions and group exhibitions both in Japan and internationally, including in Dubai, the United States and Australia.
https://www.instagram.com/aka_sai3?igsh=MWJ0Y3R6ZnhzYTZjeQ==
Erika Suzuki
“Theme: "Mass of Life" I express the accumulation of energy inherent in life and its torrential flow through a unique language of "lines." While rooted in illustration, my goal is to create "experiential art" that stirs physical sensations through vision. These powerful brushstrokes depict the very pulse of life—constantly moving, even within a static image.”
Graduated Tokyo Zokei University, Graphic Design Department
Kou
Kou say “Wouldn’t it be fun if alongside the photographs of family and friends which line the walls of any house, there were portraits of animals like these ? This “Animal Portrait” series was begun with this sense of fun. This series is completely different to the landscape works I usually create and so I’ve used the pen-name “Kou” when presenting them.” Kou’s work has been exhibited in London, Paris and Zagreb as well as in Affordable Art Fair in Australia between 2004 and 2013, 2024,2025.
Keiko Nogami
“In my works I combine cute cats, depictions of the moon (the full moon, crescent moon, etc.) and the works of Japan’s most prominent novelist Natsume Soseki, author of I Am a Cat. I am always conscious of incorporating the Japanese concept of yohaku or blank space in my work.”
Keiko Nogami started studying calligraphy at the age of nine. Currently, she teaches calligraphy in two classrooms, Kobe and Osaka.. Exhibiting her artworks both domestically and internationally, in cities such as New York, Paris, Atlanta and Milan, Nogami opened her first solo exhibition in Taichung, Taiwan. She is the winner of a number of art awards, both in Japan and abroad.
https://www.instagram.com/keikonogami
http://facebook.com/keiko.nogami.395
Tomoya Onoue
Individuality is a strong characteristic of my paintings. At first glance, they may seem eccentric and unapproachable, but upon closer inspection, they are quite humorous. I always aim to create heartfelt paintings that evoke something with an unforgettable Japanese essence.
Since 2014, he has been exhibiting his works at regular group and solo exhibitions in Japan, New York, Melbourne, Taiwan, London and other locations. It is featured in the American-published Art book "BOOM2022."
Kyo
“Interesting journeys, cats, boys and girls, fantasy worlds. I hope you feel happy through my paintings.”
Graduated Osaka Designer’s College & Osaka University of the Arts. She is also a scenario writer on the stage. Since 1994 she began exhibiting at international art exhibition.
https://www.instagram.com/kyoko.hara.790
Kumiko Misu
“I use a technique called "katazome", a form of traditional Japanese dyeing and weaving used in kimono production. This technique uses stencils carved with original patterns and chemical dyes to create fabric designs. I would be delighted if traditional Japanese techniques such as these continued unabated and spread from Japan to the rest of the world. In addition to dyeing, I am also working hard to expand my creative endeavours into the creation of accessories, clothing, interior items, and more.” Graduated Tokyo Dyeing Art Institute. After working as a designer for her wife's accessories, she now runs her own studio.
https://www.instagram.com/ateliermissmiss
Shinon
“I love drawing. At the same time, I loved picture books and stories, and I would enter into their worlds, fantasizing. I turned those into drawings. I met many different people, and felt the joy of drawing, which led to the way I express myself today. Please receive that energy.” https://yokoyama240.wixsite.com/coutelasshino-pfhttps://www.instagram.com/shinon.282/
Yodatomo
“I’m attracted to the flow of time, memories, shivers, subtle presences, and the stillness that make it difficult to tell whether a specific image is real or fantasy. I would like to create works that capture the presence of invisible things through ephemeral elements such as white space. I also want to create an experience that provides a place and time for the viewer to stop and calm their minds.”
https://ringobook.wixsite.com/0000https://instagram.com/ringo_book
Mahari
"I call my work ‘Inspirational Art’ because I paint whatever comes to my mind. Above all, I hope that my work reminds audiences of their childlike innocence and makes them feel warm and happy. I’d love it if my work could even be used as healing art." Mahari’s works have been featured in magazines and other publications, and she has exhibited her works mainly in group exhibitions within Japan.
Cosmore
"Distant space, the boundless expanse beyond. A moment of inspiration, portrayed in pointillist gradations like sand that dances gently when the wind blows. Vibrations become sound, and sound is vibration. It’s silent it, but you can hear it. Clear your mind and listen, see and feel the sounds of geometry. That's the kind of work I create." As a pointillist mandala painter, Cosmore exhibits their work in solo and group exhibitions, also holding various workshops and courses within Japan.
https://www.instagram.com/gallerycosmore?igsh=anoyZzgxMnQ5anhs
Mio Okubo
"I want to take the scenery and the memories that are burned into my eyes and preserve them forever, just as they are. They’re all unique treasures. I used to draw digitally, but after a solo exhibition three years ago, I started working manually with coloured pencils. Coloured pencils are straightforward and unpretentious, and they allow me to draw the lines I imagine. I want to express everything I experience in vivid and lively ways, from the small joys of everyday life to the magnificent scenery I see while travelling.” After graduating from Tama Art University, Mio Okubo has worked as a painting instructor and illustrator. The recipient of numerous awards, her works have been exhibited in Japan, Switzerland, the United States, and other countries.
https://instagram.com/miookubohttps://miookubo.theshop.jp
Misuzu
Mainly drawing greens at home and nature touched my heart through my travels. Feel so much happiness looking at the plants in my place, because they have the positive vigor that heals and empowers us a lot. It's my pleasure if you could grasp such an atmosphere from my work.
https://www.instagram.com/michelle214_illustration
Rune
Since 2016 she continues to present her works at numerous exhibitions both locally and internationally. “I always enjoyed drawing since childhood. I often drew the characters and monsters I saw in the video games I played. Now I spend my days producing artworks which I hope will be seen by people who appreciate my fantasy worlds. I believe that the world is made up of both humans and monsters. In my art, I visualize that fantastical world.”
Maiko Mitsuhashi
“I aim to create works that are visually enjoyable and easy to display. My concept is ‘portrayals of comfortable everyday life’. Due to this universal theme, my work is also popular as a housewarming gift or a present for a loved one. I hope my paintings can help everyone feel cheerful, soothed, and even just a little happier.” Graduating from Yokohama National University of Art and Design in 2014, Maiko Mitsuhashi worked in video production and illustration, before transitioning to a career as a professional artist. She also teaches art and painting to children. Maiko Mitsuhashi has exhibited her work in solo and group exhibitions both in Japan and abroad.
https://bento.me/benibarahttps://instagram.com/benibara_maiko
Takaaki Mano
Since 2006, Takaaki Mano has exhibited at numerous international art fairs and group exhibitions in Basel, London, Paris, Berlin, New York, and other major cities. He has held numerous solo exhibitions in Japan, Berlin, Shanghai, New York, and other cities. In 2025, his work was included in the public collection of THE BANK HATAGO HIKONE hotel in Shiga prefecture, Japan.
http://www.manotakaaki.comhttps://instagram.com/manotakaaki
Miyuki Kizu
"Using historical culture and ritual ceremonies as my themes, I create art installations incorporating objects and prose poetry, with the theme of 'time' accumulated in a particular region." From an early age, Miyuki Kizu was fascinated by monsters, folk tales, folklore, and cultural anthropology. In addition to being a painter, she works as a historical museum guide. Although exhibiting mainly in Japan, Miyuki Kizu has also shown works in LA and Brisbane and has received numerous awards.
https://www.instagram.com/miyuki.kizu?igsh=dGpmbzkzOGRpbHBm&utm_source=qr
Hayato Tominaga
"I paint serene Japanese landscapes using transparent watercolours. I feel that Japan's simple, quiet scenery and soft, humid air go well with the blurring and shading and the gentle impressions that watercolours create. By carefully depicting the beauty hidden in everyday life and in moments of peace I hope to bring healing and abundance to the hearts of the people who see my work." Hayato Tominaga’s works have been exhibited at group exhibitions and art fairs in Japan and overseas.
https://x.com/tommynaga7https://www.instagram.com/tommynaga7/
Mashiro Tanishi
Creating dynamic images of Mount Fuji by hand without a brush, I complete each canvas by adding colours one by one. The incorporation of "motion and stillness" into the production process gives each work its own individual appeal
Graduated Tokyo Zokei University (Painting Department). After graduating from university, she became an art teacher in high school. After that, she started working as an painter in 2018. She regularly exhibits her works in Japan, Paris and London.
https://www.tanishimashiro.com/
Sou
He worked as a space designer until 2020. He began working as a painter in 2021. He continues to present his work in Japan and mainly in Italy and Spain.
https://www.instagram.com/sou_yuji/
Shibanao
Award-winning artist, Shibanao is an illustrator and picture book author born and raised in Japan. Graduated School of Art at Joshibi University of Art and Design, specializing in Nihonga. After graduated, she moved to NY, where she studied graphic design and contemporary art under Milton Glaser and Takashi Murakami.
Her debut picture book, Even Little Ghosts Get Scared, received the Excellence Award at the 10th Picture Book and Children’s Literature Awards̶ the first competition jointly hosted by Toho and Alpha Polis. Focusing primarily on children’s picture books and illustration, she continues to create works that blend warmth, imagination, and a uniquely gentle visual style.
She is a member of both the Society of Illustrators (USA) and the Japan Illustrators Association (JIA).
https://www.shibanao-art.com/english
Hussey
“I usually create works in a fun pop style influenced by American and European culture. Many people go on pilgrimages searching for vintage Japanese pop culture and anime goods, and so I created this piece inspired by that idea of Japan and Japanese culture.” Graduated Musashino Art University. He worked as a show set designer at Tokyo Disneyland. He is currently active as a clay artist and illustrator.
Mari Aoe
"As humans, we choose places, people, and ways of life that make us comfortable. I have also had similar experiences over and over again, experiencing joy, anger, sorrow, happiness, and many other feelings, but I have finally arrived at a place where I resonate with people, animals, plants, and nature. This is where I find happiness, and I express these feelings through the colours and shapes in my work." Marie Aoe graduated from Kyoto Seika University's Department of Western Painting in 1983. She has received numerous awards and is involved in picture book publication. She continues to exhibit her work in solo and group exhibitions throughout Japan.
https://mari-bright.com/https://instagram.com/aoe_mari
Mia Tanabe
Living in Japan, if one ventures out of the city, historical sites like castles, shrines, and temples can be encountered everywhere. The four seasons are also omnipresent, with cherry blossoms in spring, lush mountains in summer, and changing leaves in autumn. In this work I’m recalling and drawing the charm of Japan that sometimes tends to be forgotten.
Graduated Sophia University & Aichi Sangyo University (Department of Education, Department of Design) and Attendance of F-School of Illustrations in Tokyo. She regularly exhibits her works in Japan, Hong Kong, Australia and other places.
https://www.mtanabe.net/https://www.instagram.com/mia_tanabe
Kei Matsumoto
"I want to create a world where audiences can connect with me and share joy and hope. I paint with the hope that light will warm hearts and the places where my paintings are displayed will be spaces of happiness." Focussing on the theme "paintings that weave happiness," Kei Matsumoto creates narrative paintings which have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions throughout Japan.
https://kei-matsumoto.com/https://www.instagram.com/kei_atelieropal/
Coyonac
"I paint freely, with rugged individuality and funky playfulness at the core of my work. I’ve been told that I resemble a squirrel, and legend has it that squirrels bring good luck. I'd be happy if my work could form a rainbow in someone's heart." Having studied in a wide range of creative fields, including graphics, web design, video arts, illustration, branding, and sales promotion, Coyonac explores "narratives that resonate with all five senses" through her visual expression. She has exhibited at numerous exhibitions both in domestically in Japan and overseas, winning awards in France and Japan. Coyonac’s works have been published in French art magazines including Republique des Arts.
https://www.instagram.com/mamerock7https://coyonac7.studio.site
Eika Sugiura
After graduating from university, Eika Sugiura has been active as a picture book author and illustrator since 2016. She has released numerous picture books with major Japanese publishers.
https://www.instagram.com/eika_sugiura/https://www.facebook.com/eikasugiura.art
Natsue
Flower and leaf characters that bring happiness. Everyone can live a happy and prosperous life.
I create works that will bring a smile to as many people as possible, and that is what we do.
http://hanamoji-art.comhttps://www.instagram.com/sekiguchi.natsue/
Pu Kobayashi
"I create artworks based on the fascinating scenery I see when travelling, along with scenes I come across in my everyday life. In my work I value light and shadow, and the atmosphere of a scene. I excel at paintings that have a somewhat retro, empty feel. My works are based on photographs I have taken myself, but my goal is to create something that looks ‘even more real than a photograph.’" Born in 1967, Pu Kobayashi has been creating illustrations and animation since high school. After graduating from graduate school in 1992, he began taking photographs which in turn lead to his current style.
https://x.com/princeeugen2https://www.pixiv.net/users/20904219
Chie Oba
“When I didn't want to meet anyone, I was saved by the strength and beauty of the weeds on the riverbank. When I returned to my childhood and began drawing freely with oil pastels, it freed my body and mind and healed my soul. I draw ‘another world’ hidden within familiar scenery. I hope that my drawings will also bring a quiet confidence and healing to the hearts of the people who see them.”
https://www.instagram.com/chi_pui/
Miki Tomita
“I create artworks that tell stories from my own unique worldview, based on things I sense in my daily life. I hope that audience will enjoy my works in their own way.”
https://www.instgram.com/c5tomita39
Tetsuya Mizuma
The concept is "a faint and tranquil mental landscape. "When I saw the sun floating through the mist while climbing a mountain, I felt a beauty in this fantastical and solitary world. I express the sensations that remain in my memory as mental landscapes. I aim to create paintings that will make the viewer feel calm and peaceful. He has exhibited his work in Japan, the UK, and elsewhere. He has received numerous awards.
https://www.instagram.com/fexx6?igsh=dXFlOHp4dXlubXFm
http://tetsuya-mizuma.jimdofree.com
Emi Kinran Kamataki
I believe my Ikebana and Tea ceremony background has increased my understanding in Japanese art. I love the simple but deep art of Sumi-e because of its tradition and discipline. Yet, my curiosity explores more possibilities over the traditional framework. I’d love to invite viewers to their own journey, just like Sumi-e can stimulate the imagination of the audience.
Born in Japan, lives & works in Melbourne, Australia. She learnt painting as a young child and calligraphy till 15 years old. In 2005, she started Sumi-e under her master, Kinsui Katori in Tokyo and became Certified Advanced Lecturer of International Sumi-E Association in 2010. Her works are housed and exhibited in USA, UK, Germany, France, Estonia, Chile, China, Singapore, Japan and Australia, as well as given numerous awards in Tokyo.
www.emikamataki.comhttps://www.instagram.com/emikinran
Shigeru Eguchi
“In pop art it’s possible to use the impossible to express reality. I’d like to continue creating even better artworks for all those people who support me and understand my vision.” Shigeru Eguchi, a graduate of Tama Art University, he continues to exhibit at both solo and group exhibitions. From 2007 he entered the international art market, starting with exhibitions in Australia before moving on to locations such as France, UK, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. As the winner of a number of major art prizes there is no doubt that he will continue to gain attention from collectors around the world.