Hello

My name is Mitsuko.

Originally from Hiroshima, my experience living abroad allowed me to develop a deep passion for the culture of my country. This experience had a significant impact on me, awakening in me the desire to explore Japanese traditional arts in greater depth.

During my stay in Japan, I began an intensive training in Suibokuga (Japanese ink painting). Thanks to the supervision of exceptional masters and the meeting of wonderful companions, I found my own way of expressing myself through suibokuga. I also studied the tea ceremony, calligraphy and the traditional way of wearing the kimono, which enriched my artistic approach.

Today, living in Europe, my desire to share the richness of Japanese culture with the world is stronger than ever. Through this website, I would like to first introduce you to my beloved art, Suibokuga, and introduce you not only to its delicate universe, but also to the Japanese spirit, especially the aspects of Zen and Wabi-sabi. Each work is a part of my soul, a story told through the subtle nuances and delicate strokes of ink.

For me, Suibokuga is the perfect medium for self-expression. A painting has no set answer. I invite you to explore the world of suibokuga, letting your own emotions guide your experience.

Your support and interest are a source of inspiration and motivation for me, allowing me to continue creating and transmitting the essence of Japanese culture.

THANKS.

Founded in 1961, our organization aims to create free and creative SUIBOKUGA art, respecting tradition while integrating modern spirit and sensibilities, without limiting itself to ancient styles.

Members are spread across the country, ranging from many experienced instructors to young people. There are branches in various regions across Japan.

Website: Gendai Suibokuga Association

Youtube: Gensui Youtube

Profile

Since my childhood, under the influence of my maternal and paternal grandparents, painting, calligraphy, waka (Japanese poetry), Japanese dance, the tea ceremony, and kimonos have always been a part of my life. I have developed a particular attachment to painting. During my school years, I received numerous awards in this field.

SUIBOKUGA (Japanese Ink Painting)

In 2019, I began studying under Mr. Shogaku SUZUKI, director of the Bokuei-group, and joined Association of Contemporary Japanese Ink Painting as an associate member.
In 2020, I made my first exhibition at the association’s Spring Exhibition, where I was selected and awarded
In 2020, I also exhibited at the 10th-anniversary event of the Hilttopia Gallery in Shinjuku (in the basement of the Hilton Hotel, Shinjuku, TOKYO).
Later in 2020, I was awarded at Exhibision by Association of Contemporary Japanese Ink Painting) held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum in Ueno, TOKYO.
In 2024, I received the Excellence Award at the Spring Exhibition (at Kita-Topia, Itabashi-ku, TOKYO).

I participate annually in exhibitions organized by Association of Contemporary Japanese Ink Painting and attend their study workshops. I also present my works each year at the Bokuei-group exhibition organised by my master, Mr. SUZUKI (at Hilttopia Gallery in Shinjuku, and the O Museum in Osaki, among others).

Additionally, I regularly showcase my artworks at the Chiyoda-ku Arts Festival in Tokyo.

Calligraphy

Master of Calligraphy
Titles obtained in various styles: Chinese characters (kanji), kana (Japanese syllabary), sutra copying, single-character calligraphy, handwriting, and "Shinwayō" style (a mixture of Chinese characters and Japanese syllabary).
In 2020, I enrolled in the master’s program at the Academy of the Japan Educational Calligraphy Association.
During my time at the academy, I received numerous awards.
In 2023, I graduated from the academy.

Other Interests

I also practice the tea ceremony, traditional Japanese confectionery making, wearing kimonos, kirie (paper cutting), and demonstrate ink painting. I organize events and also have interests in tennis, gardening, and forest therapy.

Additional Qualifications

Advanced Psychology Counselor Certificate
Coaching

My Suibokuga art focuses on the world of the concepts of Zen and WABI-SABI.

I create works in various styles, ranging from traditional ink painting to contemporary works incorporating Western elements, from figurative to abstract.

The expression born from the combination of washi paper and ink is sometimes spontaneous and uncontrollable, opening new doors beyond my intentions.

I often find myself smiling naturally while I paint.

For me, the time spent painting in ink painting is a precious time to have a dialogue with myself.

Many people often ask me how long it takes to complete a work.

There are two answers to this.

The first is the actual time it takes to paint with ink on paper.

The second is the time it takes to encounter inspiring motifs, engrave them in my mind, reconstruct them, mature them, and then express them multiple times on paper until they take shape as a work.

Suibokuga, which cannot be redone, sometimes feels like life itself.
Artworks may evoke impressions, but their interpretation varies from person to person.
Simply accept what is there as it is, with a clear mind, and enjoy it.

https://www.chaos-kai.com

Master SUZUKI

Shogaku SUZUKI

Born in 1943 in Kanagawa Prefecture, he was trained by Western painter Shigeru Tazawa and SUIBOKUGA master Shiun Sato .

Member of Association of contemporary Japanese Ink Painting (Gendai Suibokuga) and Chaos-group.
He founded the groups of Sumi-art and Bokuei group, which are dedicated to exploring abstract expression in contemporary Japanese Ink Painting.

He has received many prestigious awards, such as the Minister of Education Encouragement Award, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Award, the Minister of Education Award, the Contemporary Ink Painting Award, and the Speaker of the House of Councilors Award.
In addition, he has been honored with various awards at the Overseas Contemporary Japanese Art Exhibition and the French-Japanese Contemporary Art Exhibition, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly President's Award.

He has held numerous solo and group exhibitions and is currently committed to transmitting the beauty of suibokuga by teaching people of all ages.

Association of Contemporary Japanese Ink Painting
(Gendai Suibokuga Assosiation)

Founded in 1961, our organization aims to create a free and creative suibokuga art that respects tradition while integrating modern spirit and sensibilities, without limiting itself to ancient styles.

Members are spread across the country, ranging from many experienced instructors to young people.

There are branches in various regions across Japan.