We were lucky to catch up with Naoshi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Naoshi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I grew up with a cheerful father who loved comedy, and a mother who was skilled with her hands and had a talent for drawing. They encouraged me to explore a variety of interests, including piano, oil painting, abacus, calligraphy, badminton, table tennis, basketball, swimming, skiing, yoga, and matsuri-bayashi (traditional festival music), among other things.

The reason I was able to take the first small step to pursue drawing was because I had all that experience taking on new challenges. I’m grateful to my parents for making time for me and giving me the opportunity to explore so many things!

Naoshi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

When I started working in Tokyo as an office worker, I was in search of something I could immerse myself in. One day at a bookstore, I came across a book featuring a collection of works by Kin Shiotani (https://kinshio.com), an illustrator and writer. The unique, freehand style of this travel-loving artist left a deep impression on me. I later got to meet him, and he ended up becoming my mentor. Crossing paths with him opened the door for me to immerse myself in the world of art, and thus my life as an artist began in 2004.

While searching for a medium that suited my personality and style, I found a sand art kit, which was something I used to play with as a child. It was so nostalgic! I became obsessed with sand art and kept experimenting with it, and before I knew it 20 years flew by!

My work consists of exhibiting my art in various locations around the U.S., Europe, and Asia, hosting sand art workshops, and selling products like sand art kits, art prints, and stationery. Sand is smooth to the touch, and the colorful, shiny grains bring me comfort and energy. The fact that the art is created with sand makes my work unique.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I’m determined to transform all my ideas into reality!

My picture book “TAKO KNOWS,” which was four years in the making and about 90 pages, was published last year. Next up, I want to work on an art book featuring all my characters to commemorate 20 years of working as an artist, create a 78-card tarot deck, and start working on a new picture book.

I also opened a specialty sand art store called “Sunaeya” in 2022. My mission is to have as many people around the world as possible enjoy sand art through my sand art kits and workshops! (I wonder how many years it will take to realize all of this. lol)

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2012 I fell off the ladder to my loft at home and suffered a serious hip fracture. After a month and a half in the hospital, I became determined to try all the things I had wanted to do, because if my life could change so drastically in the blink of an eye, why should I wait any longer to challenge myself? With that, I left the job I had been with for years and decided to live as an artist. In 2014, once my injury had healed, I relocated to Los Angeles. Even in the midst of uncertainty, art always gave me hope and truly was my savior.

I was very timid growing up, so much so that my mother would say, “You used to be the kind of child who always hid behind others,” but now I find myself traveling the world with my art!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nao-shi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naoshisunae/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naoshi.sunae
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SUNAEartistNAOSHI
• Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/naoshi