Naoshi

Naoshi is a Los Angeles-based Japanese artist specializing in the art of Sunae (Japanese sand art). Born in Iwate, Japan, she crafts whimsical, colorful worlds using tiny grains of sand, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia inspired by Japanese manga and pop culture. Naoshi discovered her passion for Sunae through a DIY kit that rekindled childhood memories of playing with colored sand, leading her to pursue this meticulous medium full-time since 2004. Her art, often depicting surreal, emotionless characters in vibrant settings, invites viewers to engage with their own emotions and experience her fantastical worlds through their own lens.

After a life-altering accident in 2012, Naoshi moved to California and embraced a philosophy of living in the moment, infusing her work with optimism and humor. Her intricate, joyful pieces are displayed worldwide, and she frequently hosts Sunae workshops to share her love for this unique technique and her cultural heritage​.