Shu Arakawa

Born in 1977. Sumi-e artist from Tochigi Prefecture. New Mongolian Hima Fuji Gakuen Arts Goodwill Ambassador / Chairman of the Luoyu Association / Visiting Professor of Arts at Hanoi University / Thai-Japanese Arts Ambassador

He has been gaining attention in recent years. He is one of Japan's leading hand-drawn ink painting artists who does not use brushes. He is a one-of-a-kind ink painter who has passed down the ancient Chinese art of finger ink to the present day with his own unique ink art. He is not bound by traditional techniques or rules, but creates works that pursue "dynamism," "strength," and "power" with a unique touch that is free, bold, and delicate.

His works are based on the concept of coexistence and co-prosperity with nature, and he paints dragons, horses, phoenixes, and other dynamic, grand-scale creatures. His unique and original technique of painting without using a brush is one of a kind in Japan, and his innovative motifs have captivated many people. In October 2020, he performed a sumi-e performance on the TV program Tochigi U-La-La, using his unique technique, showcasing a sense of dynamism that cannot be expressed with a brush. He has made numerous media appearances. He is the first sumi-e artist to be certified as a cultural meister.

His unique and original technique of painting without using a brush is one of a kind in Japan, and his innovative motifs have captivated many people. Highly acclaimed both in Japan and overseas, his works will be permanently exhibited at the Sant Pau Hospital, a World Heritage Site in Spain, in June 2022. At the same time, they will be exhibited at the Miro Hall at the Paris headquarters of the United Nations UNESCO. One after another, his works are being exhibited at famous places around the world. His works have been included in the academic textbook "Traces of the Founding of Japanese Art" alongside works by Van Gogh,

His works are stored in libraries across all 47 prefectures, famous embassies, art museums, universities, etc. His activities have also been recognized by the Thai Royal Palace, and he was awarded the Majestic King Charity Award, the first Japanese sumi-e artist to do so. In July 2022 in Tokyo and August 2022 in Osaka, a collaboration event with former HSBC Securities representative Kenichi Tatezawa, "Unconventional Art Solo Exhibition," sold out a total of 40 high-priced works in one go! In April 2024, he was awarded the title of 21st Century Genius Artist for the 120th anniversary of Salvador Dali's birth. He has also appeared in many media outlets, and appeared on Tokyo FM's "Yamada Goro and Nakagawa Shoko Remix Z" to demonstrate sumi-e. In May 2025, he appeared on Fuji TV's Mezamashi TV program "Kirabito" to perform a live performance. He has appeared in many media outlets! His solo exhibition "Hiryu" held at Kura no Machi Studio in July 2024 and December 2024 was a huge success, attracting a lot of attention from many people. In September of the same year, he performed live at the Danjo Garan temple of Mount Koya, a World Heritage Site, in collaboration with Tsugaru shamisen player Yoshida Kenichi of the Yoshida Brothers. He performed a dynamic performance in front of over 1,000 visitors! On August 24, 2024, he was featured in nine major newspapers as an "artist currently in the spotlight." He performed live at the Osaka Expo for three days from June 27 to 29 this year as an artist representing Tochigi Prefecture. He is said to be an artist who is expected to grow rapidly in the future.