I am Lena Okamoto, founder and artist behind ikasu, based in Tokyo, Japan. I began her artistic journey early, studying art and later moving to Japan 18 years ago, after getting a bachelor’s degree in Japanese culture studies. After completing my master’s at Tokyo University and working as a creative specialist at Hakuhodo group advertising company, I transitioned to freelance creative projects and established ikasu.
Ikasu is an art collective dedicated to re-creating antique and vintage kimonos into contemporary textile art pieces. By collaborating with kimono shops and professional antique auctions, my team and I identify pre-loved kimono and obi pieces, hand-picking those with the highest potential. These textiles are then reimagined into unique artworks, preserving their cultural significance while giving them new life. Ikasu actively participates in international exhibitions and collaborative art projects.
Artist Quote:
Every pattern, every motif carries a story - at ikasu, we weave those stories into timeless textile art, re-creating kimonos.
Exhibitions
2024 solo exhibition "Reborn", Hankyu Umeda, Hankyu Umeda, Japan 2024 exhibition at Isetan Salone, Tokyo, Japan
2024 solo exhibition at Daikanyama Gallery, Center of Art and Design Daikanyama TSUTAYA, Tokyo, Japan
2024 solo exhibition at Nikiya, Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property Nikiya,Saitama, Japan
2023 solo exhibition tour at Takashimaya around Japan, Takashimaya, Tokyo, Osaka,Kyoto, Yokohama, Japan
2023 solo exhibition "Phoenix", Gallery QUADRO, Tokyo, Japan 2023 βOOSTER STUDIO, PARCO Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Art Fairs/ Auctions
2025 Spectrum Miami, Art Basel Miami Beach and Miami Art Week, Miami, USA
2025 DiarBid Art House Auction, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2025 World Art Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
2024 World Art Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Awards, Grants & Fellowships
2025 Finalist, Honorable Mention, Redwood Art Prize, USA
2024 Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs Director’s Prize, Japan Handmade of the Year 2024, Tokyo, Japan
2024 Honorable Mention, 5th All Japan Art Competition, Tokyo, Japan
2024 Mr. & Mrs. Abe Arts & Culture Prize, Tokyo, Japan
Media
2025 Business Art News
2025 Arab News Japan
2024 News Picks “Make money survive”
2024 J-Wave Radio interview
2024 CLASSY women’s magazine
2024 Japan Today
2024 Sora News24
2024 Kimono Mom collaboration
2023 J-cast
2023 Nikkei MJ
2023 Cococolor Earth etc. Featured in over 100 media
Public Talks & Workshops
2024 Make Money ~Survive~ (Japanese version of Shark Tank show), Tokyo, Japan
2024 Kimono Mom (6million + followers influencer) collaboration art workshop
