Lena Okamoto is a Tokyo based artist and the founder of ikasu, a contemporary Japanese textile art unit that transforms antique kimono and vintage obi fabrics into one of a kind artworks. Originally from Russia, she moved to Japan 20 years ago after completing a degree in Japanese culture studies, later earning a master’s degree from the University of Tokyo. Before fully dedicating herself to art, she worked in the creative industry with companies connected to the Hakuhodo group and developed a background in creative direction, storytelling, and visual communication.
Her work is rooted in the belief that antique textiles carry memory, craftsmanship, and cultural history that deserve to continue living beyond their original form. Through ikasu, carefully selected antique kimono and obi fabrics are reimagined into contemporary textile artworks designed for modern interiors, collectors, and art spaces. Sustainability, Japanese aesthetics, and emotional connection are central to her practice.
Lena’s artworks have been exhibited internationally, including at World Art Dubai, high-class hotels like Four Seasons, collaborative exhibitions in Tokyo, and installations within hospitality and lifestyle spaces such as Daikanyama TSUTAYA. Her work continues to explore the meeting point between traditional Japanese textiles and contemporary art.
Exhibitions
2026 solo exhibition at Miyashita Park, Tokyo, Japan
2025 solo exhibition at Four Seasons Jumeirah Beach Dubai
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 BOOSTER STUDIO, PARCO Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Art Fairs/ Auctions
2026 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 (6 million + followers influencer) collaboration art workshop
