Nationality: Brazilian
At 43 years old, Paula Kakihara is a Brazilian visual artist who carries with her the talent of colors and shapes, as well as a deep love for family and teaching. Married and mother of three daughters, she lives and shares art as an art instructor. Her reach goes beyond borders; together with her family, she currently teaches painting classes in 14 cities across 7 prefectures in Japan.
Since the age of nine, Paula has immersed herself in the world of art and never looked back. Her journey has been marked by unwavering dedication to artistic expression, resulting in a career that embraces painting with passion. Over the years, she has participated in numerous exhibitions — often not only showcasing her works but also taking on the role of curator — earning recognition for her artistic excellence.
A highlight among her achievements is an award granted by the Imperial Family of Japan, a testament to the global impact of her art.
Paula goes beyond: she not only paints to express her unique vision of the world, but also teaches to share that vision with others. Her painting classes were born when she recognized people’s need to experience the art of painting firsthand. Through them, Paula provides moments of leisure, therapy, and fosters both social and artistic development.
2018
Arte Viva
Location: Nakazen Gallery, Nishio – Aichi, Japan
2019
Paula Kakihara’s Students Exhibition – 44 Participants
Period: December/2019
Location: Nakazen Gallery, Nishio – Aichi, Japan
Curatorship: Paula Kakihara
2020
Students Exhibition – Curated by Paula Kakihara
Location: Nakazen Gallery, Nishio – Aichi, Japan
2022 • 2023 • 2024
Annual Students Exhibition
Location: Nakazen Gallery (中善ギャラリー), Nishio – Japan
Curatorship: Paula Kakihara
2023
Business Connection Komaki – Special Exhibition
Date: December 1st, 2023
Theme: Birds and Flowers
Location: Komaki – Japan
Curatorship: Paula Kakihara
2024
Garden Inspiration – Solo Exhibition
Location: Nakazen Gallery (中善ギャラリー), Nishio – Japan
Curatorship: Paula Kakihara
2022
Focus Brasil – Exhibition of Artists and Students
Date: November 1, 2022
Location: Embassy of Brazil, Tokyo – Japan
Curatorship: Junko
Focus Brasil – Artists Exhibition
Date: November 2, 2022
Location: Shiga, Konan City – Japan
Curatorship: Paula Kakihara
Miss Nikkey
Date: November 27, 2022
Location: Inuyama – Japan
Event: Exhibition of artists and art students
The Mirror of the Soul – Impressionist Style
Date: November 30, 2022
Location: Hamamatsu – Create Center, Japan
Curatorship: Paula Kakihara
Students Exhibition
Date: December 18, 2022
Location: Nakazen Gallery (中善ギャラリー), Nishio – Japan
Curatorship: Paula Kakihara
2023
Osaka Exhibition
Date: August 19, 2023
Curatorship: Junko (Japanese)
Iwata LaLaport – Group Exhibition
Date: January 27, 2023
Location: Iwata – Japan
Curatorship: Paula Kakihara
Brazilian Day Japan – Group Exhibition
Year: 2023
Arte Brasil – Exhibition
Date: June 13, 2023
Location: Hamamatsu – Japan
Curatorship: Paula Kakihara
Miss Nikkey
Date: October 15, 2023
Location: Japan
Expo Premium Inter – Chubu Airport
Date: November 4, 2023
Location: Chubu Airport, Tokoname – Japan
Curatorship: Paula Kakihara
2024 • 2025
Brazilian Day Japan – Group Exhibitions
Years: 2024 and 2025
2022
Business Award Japan 2022
Location: Japan
2023
Business Excellence Highlight 2023
Business Connection Award
Location: Komaki – Japan (April 2023)
Certificate of Participation – Arte Brasil 2023
130 Years of Brazil–Japan Friendship
Location: Nagoya – September 2023
International Cultural Award of the Japanese Imperial Family
Official Name: Higashikuninomiya Award
Date: November 3, 2023
Location: Shintoshin – Tokyo, Japan
2024
Curator – Arte Brasil 2024
Most Inspirational Personality Award 2024
Visual Arts Highlight
Date: April 9, 2024
Recognition: Certificate awarded by Ambassador Aldemo Garcia – Consulate-General of Brazil in Hamamatsu
Certificate of Participation – Arte Brasil 2024
2025
Paris 2025 – International Award
Le Carrousel du Louvre – Paris 2025
International Art Salon – Hamamatsu, Japan (2025)
Award: Silver Medal
Awarded Artwork: Raiz do Amanhã
Institution: Duarte Gallery
Certificate of Participation – Arte Brasil 2025
International Partnership – Partnership 2025
2026
International Partnership with ArtCom (Norway)
Project: Partnership 2026
Nolegart
ArtCom (Norway)
Duarte Gallery
Aline Cake
Art in Fest
Le Petit Brésilien
Raiz do Amanhã
Award: Silver Medal – International Art Salon 2025
Location: Create Center, Hamamatsu – Japan
Institution: Duarte Gallery
Under the Curatorship of Paula Kakihara
The Arte Brasil Project was conceived by the Consul General of Brazil in Hamamatsu, Ambassador Aldemo Garcia, with the mission of promoting and showcasing Brazilian artistic production throughout Japan.
Created as a visibility platform, the project was designed from the beginning to support artists who face challenges within Japan’s competitive art environment, where access to galleries, specialized media, and promotional resources is limited.
Over the years, Arte Brasil has established itself as an essential space for the expression of contemporary Brazilian art, presenting group exhibitions and launching a bilingual catalog (Portuguese–Japanese) that highlights the work of the artists and facilitates its circulation within Japan.
Starting in its third year, the project began to be managed by Paula Kakihara Arts, under the curatorship of artist and instructor Paula Kakihara, who accelerated the growth and professionalization of the initiative. Arte Brasil expanded its reach, diversified its selection of artists, and strengthened its role as a cultural bridge between Brazil and Japan.
With its growing success, the project broadened its horizons. For 2026, Arte Brasil opened international submissions, inviting artists from various countries to exhibit in Japan, enriching cultural dialogue and elevating the exhibition’s level.
Currently, Arte Brasil and its complementary project, Arte Brasil Kids, present a program that integrates tradition, innovation, and multiculturalism, reinforcing the ongoing commitment to promote art and culture between Brazil, Japan, and the world.
Starting in 2026, Arte Brasil will be held in Aichi-Ken, Japan.
2023
Artistic Intervention – Special Project
Date: September 15, 2023
Description: Development and coordination of a large-scale artistic intervention.
Location: Japan
2024
UniArt Project
Description: Coordination and painting of a 10-meter wall in collaboration with Brazilian schools in Japan.
Location: Japan
Coordination: Paula Kakihara
Instagrammable Panel – Hamamatsu
Description: Creation and artistic painting of an instagrammable wall panel in a public space.
Location: Hamamatsu, Japan
2025
“Mãos que Fazem” Project
Description: Painting of an 11-meter wall carried out by artists and students of Paula Kakihara Art.
Location: Japan
Expansion of Artistic Projects
Description: Continuation of actions, wall panels, and collaborative projects throughout 2025.
Role: Official Curator
Period: 2023 to 2025
Location: Create Hamamatsu – Japan
Paula Kakihara Art is a school recognized for its excellence in teaching painting and visual arts in Japan.
I currently teach classes across 7 prefectures and 14 cities, welcoming students of different ages and nationalities.
Throughout my career, I have taught more than 4,000 students and accompanied the creation of over 3,000 artworks — each one reflecting dedication, technique, and personal expression.
As a teacher, visual artist, curator, and coordinator, I develop projects that strengthen the artistic community, promote exhibitions, and encourage the creative growth of every student.
My mission is to transform art into a space of freedom, identity, and fulfillment.
Abstract Animal 🦁
Dec 6 – Komaki, 13:30–16:00 (sold out)
Dec 7 – Hekinan, 9:30–12:00 (sold out)
Dec 7 – Hekinan, 14:00–16:30 (Arte Brasil)
Dec 13 – Konan, 9:00–12:00 (sold out)
Dec 13 – Toyota, 15:00–17:30 (sold out)
Dec 14 – Suzuka, 9:00–12:00 (sold out)
Dec 14 – Kani, 15:00–17:30 (4 spots left)
Dec 20 – Kosai, 9:00–11:30 (1 spot left)
Dec 21 – Toyokawa, 9:00–11:30 (3 spots left)
Dec 21 – Iwata, 15:00–17:30 (2 spots left)
Dec 27 – Konan, VIP Class (SOLD OUT)
Dec 28 – Hekinan, VIP Class (SOLD OUT)
Jan 4 – Hekinan, from 10:00~ (Dubai Special)
Jan 10 – Komaki, 13:30–16:00
Jan 11 – Hekinan, 9:30–12:00
Jan 11 – Hekinan, 14:00–16:30 (Arte Brasil)
Jan 17 – Konan, 9:00–12:00
Jan 17 – Toyota, 15:00–17:30
Jan 18 – Suzuka, 9:00–12:00
Jan 18 – Kani, 15:00–17:30
Jan 24 – Kosai, 9:00–11:30
Jan 25 – Toyokawa, 9:00–11:30
Jan 25 – Iwata, 14:30–17:00