Nationality: Brazilian

Paula Kakihara

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.

Solo Exhibitions

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

Group Exhibitions

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

Awards / Recognitions

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


Artistic Partnerships

  • Nolegart

  • ArtCom (Norway)

  • Duarte Gallery

  • Aline Cake

  • Art in Fest

  • Le Petit Brésilien


Award-Winning Artwork

Raiz do Amanhã
Award: Silver Medal – International Art Salon 2025
Location: Create Center, Hamamatsu – Japan
Institution: Duarte Gallery

Official Description of the Arte Brasil Project

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.

Special Projects / Art Events / Connections & Commissions

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.


Curatorship – Arte Brasil Project

Role: Official Curator
Period: 2023 to 2025
Location: Create Hamamatsu – Japan

Paula Kakihara Art – Art School

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.

Honored Public Figures

  • Zico

  • Alex Santos (Football Player)

  • Hugo Oyama (Table Tennis Player)

  • Jonathan Nemer

Schedule

December Schedule

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)

January Schedule

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