Hi there, I'm Tsuki, a Japanese artist based in Vancouver, Canada.
Born and raised in Japan, I was always taught to appreciate its rich culture and the nature we are given.
My art is inspired by my heritage, and through it, I hope to share the essence of what it represents.
Hello!
LITTLE STORY ABOUT MY HOME
This is Mt. Aso in Kumamoto, Japan.
My hometown is surrounded by beautiful volcanic mountains and landscapes. Growing up in the city, I always felt a connection with nature and deeply appreciated it.
Kumamoto is also known as Kumamoto Castle.
Since 1607, this castle has been the city's symbol.
To the locals, it is a playground for kids, a morning walk destination, and a cherished part of their upbringing.
Mt. Aso is one of the largest volcanic calderas and is still active. Minor earthquakes are common.
Because earthquakes were nothing out of the ordinary for us, I’d never thought my friends and family would be in serious danger until the greater one came and hit my city.
Kumamoto Earthquakes 2016
In 2016, a magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck my city, followed by a magnitude 7.3 quake two days later.
Even after that, the aftershocks continued for a year, and people struggled with the thousands of tremors.
Everything that I loved and grew up with was suddenly destroyed just in a few days.
All I could do was just watch our city collapse and try to get a hold of my family.
Shortly after the earthquakes, our city received a lot of support, both domestically and internationally.
I witnessed how those relief funds helped my hometown and its people, both physically and mentally.
Even now, people in my hometown deeply appreciate the great support they received from other cities and countries.
In 2019, Kumamoto Castle was partially reopened.
Many areas were still under reconstruction due to the disasters, slowly but surely, I could feel my hometown returning to normal.
in 2024, the city marked 8 years since the earthquakes.
The disasters made me realize that nothing lasts forever, but at the same time, it was mind-blowing to see how much support one small city in Japan received thanks to organizations and people around the world.
I hope that my shop will become a part of communities where people learn about organizations dedicated to helping people and their communities.