aloha...

I am an illustrator and author who lives and works in the Big Island of Hawai’i. I moved from Japan to Hawai’i in 1987, and since 1989, I have written and/or illustrated more than thirty children books and many children activity books, mostly with Hawaiian themes. I also designs and creates artwork for a wide variety of products, including toys, paper dolls, greeting cards, stationaries, ornaments, wrapping papers, photo frames, mugs and puzzles.

My illustrated picture book: Tales of Tutu Nene was awarded the “Best Illustrator” category Bronze Medal in 2012 Moonbeam Book Award, nonfiction book: Winter is for Whales won the 2008 IPPY Book Award in Children’s Book category, and Over on the Island received the 2008 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award.

Besides writing and illustrating children's books, I enjoy teaching art at various settings, including k-6 schools, and currently teaches at high school and presents an annual workshop “Children’s Book Illustration” at the University of the Nations, Hawaii.

I graduated with a MA in Illustration from Savannah College of Arts and Design (SCAD), and a BA in Art from the University of Washington. I am a member of the Society of Children's Book  Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Say hi if you see me at annual Hawaii Book and Music Festival (HBMF) in Honolulu each May.