Hiroko Takahashi

• 1944
  Born in Hyogo Prefecture
• 1974
  Studied Japanese embroidery under Mitsuo Akiyama
• 1990
  "Cactus Flower" selected for the 43rd Tokyo Prefecture Workers' Art Exhibition
• 1993
  Solo Exhibition at Ginza Art Salon Kokoro
  Studied Japanese painting under Yoshinari Miyamoto
• 1998
  Became a master at the Akiyama Embroidery Research Center
• 1999
  Graduated from Musashino Art University Junior College, Design Course
  Opened the Minami Azabu School, organized "Minazuki-no-kai"
• 2000
  Opened the Tama Culture School followed by the Fuchu School
• 2001
  "Early Spring" selected for the 41st Traditional Kōgei New Works Exhibition
  Becomes Full Member of the Japan Kōgei Association
• 2002
  "Springtime" selected for the 42nd Traditional Kōgei New Works Exhibition
  Japanese Embroidery 5-person Exhibition at Minami Aoyama Salon de Fleur
• 2004
  "Spring Light" selected for the 44th Traditional Kōgei New Works Exhibition
• 2005
  Solo Exhibition at Gallery Oak, Mitaka
• 2007
  Two-person Exhibition at Gallery Oak, Mitaka
• 2008
  The 1st Minazuki-no-kai Exhibition at Kato Gallery, Hiroo
• 2009
  "Canola Flower and Butterfly" selected for the 49th East Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2012
  Participated in the Important Intangible Cultural Property Successors' Training Course held by the Japan Kōgei Association
• 2013
  Participated in the Important Intangible Cultural Property Successors' Training Course held by the Japan Kōgei Association
• 2014
  "Blooming Flower" selected for the 54th East Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition
• 2016
  The 2nd Minazuki-no-kai Exhibition at Setagaya Art Museum Annex
• 2019
  Opened "Atelier HIRO"
• 2021
  Submitted to the 34th Salon International du Patrimoine Culturel in Galerie Du Marais, Paris
• 2022
  Lifetime Exhibition at Tengenji Square, Minamiazabu

Additional to the beautiful designs and colors, Japanese embroidery is an art where more than 40 basic sewing techniques are accurately instructed from master to disciple from generation to generation. In 1998, I was certified as master for Japanese embroidery. I graduated from art university the following year and have been trying more beautiful ways of embroidery, when I finally came up with a technique using extra fine twisted thread. For example, with this technique, I can not only express the colors of a bird's feather, but I can express the feather as it is. People won't see threads, but a real feather. I was able to express living creatures with reality with the natural sheen of the silk thread and the Japanese embroidery technique using both hands. Also, by using the extra fine twisted thread, the shadows that would appear when using a thick twisted thread would not appear, and it can also be used like metal. In the beginning of my career, when I didn't know computer graphics, I drew precise designs of complicated geometric patterns with a ruler and my own calculations and formed what I wanted to express. With the traditional embroideries and my own skills and techniques that I've built up through the years, I can express anything, and that always comes out beautifully.

• 1991
  Received the Chairman Award for "Butterfly" at the 44th Tokyo Prefecture Workers' Art Exhibition
• 1992
  Received the Chairman Award for "Silence" at the 45th Tokyo Prefecture Workers' Art Exhibition
• 1995
  Received the Foundation Establishment 10th Anniversary Special Award at the 48th Tokyo Prefecture Workers' Art Exhibition
• 1999
  Received the Incentive Award at the Japan Grand Prix International Orchid Festival '99, Arts and Crafts Division
• 2002
  Received the Tokyo Governor Award for "Chrysanthemum and Pine” at the 4th Kougi Society Art Exhibition

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