About Akiko Goto

Using my original technique called Tenkyoku-Nui — in which strips of torn or finely cut fabric are stitched through cloth stitch by stitch — I bring rhythm and life to flat textiles, expressing my own vision of the cosmos.

Sometimes drawing from classical Japanese patterns such as hemp-leaf or sayagata weaves, sometimes creating entirely original designs fused with a variety of materials — I have continued, step by step, to transform and evolve.

In autumn 1996 I held my first overseas exhibition at the Japan-France Cultural Center in Paris, where many French visitors discovered the world of this traditional Japanese needlework and joined my cultural workshops. Through that experience, I believe they gained a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture.

For my part, encountering the lustrous fabrics unique to Europe was a revelation and a source of deep inspiration. Traditional Japanese cloth and European fabric came together in a beautiful, gentle harmony.

From that moment, my world opened wide.

Holding the needle has allowed me to meet a truly remarkable number of people.
This is my life's pride, and my greatest treasure.
I intend to keep evolving, with gratitude and love, for many years to come.