Mina OKUHATA

After studying sculpture and lacquer art at Tokyo University of the Arts, Mina Okuhata became a nail artist, developing a distinctive practice that elevates nail art from decoration to works of art meant for contemplation. By applying traditional Japanese techniques such as maki-e, raden (mother-of-pearl inlay), and kanshitsu (dry lacquer) to nail art, she creates pieces that transcend conventional notions of beauty and adornment.

Originally from Nara, Okuhata grew up surrounded by Buddhist sculptures. Drawing inspiration from the celebrated Ashura statue at Kōfuku-ji Temple, she employs the kanshitsu technique—used in the creation of Buddhist statues—as the structural base for her nail tips. In doing so, she condenses Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship into the intimate, miniature world of the human nail. Her highly refined and artistic works have garnered acclaim both in Japan and internationally.

A defining characteristic of Okuhata’s work is the integration of painting, sculpture, and traditional crafts within the small scale of the nail. Each piece begins with a kanshitsu base, the same technique used for the Ashura statue, upon which she applies traditional lacquer art methods such as maki-e and raden.

After painting delicate motifs with lacquer, gold powder is sprinkled and polished repeatedly, a process that produces profound depth and richness. Rather than treating nails merely as fashion accessories, Okuhata regards them as artworks to be viewed and cherished. By fusing traditional techniques with a contemporary sensibility, she creates hybrid works that bridge past and future.

The kanshitsu technique, a central element of Okuhata’s work, dates back to the Nara period and has been used in the creation of numerous Buddhist statues, including the famed Ashura at Kōfuku-ji. By adopting this ancient method as the foundation of her nail art, Okuhata imbues each piece with a condensed expression of Japanese history and culture.

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