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Art that begins with safety
Where inner peace quietly returns
MUGI
きのしたむぎ
Children’s Book Illustrator / Emotional Therapy Artis
I create work that invites people to pause,
and gently return to their breath.
My work begins
with safety
Pause.
The noise begins to soften.
Breathing returns.
The body and mind
slowly settle.
Peace.
“I am safe.”
“I am allowed to be here.”
Within that quiet,
something begins to return.
Gently,
in its own time.
My Story
As a child,
I found a sense of safety in art and stories.
When I felt overwhelmed or weighed down by self-doubt,
those were the only places where I could truly rest.
Later, during a difficult period in my life,
I encountered something that changed me.
A quiet assurance:
I was fully known — and still loved.
That realization reshaped my heart.
Art became more than expression.
It became a place where the soul could breathe again.
Today,
I create for those who feel overwhelmed,
or disconnected from themselves in the busyness of life.
My work does not begin with stimulation,
but with safety.
A moment to pause.
A breath that slowly returns.
And from that inner peace,
I believe quiet restoration begins.
What Is Emotional Therapy Art?
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Emotional Therapy Art is not created for strong stimulation or visual impact.
What I value most is
creating a state in which the nervous system can feel safe.
Research in neuroscience and cognitive psychology shows that
emotional states influence attention, memory, and thinking.
When the nervous system shifts into a calmer state,
the mind and body begin to gently stabilize.
This work is not a form of medical treatment.
However, by creating moments of safety,
it supports a return to emotional and physical steadiness.
01
What My Work Makes Space For
-
a quiet moment to pause
-
a sense of emotional settling
-
breathing that can return naturally
-
a gentle return to oneself
02
In Healthcare Settings
In Japanese hospitals, after my work was displayed, physicians reported softened expressions and increased smiles among dementia patients.
My work is not treatment itself, but it is received as something that supports moments of calm, comfort, and emotional ease.
Rather than being just imagery, it is intended to function as part of an environment that supports inner balance.
My Art Philosophy
A gentle path
toward inner restoration
1
Safety
My work begins with safety.
Before
anything can heal or grow
the heart needs a place
where it can rest
2
Inner Peace
As external noise softens and breathing returns.
I believe
we are able to reconnect
with a quiet inner peace.
3
Natural Restoration
From that peace,
restoration emerges gently
in its own rhythm,
and
in its own time.
Impact of MUGI art
Where My Work Has Reached
Professional Work
I collaborate with
a range of clients and partners
bringing each project to life
with care and intention.
Who I Work With
I collaborate with a range of clients and partners, shaping each project with care, clarity, and intention.
Publishers & editor
Educational organizations
Authors
Companies & organizations
Medical institutions
Individual clients
Services
I offer a range of illustration and visual storytelling services,
tailored to each project’s purpose and vision.
Children’s book illustration
Visual storytelling
Book cover illustration
Therapeutic art environments
Concept art
Visual Experience Design
Selected Experience
My work has been shared across publishing, healthcare, education, social initiatives, and creative collaborations.
Ongoing collaborations with international organizations and institutions, including long-term partnerships and recurring commissions.
Publishing & Illustration
Picture books, editorial illustration, book covers, and commissioned works with a strong focus on storytelling
Healthcare & Emotional Therapy Art
Hospital exhibitions and MRI room design projects focused on creating calming environments
Education & Youth Projects
Workshops, guest speaking, university collaborations, and projects for children and students
Social & Humanitarian Work
Art created for Ukraine support initiatives, environmental storytelling projects, and a children’s book project supporting a worldwide orphan care organization (Restore a Child).
Corporate & Artistic Collaboration
Architectural concept art, stage collaborations, and visual design projects focused on atmosphere and emotional expression
Film & Animation
Short films, music videos, and visual storytelling through motion
Recognition
Mugi’s work is grounded in a lifelong practice of drawing and painting, with consistent recognition from early childhood through professional training.
From an early age, she was consistently recognized in illustration and storytelling competitions, particularly in “Story Illustration” contests, reflecting an early foundation in visual narrative.
She has also received awards and selections in painting and visual arts, demonstrating strong foundations in observation, composition, and storytelling.
During her academic training, she was recognized for both technical excellence and conceptual strength across multiple disciplines.
In Healthcare
After exhibiting my work in hospitals, physicians reported softened expressions and increased smiles among patients. Some described the experience as
“like light entering the room,”
and in certain cases, patients gradually resumed eating
In Education
Children and students have shown deep engagement with the work, often reconnecting with hope, imagination, and emotional awareness.
Artistic & Academic Recognition
Mugi’s work is grounded in a lifelong practice of drawing and painting, with consistent recognition from early childhood through professional training.
From an early age, she was consistently recognized in illustration and storytelling competitions, particularly in “Story Illustration” contests, reflecting an early foundation in visual narrative.
She has also received awards and selections in painting and visual arts, demonstrating strong foundations in observation, composition, and storytelling.
During her academic training, she was recognized for both technical excellence and conceptual strength across multiple disciplines.
Awards include:
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Selected for Kyoto City’s official public poster campaign, with artwork publicly displayed across buses and subway systems throughout the city
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Lions Clubs International Peace Poster Award
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Excellence in Concept Art
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Excellence in Art Direction
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Top Achiever Award
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Consistently Excellent in Foundations Courses
Film & Animation Recognition
Animation and visual work has been recognized in film festivals, receiving awards and screenings.
My Vision
I do not want my work to end with “healing.”
Healing matters —
but it is not the destination.
What I seek is
a quiet return to inner peace.
Not pushing toward the future.
Not forcing growth.
But creating a place
where one can pause safely again.
When someone encounters my work,
I hope their body begins to soften,
their breath returns,
and the nervous system settles.
And within that moment,
a quiet truth emerges:
“I am okay.”
From that peace,
restoration begins naturally.
And perhaps, in time,
a small curiosity for tomorrow may arise.
But for now —
this moment is enough.
Example Art Work
2026: Upcoming
For Authors | Publishers | Companies | Individual Clients 【USA & JAPAN】
The inspiring, life-changing, joy-filled picture books and artworks created by Mugi are coming soon.
Progress is on Instagram - CHECK OUT
2025: Illustrated Novel - Story of Rainbow Bridge
Fuyuki Shindo (Writer) & Vivaldi Ink., Ltd (Editor) 【JAPAN】
Collaboration Team Voice: "The moment color was added, I felt—genuinely—that there is a place where I can send off my beloved child with peace. It brought me to tears. Your depiction of good and evil is masterful. It truly feels like a ‘Japanese Disney’ world. I was so moved.."
2025: Collaboration with the Modern Ballet Performance “INORI”
Kyoto Theatre | Tsukasa Nobuko Modern Ballet Association 【JAPAN】
Details :During the two-day modern ballet performance INORI at Kyoto Theatre, my “Delightful Poster” was displayed in the main hall. This collaboration brought together performing arts and therapeutic art rooted in emotional therapy principles. The artwork welcomed visitors with a gentle sense of delight and emotional ease.In harmony with the spirit of prayer expressed on stage, the exhibition aimed to create a quiet space of healing within the theater environment.
2025: Children's Book Illustration (University)
Kobe Tokiwa University 【JAPAN】
Client Voice: Both the character design and picture book illustrations have received high praise from a radio station public relations representative, a university client in charge of picture books, a printing company, and a professional writer. “Though simple, the work is charming and deeply captivating. The story and emotions come through clearly, and it truly sparks the imagination.” “It feels incredibly warm and stays with you.”
2025: The Story Wall: A Picture Book Journey Along the Way to School
Sakai Industrial Co., Ltd. 【JAPAN】
A project that turns construction site fences along school routes into a daily picture book, bringing joy and stories to children on their way to school.
2025: Japanese Architecture Concept Art
Koguma Benefit Corp 【USA】
Client Voice: With her collaboration, we were able to bring a dream to reality, not only bringing our business to fruition, but inspiring our entire team to move as one toward our mission driven goals. Her work has served as a unifying element of wonder that I don’t believe we would have found anywhere else…
2025: Hospital Poster - Delightful -
Dr. Masahiko Fujii | Yamagata Kosei Hospital & Sendai Tomizawa Hospital 【JAPAN】
Client Voice: There is no better form of treatment than this—Mugi’s art reaches the soul, and its calming, joyful presence supports true healing from within.
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2024: 1-min Vertical Children's Picture Book
そらっくChild Development Support Center 【JAPAN】
Client Voice: Children from 3 years old listened carefully and showed great interest in marine conservation.
2024: 1-min Vertical Children's Picture Book (Family Balance Supporter)
ainaloha Inc. 【JAPAN】
Client Voice: It's really great!” said a delighted customer.
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2024: Kamishibai (Paper theater) for Marine Conservation
MIHANADA 【JAPAN】
Client Voice: Children from 3 years old listened carefully and showed great interest in marine conservation.
2024: Postcard, Bookmarks, Book Cover Illustration
Hareyama Books 【JAPAN】
Client Voice: “The result is something more than I could have imagined," said a thrilled customer. Those who picked up the book praised it, saying that they were "healed" and "drawn into a world of dream.”
2024: CD Jacket Illustration & Design
Bless of Music 【JAPAN & AUSTRIA】
Client Voice: "The illustration is absolutely amazing, and the message is perfectly presented, which I absolutely love. It's way better than I could have ever imagined!" He was very pleased with the final product.
2024: Illustration for Gift Children's book Letter
Co., Ltd. Inplace 【JAPAN】
Client Voice: The client loved the painting, saying "They are all very adorable!"
2024: MRI Wrapping Illustration & Design
Minoh City Hospital 【JAPAN】
Client Voice: Pleased with gentle watercolor illustration that can soothes the heart of patients, both children and adults.
2023: Children's book Illustration
Restore a Child 【USA】
Client Voice: The representative, Norma, teared up when she saw the artwork. She was so moved that she said, "I can't wait to distribute them to children around the world."
2023 - 2025: Illustration for Monthly Magazine
Adventist World Magazine 【USA】
Client Voice: Satisfaction with punctuality, ability to be flexible, high quality of pictures, etc.
2023: Children's book Illustration
Lucy Goes To A Tea Party (Christine Chen) 【USA】
Client Voice: When seeing the concept art, they said, "It looks like Disney's concept art." Clients were pleased with the finished product, which was better than they had imagined.
2023: Guest Speakers & Workshops
Hiroshima Saniku Gakuin high school (12-18y students & teachers) 【JAPAN】
Client Voice: “It was like as if I was watching a moving Children’s book” Said audience. Many students were in tears, received peace in their hearts, saw hope for the future, and were encouraged.
2022: 2D Animated Music Video
Southern Adventist University 【USA】
2D Animated Music Video: background art, character design, concept, animation, video editing, special effects, etc.
Client Voice: Heartwarming, tearful (USA, Brazil, Japan) etc., 90,000 views on YouTube in 9 days.
2022: Christmas Banner Illustrations (Building size)
Southern Adventist University 【USA】
Created 9 giant Christmas banner illustrations to cover 3 buildings surrounding the main Southern University building, published annually for 5-10 years.
Client Voice: Favorable feedback of great satisfaction from teaches, students, family, and all the viewers passing throught the main building
2022 Encouragement art for Ukraine
Voice: The paintings became a daily encouragement to a Ukrainian mother to live during the war, and emotional supports for Ukrainian family who came to Japan as refugees. Also it delivered hope to Americans.
2020: Knock Knock
Southern Adventist University 【USA】
3D animated short film: producer, art director, animation, video editing, special effects, etc.
Client Voice: Many people moved to tears all over the world empathizing with the film, and it won 4 film festival awards.
