BIOGRAPHY

SACRA.

Born into a lineage of artists in Tokyo—her grandfather “Yoai Ota”, the leading painter of cherry blossoms and a founding figure of botanical art in Japan, and her mother—SACRA.

She held her first solo exhibition in her teens. After an international career as a nail artist and winning the world championship, she faced a decade-long struggle with severe depression. Upon recovery, her autobiographical manga about her illness went viral on social media, was published, and became a bestseller. Later, she returned as an artist with her exhibition in New York in July 2025, where her works, including live performances, won the New York Chelsea Award 2025.

Her works—cherry blossoms, the sea, and the path—explore the theme of connection, serving as a bridge to the inner voice. The sea symbolizes a “Pledge”, the cherry blossoms reflect “Constancy”, and the path represents “Encounters”. Through these motifs, she continues to express the sanctity of life and love with a spirit of prayer.

In addition to scheduled exhibitions in Dubai (April 2026) and New York (June 2026), her third book is also forthcoming. She is preparing a crowdfunding campaign to further expand her international reach and would be grateful for your support.

Exhibitions

• 2025 — Chelsea, New York (USA)
  　Exhibited at NOHO Gallery, presenting large-scale works and a live painting performance during the opening reception attended by over 250 guests.
  　Her showcased piece ONENESS received the Chelsea Artist Award 2025, symbolizing the rebirth of her artistic journey.

• 2026 (Upcoming) — World Art Dubai (UAE)
  　Participating as a solo artist at World Art Dubai 2026, presenting new large-scale works (S120, M120, S50) and a live painting performance.
  　The desert and the sea — landscapes that changed her life.
  　Inspired by these two opposites, her works explore the dialogue between stillness and flow, solitude and connection.

Awards

2025
・Chelsea Artist Award 2025, New York
2007
・3rd Place in the 3D Art category at Nailpro competition, Las Vegas.
・2nd Place in the Flat Art category at Nailpro competition, Las Vegas.
2005
・Champion in the Airbrush category at Nailympic, Las Vegas.
2004
・3rd Place in the Airbrush category at Nailympic, Las Vegas.
・Winner of numerous contests in Japan and internationally.

Highlights

・Having over 10,000 customers and trained over 20,000 students in Japan and overseas.
・A manga he published on Pixiv received 250 million page views now, and was made into a book. She has also appeared in numerous media appearances, including as a navigator on an NHK special program about depression.