ASO SHIHO fell in love with traditional Japanese culture back in high school. She read classical literature and practiced Noh (Japanese traditional performing arts). To further enhance her knowledge in Japanese culture, she majored in Nihon-ga (Japanese painting) in university. Since then, she has ben incorporating traditional material and techniques with contemporary elements. Though the depiction of traditional motifs such as kimonos, carps, and tatoos, she conveys a typical Japanese ideology--especially famous of in The Tale of Genji-- the coexistence of grace and sorrow, extravagance and tenderness. She is an avant-garde artist in developing Japanese beauty for today's audience.