Welcome

Aloha! I'm Chihiro, I'm happy you're here.

Arts and crafts have always been an essential part of my daily life. If a day isn't going so well, making little things makes me smile — even just 10 minutes of crafting helps me relax, reset and carry on with a little more positivity. I also love being part of a community of creative minds; it's a wonderful opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share in the joy of creating together.

I've had a lifelong love of fine stationery—papers, stickers, pens, letter sets, and notebooks—and I still find myself searching for local stationery shops whenever I travel. Since moving from Tokyo to Cambridge, I've come to appreciate Japanese papers and stationery even more, and I love finding new ways to play with their beautiful textures.

Sharing the joy of making things by hand using a mix of traditional papers and everyday items is my passion. Whether you are interested in organizing a community event or joining a workshop session, please feel free to reach out.

I'm looking forward to meeting you around the table!

Chihiro

Artist Biography

Chihiro is a mixed-media artist based in Cambridge and the founder of 5U3 Workshop. Drawing on her extensive background in the non-profit sector, public health initiatives, and community advocacy, she creates welcoming spaces where connection and collaboration can thrive.

Her practice is centered on traditional Japanese paper arts—primary Chigiri-e (hand-torn paper collage), alongside Origami, Chiyogami, Kiri-e, and Hariko. Chihiro blends fine artisan papers like Washi and Chiyogami with sustainable, "found" materials—such as newspapers and multilingual book fragments—to create works that are both culturally rich and environmentally conscious.

The Philosophy: Analog Sanctuaries

At the heart of Chihiro’s work is a dedication to fostering understanding, empathy, and kindness. Her practice is centered on the creation of "Analog Sanctuaries"—screen-free, tactile spaces designed to promote mindfulness and genuine human engagement away from digital routines.

Inspired by the way community connection helps us thrive, Chihiro leads collaborative projects and workshops at local institutions, including the Cambridge Center of Adult Education (CCAE), The Foundry in Cambridge and various public library networks. She believes in making creative experiences accessible to everyone, regardless of prior art experience. Her goal is to cultivate inclusive spaces where anyone can find a sense of calm, belonging, and the simple joy of creating with everyday materials.