Welcome

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

Arts and crafts have always been an important 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 and reset to carry on with a little more positivity. And when I'm part of a group of creative minds, it's a wonderful opportunity to connect and collaborate, creating something even better that we can all share!

I've had a lifelong love 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 stationery even more, and I love finding new ways to play with their beautiful textures.

Sharing the joy of creating by hand using a mix of traditional papers and everyday items is my passion. If you're interested in organizing a community event or joining a workshop session, please reach out.

I'm looking forward to meeting you!

Chihiro

The Artist

Chihiro is a mixed-media artist based in Cambridge and the founder of 5U3 Workshop. Drawing on her background in the non-profit and corporate sectors,  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, 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.

Inspired by the way community connection helps us thrive, Chihiro leads collaborative projects and workshops at local institutions, including the Cambridge Foundry and various public libraries. She believes in making creative experiences accessible to everyone, regardless of prior 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.

Did you know?

Washi is a traditional Japanese paper, handmade from plant fibers, that has been crafted for over 1,400 years. While standard paper made from tree pulp typically lasts about 100 years, Washi is made from the long, strong fibers of plants like Mulberry (Kozo), Gampi, or Mitsumata. These interlocking fibers allow it to remain beautiful and intact for up to 1,000 years!