Meet Our Instructors
Our talented team of artists is here to guide you every step of the way.


Cathy Thompson
CEO Artbar Tokyo
Cathy is Artbar Tokyo's CEO - the driving force behind Artbar! She strives to make it a fun and relaxing space for people to express their creative self and spark their love for art. Although most of her work is behind the scenes, she is often in the studio and looks forward to meeting you at any of our sessions.


Naomi
Marketing Director
Naomi is both an instructor and Artbar's marketing director. She shapes the image of Artbar and finds or creates new trends to keep Artbar exciting! She is very friendly and will make your session lots of fun. Come try some of her new abstract sessions such as paint pour or alcohol inks, or learn detailed techniques with classic paintings together.


Luci
Instructor
Luci brings a soft, dreamy style to his paintings that will make you feel like you're transported to a fantasyland of colorful sunsets and milky ways! He loves to encourage people to find their own style during his sessions, Luci's calming guidance will make you feel relaxed and creative. Come paint along with him sometime and unleash your creativity.


Momo
Instructor
Momo is an awesome instructor and specializes in her original dot technique art style and abstract art! She is also very bright and knows a lot about different paint mediums, she offers extremely good advice about color theory! Come join her class sometime and get to learn about her unique style.


Nanako
Instructor
Nanako's specialty is Japanese painting and acrylic painting. She is very helpful if you have questions about your painting process. She will happily give you great advice so you can feel confident in your masterpiece!


Kiyoe
Pottery Specialist
Kiyoe is a pottery specialist and makes her amazing art and designs from scratch such as plates, cups, pots, and many other works of art! Kiyoe has the sweetest and kindest soul - she teaches both kids and adults sessions so you'll never feel worried, always at ease.


Michi Kim
Instructor
Michi creates lots of fun paintings for many of Artbar's kids sessions! Her bright and energetic atmosphere will be sure to make your kids smile while they create masterpieces to decorate the house with. Leave it to Michi Sensei to guide your kids in a fun way during their art class!


Mineko
Instructor
A graduate of Bunka Fashion College, Mineko has worked for many years in apparel fashion and the accessories industry, and has published a recipe book for bead accessories she designed herself. Her accessories feature cheerful, colorful tones that also come through in her paintings. Mineko loves animals and fantasy worlds, and creates illustrations that feel like scenes from a storybook. In kids classes she supports everyone so you can enjoy painting together.


Sakura
Instructor
Graduate of University of Tsukuba, Art & Design Department, majoring in Japanese-style painting; Tokyo University of the Arts, Master of Art studies (Art Education, current). Sakura specializes in Japanese painting but is also a multi-style artist who creates 3D works using acrylic paints. Her experience living in Germany and riding horses at university encourage her to paint horses and other animals in a colorful, energetic way. She is looking for you to join her fantasy world and enjoy art!


Daria
Instructor
Daria is an Italian artist who studied painting in Florence. She is an illustrator with a oneiric style and likes to experiment with different materials and techniques. She believes art is a powerful tool to self-reflect and be yourself, but also to connect with others. During her classes she will passionately encourage you to express your creativity without limits, feeling free from all inhibitions and worries!


Diamante Yuko
Candle artist
Yuko is a candle artist and will gently teach you how to make your own aroma and art candles during our Craft Morning workshops!


Rie
Instructor
Rie specializes in alcohol ink art and resin art. She also organizes workshops that give people a chance of self-reflection through art. Rie's bright personality and passion for supporting students to express themselves through art will guide you to create your own masterpiece!


Ken Tanaka
Instructor
Ken specializes in his signature pen drawings that are so detailed and whimsical. Ken is knowledgeable not only about art but about many very interesting subjects, which makes it so much fun to chat together! Come feel inspired with Ken, you will learn about art and much more.


Naoko
Instructor
Naoko hopes you can enjoy expressing yourself freely through your work. She also hopes that after experiencing making art, you will feel interested in visiting museums and exploring art further.


Helen
Instructor
Helen is a very calm and caring instructor who will gently guide you through the session so you can have a relaxing time.


Yuka
Instructor
Yuka is a very kind teacher and will guide the class gently - the students can feel relaxed and free to express themselves through their art. Yuka specializes in children's book illustrations and her colorful artwork is absolutely lovely!


Jenna
Instructor
Jenna specializes in crafting colorful and relaxing pieces inspired by the beauty of nature. Her goal is to make everyone feel calm, happy, and inspired during their time in class. Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape or simply looking to explore your creativity, Jenna's classes provide the perfect opportunity to unwind and reconnect with nature through art. Come join us and experience the joy of painting with Jenna!


Akiko
Instructor
Graduate of Musashino Art University, Department of Japanese Painting. Akiko is good at creating colorful and exciting pieces. She has been involved in various illustrations. Akiko also loves copying and understands the importance of learning from copying. Whether you've never had much experience with art or just love art, join Akiko in her class and have fun creating art with someone who is always calm and natural.


Minako
Instructor
MA in Illustration at Kingston University, London; BA in Visual Communication Design at Musashino Art University. Minako has worked as a package designer, graphic designer, illustrator, and jewelry maker. She is now a printmaker and art educator, active in Japan, the UK, Slovenia, and Italy. Join her unique art style classes and enjoy expressing yourself. Especially for kids, Minako's classes are full of fun and creativity, as she loves working with children!


Akko
Instructor
Education: Media and Communication at London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), 2021; Woodworking Traditional Arts Super College of Kyoto, 2025. Akko creates work with acrylic paints, often featuring animals and original patterns in the background to express her inner self. She loves the freedom that painting offers and does her best to make the class fun and relaxing.


Glicina Peony
Craft partner
Glicina Peony is a craft partner that specializes in dried flower arrangements and wreaths.