Spreading "LOVE & PEACE" to the world.
I want to bring joy to people through art.

Graduate of the Comprehensive Cultural Studies Group, Plastic Design Major

Shota Shiiba

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Every day is a challenge as an artist, regardless of location or medium.

Currently, I am working as an artist under the name "SHETA." My main activities are diverse, including holding solo exhibitions both domestically and internationally, collaborating with brands, and creating illustrations for musicians' CD covers and merchandise. I am also focusing on creating "mural art," which involves painting directly onto the walls of buildings and the ceilings of public spaces, and I continue to challenge myself with various forms of expression regardless of location or medium.

The consistent theme in my artwork is "LOVE & PEACE." I would be happy if those who see my work feel even a little bit happier or receive some energy for tomorrow. I imagine the background and worldview of each project in my own way, and then I go through a lot of trial and error to bring it to life in my artwork.

The sensibility cultivated in Shonan and the range of expression expanded through J. F. Oberlin University

An exhibition of word art works using visuals for Kaela Kimura's 20th anniversary. (Photo: Shiiba-san (left) and Kaela Kimura (right))

Influenced by my mother, drawing became a part of my life from a young age. In my teens, I was inspired by the unique street culture of my hometown, Shonan, and became obsessed with skateboarding, fashion, and graffiti. It was around this time that I started working under the name "SHETA."

While considering my career path after graduating high school, I learned that J. F. Oberlin University was recruiting its first cohort for the School of Integrated Culture (now College of Performing and Visual Arts). I was attracted by the opportunity to study not only illustration and painting but also various fields of art, including graphic design, which made me decide to enroll. The experience of being exposed to diverse expressive methods in this environment has become the foundation of my current style.

After graduation, I joined a company as an in-house designer. I was in charge of advertising, sales promotion, and apparel design, and during busy periods I would sometimes stay overnight at the office. I steadily gained experience, and at the age of 29, I decided to "try my luck on my own before I turned 30," and chose the path of becoming an independent artist. I was fortunate to have many connections, and at key junctures, I met people who helped produce my work and led me to join galleries. These experiences have led to my current activities.

We will continue to challenge the world and connect all our experiences to the future.

From now on, we will expand our activities to the world. We want to collaborate with companies and brands, and deliver our iconic cactus character in various forms.

In particular, 2024 saw a significant expansion in the scope of our activities.

(1) Tokyu Department Store 90th Anniversary Limited Art Events

PIECE OF SHIBUYA CITY -LOVE 90 NEXT 100- Shibuya Hikarie, November 2024

② Exhibition of word art works using visuals for Kaela Kimura's 20th anniversary, Harakado Gallery, Tokyu Plaza Harajuku, October 2024.

③ SHETA "LOVE & PEACE" Sogo Yokohama Art Gallery, August 2024

④ Solo exhibition in South Korea, "LOVE & PEACE SHETA," August 2024.

I intend to spread my own version of "LOVE & PEACE" not only within Japan, but also to the world.

Tokyu Department Store 90th Anniversary Limited Art Events PIECE OF SHIBUYA CITY -LOVE 9O NEXT 100- Shibuya Hikarie

Of course, taking on a new challenge will bring more obstacles and difficulties than ever before. But I have the confidence that I can overcome anything.

Looking back, my life has never been smooth sailing. During my student days, various circumstances piled up, and there were times when I was overwhelmed with anxiety, wondering if I would even be able to graduate. But during those difficult times, it was always my friends and teachers who reached out to me. The struggles I experienced back then, and the connections I made with people—all of those experiences have become important nourishment that supports my artistic activities.

Those of you currently enjoying university life will undoubtedly experience setbacks and worries from time to time. However, every experience will surely lead to your future. Enjoy both the fun and the difficult times to the fullest, and cherish your time to yourself!

SHETA "LOVE & PEACE" Sogo Yokohama Art Gallery

Solo exhibition in South Korea: "LOVE & PEACE SHETA"

Shota Shiiba

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Influenced by his mother, who loved to draw, he began drawing from a young age. In middle school, his surfer father bought him a skateboard, which sparked his interest in skateboarding culture and led him to discover athlete art, which deeply impacted him. He then began seriously creating art under the name SHETA. He studied Japanese painting and graphic design at university. After graduation, he worked as a graphic designer for a company, continuing to draw while working as a designer. In 2015, just before turning 30, he became a freelance artist, officially launching his career. He has collaborated with brands such as FILA, COACH, and STAR WARS, created illustrations for CD jackets and merchandise for musicians, and also works on mural art.

Interview date:
*This interview was conducted in December 2025.

Spreading "LOVE & PEACE" to the world.I want to bring joy to people through art.

Main content

Every day is a challenge as an artist, regardless of location or medium.

The sensibility cultivated in Shonan and the range of expression expanded through J. F. Oberlin University

We will continue to challenge the world and connect all our experiences to the future.

Related content

Spreading "LOVE & PEACE" to the world.
I want to bring joy to people through art.