Yoshihiro Shimoda (born 1940 in Toyama Prefecture) is a painter who has pursued the essence of Nihonga while opening it to new horizons. After completing his graduate studies at Tokyo University of the Arts, he gained early recognition with his selection for the Nihon Bijutsuin exhibition. He went on to receive numerous accolades, including the Taikan Prize, the Minister of Education Prize, and the Prime Minister’s Prize. At the age of 38, he was appointed as a dōnin (member) of the Nihon Bijutsuin, marking him as one of the leading figures of his generation.

Shimoda’s artistic journey has included the reproduction of the Hōryū-ji Golden Hall murals and mural studies in Europe. These experiences enriched his vision, enabling him to bridge Eastern and Western sensibilities. His work combines the precision of drawing with the expressive vitality of brushwork, producing a style in which realism and idealism coexist in refined balance. Through layered mineral pigments, delicate light, and subtle shadow, he captures the elusive presence of nature and time, transforming them into poetic imagery.

Whether painting the grandeur of Mount Fuji, the lyrical atmosphere of the Seine, or the vitality of birds and landscapes, Shimoda reveals the spiritual dimension that lies beyond appearances. His art quietly invites viewers into a realm where nature and the human spirit resonate together. As an educator and as a director of the Nihon Bijutsuin, he has also dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation and carrying forward the traditions of Japanese art.