Isla de Salsa 2025
Visual Artists
We present the artists who will be with us at the festival, participating through live painting and exhibiting their works at their stands.
We also introduce the artists who, although not present at the event, have long supported us by providing artworks for stage backdrops, art objects, and illustrations that enrich the festival atmosphere.
Live Painting & Exhibition
Eitoku Sugimori
(Ace Cedarwood)
Special Guest
Professor at the Department of Fashion Studies, Koran Women’s Junior College, and contemporary artist.
Winner of the FUKUOKA WALL ART PROJECT 2023, he will present a solo exhibition at the Fukuoka Art Museum starting Tuesday, September 9. This talented artist will bring the venue to life with a captivating live painting performance.
AKIYUKI TSURU
Painter
“The Artist Who Paints Prayers”
Born in Fukuoka in 1978, he creates art that conveys the spirit of prayer to the world. Using cranes as a central motif and combining gold leaf, ink, and acrylic, his works connect tradition and contemporary expression, celebrating life and human connections. Recognized in exhibitions across Japan and internationally, his art also supports society through charity, wildlife conservation, and offerings to Izumo Taisha Shrine, making him a true Prayer Artist.
Satoshi Iwao
Calligrapher
(Custom Name Writing & Live T-Shirt Painting)
Satoshi Iwao blends traditional Japanese calligraphy with contemporary art, creating works full of energy and elegance. With over 30 years of experience, he captivates viewers with every stroke, whether on paper, live name calligraphy, or T-shirt painting. Recognized in Japan and abroad through exhibitions and competitions, he also appears on TV to bring calligraphy to new audiences. Iwao’s art evolves with the times, transforming each brushstroke into a living expression that moves and inspires.
DJ NaNaGo
DJ
(Collaboration)
Primarily performing at The Ritz-Carlton, he also plays at major art auctions in western Japan and leading clubs in Fukuoka. Known for his unique sense of music selection that captivates the dance floor, he is widely recognized as the “Time-Space DJ,” skillfully shaping the atmosphere and taking audiences on a journey through sound.
BONSAI KAIWAI
Bonsai
(Mini Bonsai Sale)
Special feature at ISLA de SALSA 2025!
At the music and art-filled Nokonoshima, “Bonsai Kaiwai,” a small bonsai specialty shop in Imaizumi, Fukuoka, brings a fresh touch this year. Beyond sales, they offer workshops and bonsai wreaths, focusing on delivering greenery and art into everyday life. Each bonsai is more than a plant—it’s a miniature art piece capturing the rhythm and story of the seasons, brightening homes, desks, and hearts. For this event, a special selection has been prepared to match the island’s free-spirited atmosphere. Find a bonsai that speaks to your senses while enjoying music and art!
Festival Artwork & Design 2025
Mariana Hoffmann
Mariana Hoffmann is an architect, visual artist, and designer.
She has built her professional career between Buenos Aires, New York, and Barcelona, allowing her to work across graphic and editorial design, as well as the planning and construction of commercial and residential spaces throughout Europe. Alongside her artistic projects, she currently shares her experience by leading creativity workshops in Barcelona through @musas.bcn.
