Hiromi Eya - Travel Illustrator

Born 1980. Mother of two daughters.

I love traveling, and the colorful scenery and delicious food I encounter on my journeys inspire me to create art. My goal is to create pieces that make people feel as if they’ve been there, want to taste the food, and experience a sense of familiarity. Combining my love of travel with my art, I primarily work in Japan as a “travel illustrator.”

As a child, I was shy and found it difficult to express myself in words. I often kept my true desires hidden, choosing to settle for what seemed like the third-best option. Drawing became my natural outlet for expressing these unspoken feelings, and it quickly became my greatest passion. At the age of four, I won a prize at the “World Children’s Art Exhibition,” a recognition that gave me a small but significant boost in confidence.

Influenced by renowned Japanese manga artists Akira Toriyama and Ai Yazawa, I spent my elementary school years copying their works. I gravitate toward colorful and gentle hues, creating pieces that are both realistic and charming, evoking excitement at first glance. Specializing in watercolor paintings with accessible face paints, I add a touch of glitter to bring my works to life and, in turn, brighten the lives of those who view them.

When my beloved daughters were four and five years old, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I experienced two recurrences and endured two grueling rounds of chemotherapy. During treatment, my mind struggled to keep pace with the changes in my appearance, and I began to seriously contemplate the meaning of life. I blamed myself for becoming ill, constantly searching for reasons why it happened to me. I even began to view the foods and drinks I once loved as enemies and forgot how to enjoy life.

However, my family accepted me unconditionally, treating me no differently. This acceptance pulled me out of despair. I realized I wanted to witness my daughters’ growth, travel extensively with my husband, regain my health, pursue my dreams, and live authentically. I wanted to fully enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime journey! As my family embraced all of me, I learned to accept and cherish every part of myself.

Drawing and sharing delicious meals with loved ones have become vital sources of strength and healing for me. I hope that my artwork will lift your spirits, free you from limiting beliefs, and inspire you to move forward. Through the works I create for my own healing, I aim to impart the strength to live to all being