Selected Exhibitions & Performances
Venue
Vancouver, Canada
June 1–30, 2026
Kinder Books Exhibition
Solo exhibition featuring original works by Sleepless Kao.
The month-long show explores dreamlike and nostalgic narratives through painting and textile-based pieces.
📍 Location: Kinder Books
Sakura Days Japan Festival – Sanshin Performance
Venue
Vancouver, Canada
April 12, 2026
Sanshin performance as part of the annual Sakura Days Japan Festival, celebrating Japanese arts and culture.
📍 Location: VanDusen Botanical Garden
Sanshin no Hi – Workshop & Cultural Presentation
Venue
Vancouver, Canada
March 4, 2026
Sanshin workshop and introduction to Okinawan cultural traditions.
A community-focused event combining music, storytelling, and cultural education.
📍 Location: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, Burnaby
The Big Picnic
– Art Sale & Workshop
Venue
Vancouver, Canada
March - 28 & 29, 2026
On Saturday, March 28, Sleepless Kao will be at David Lam Park for The Big Picnic as a vendor, featuring an art sale and a hands-on workshop.
I’ll be there all day, so feel free to stop by, say hello, and spend some time together.
📍 Location: David Lam Park
Japan Market
– Live Sanshin Performance
Sleepless Kao will be performing as a member of the sanshin group Southern Wave at Japan Market, taking place on February 22 at UBC Robson Square.
Traditional Okinawan sounds will fill the space throughout the day. Visitors are warmly welcome to stop by and listen.
📍 Location: UBC Robson Square
Venue
Vancouver, Canada
February - 22nd, 2026
Warai Yoga & Sanshin Performance
Venue
Vancouver, Canada
January - 25th, 2026
Sleepless Kao participated as a member of the sanshin group Southern Wave in a joyful community performance co-hosted with the Japanese Dementia Support Association.
The event brought together music, movement, and laughter, creating a warm and inclusive space where sound connected people across generations.
📍 Location: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, Burnaby
A Peaceful Place
“Where time slows down, and everything breathes in peace.”
Venue
Tokyo, Japan
October 27 - November 1, 2025
Inspired by memories from Pender Island and the beauty of nature, this exhibition invites you into a nostalgic, dreamy world.
From tiny creatures sleeping with owls, to cats, girls, and the story of a girl and her dog Finn — a collection of gentle, enchanting works that breathe in peace.
🕛 Open: 12:00–19:00 (until 17:00 on the final day)
🚪 Closed: Sunday
📍 Location: Space Yui, 3-4-11 Hayakawa Bldg 1F, Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo
🚇 Access: 8 min walk from Gaienmae Station, 10 min walk from Omotesando Station
A Night Where Stars and Flowers Bloom
Venue
Vancouver, Canada
September 12th - 16th, 2025
Step into a nostalgic world filled with blooming flowers and twinkling stars — a visual journey through wonder and whimsy
On the evening of September 13th, I will be performing sanshin and song as part of my exhibition, joined by KU from Sansho Daiko as a special guest for this warm and intimate evening.
Let the gentle melodies and heartfelt voices wrap you in comfort, like a peaceful starlit night.
We’ll also share some joyful Okinawan tunes to fill the gallery with smiles toward the end of the evening.
📍 Location: Sasaki Art Gallery, Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver
Nikkei Memorial Garden Opening
Venue
Greenwood, BC, Canada
July 20th, 2025
Photo from the Nikkei Memorial Garden opening.
photo: Peter Kalasz
Sleepless Kao traveled to Greenwood, BC as a member of the sanshin group Southern Wave to perform at the Greenwood Nikkei Memorial Garden opening. This garden, part of the Nikkei Legacy Park, commemorates the history of Japanese Canadians, including the 1,200 individuals who were relocated to Greenwood during World War II.
It was an honor to play and contribute sound to a place of remembrance and shared history.
[Greenwood Nikkei Memorial Garden]
[Performance video]
📍 Location: Nikkei Legacy Park Garden・Greenwood, BC, Canada
Venue
Vancouver, Canada
September 20th, 2024
Magical Garden
As the season begins to hint at autumn, We invite you to step into a dreamlike world where the beauty of nature is in full bloom. Wander through a magical garden of art and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of changing seasons.
📍 Location: The postcard place, Granville Island Vancouver B.C.
Venue
Vancouver, Canada
April 6th, 2024
SAKURA SAKURA
Step into a dreamy evening where cherry blossoms come to life through art.
“SAKURA サクラ” is an exclusive exhibition celebrating the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms. Join us on Friday, April 5th, at the Net Loft in Vancouver for a night of enchanting artworks, seasonal delights, and a relaxed, joyful atmosphere. Let’s toast to art, spring, and the magic of sakura!
📍 Location: The postcard place, Granville Island Vancouver B.C.
Venue
Tokyo, Japan
October 23rd - 28th, 2023
Your Garden
“Your Garden,” held in a gallery in Aoyama, invites you into a secret, whimsical garden. At its heart, a black cat gazes in wonder at butterflies dancing lightly among wildflowers. The exhibition blooms with vibrant floral paintings, each capturing a fleeting, enchanting moment. Step in, leave the everyday behind, and let your imagination wander through a world of gentle beauty.
📍 Location: Space Yui, 3-4-11 Hayakawa Bldg 1F, Minami-Aoyama, Tokyo
MUJI Robson Street
- Local Artist Pop-Up Exhibition
Venue
Vancouver, Canada
October 2020
Sleepless Kao was featured as a local artist at MUJI Robson Street, presenting original illustrations through a pop-up exhibition and limited-edition tote bags.
It was a special opportunity to see her dreamy, nostalgic world meet MUJI’s minimal aesthetic — a quiet but memorable collaboration in the heart of Vancouver.
📍 Location: Robson street, Vancouver B.C.