Satoshi Nagasawa

Satoshi Nagasawa, known as Yamagata Stitch, is the first artist in Japan to depict realistic landscapes entirely through cross-stitch embroidery. Using thousands of hand-sewn stitches, he transforms cotton thread into light, atmosphere, and depth, creating textile artworks that blur the line between craft and fine art.

Based in Yonezawa, Yamagata, Nagasawa captures Japanese scenery such as temples, mountains, seasonal landscapes, and everyday nature through an exceptionally meticulous approach. Each piece requires several hundred to more than 1,000 hours of dedicated handwork, resulting in painterly surfaces created entirely with thread.

His works have been exhibited at the Ueno Royal Museum in Tokyo and at international art events in London and Paris.

Through decades of independent practice, Nagasawa has developed a unique technique rooted in patience, precision, and a deep respect for Japan’s natural beauty. His embroidery reimagines the landscape as a quiet, contemplative space—stitched with time and intention.

Self-taught Textile Artist — Japan

Satoshi Nagasawa has developed his cross-stitch technique independently over a period of more than 37 years, beginning in the Showa era of Japan. Without formal art-school training, he built his skills through continuous daily practice, studying color, light, and composition through direct observation of landscapes and photographs.

He refined his methods through thousands of hours of trial, repetition, and experimentation, eventually establishing a highly realistic style of cross-stitch embroidery that is considered unprecedented in Japan.

Nagasawa attributes his foundational discipline and precision to the sewing techniques passed down within his family, and he has expanded these skills into a contemporary art practice through long-term self-directed study.

His education is rooted in craft tradition, personal research, and decades of independent exploration, rather than institutional instruction — a background that defines the unique aesthetic and technical depth of his work.

2025 — Orsay International Art Award
Paris, France

2024 — Global Art Masters Grand Prix
International Grand Prix Award

Selected for Exhibition at the Ueno Royal Museum
Tokyo, Japan

Consecutive Selections — Yamagata Prefectural Art Exhibition (Kenbitten)
Selected in multiple years for Yamagata Prefecture’s regional fine art competition

Featured on Major National Television Programs in Japan
Appearance on widely broadcast Japanese TV shows, introducing his cross-stitch landscape art