Japanese airbrush artist brings Sabah beauty to life at Mari Mari Cultural Village

KOTA KINABALU, FEB 6, 2026: Japanese airbrush artist known as Yasu taking a group picture with local dancers at Mari-Mari Cultural Village with the backdrop of his replica painting on the performance stage at Mari-Mari Cultural Village. Picture courtesy of Lano Lan

KOTA KINABALU: What began as a cultural visit turned into a six-month artistic journey for a Japanese airbrush artist, whose detailed artwork now greets visitors at Mari Mari Cultural Village here. 

 The 52-year-old artist, who prefers to be known as Yasu, said he was captivated by Sabah’s living traditions during his first visit to the village in March last year. 

 Located about 30 minutes from the city, the village allows visitors to experience traditional dance performances, explore ethnic houses, sample traditional food, take part in cultural activities and listen to folk stories reflecting Sabah’s diverse heritage. 

 “I have been to Kota Kinabalu several times, but my first experience at Mari Mari Cultural Village was in March last year. 

 “I admire how the management of Mari Mari Cultural Village continues this culture and showcases it to people who do not know about it. “I am surprised the staff are having fun working here also,” he told the media, adding that he expressed his appreciation for their dedication by incorporating their faces into the artwork. 

 After returning to his hometown in Tottori prefecture, Japan, Yasu worked closely with the Mari Mari Cultural Village team, who assisted him by providing photographs of staff members and various angles of Mount Kinabalu. 

 Coincidentally, the image of the mountain was taken during sunset, prompting Yasu to use warm orange hues for the airbrush-and-pencil artwork, which was created on crumpled recycled carton paper. 

 “I know sunset is very beautiful for Kota Kinabalu. So does Mount Kinabalu, which is a very big symbol,” he said, adding that his fondness for animals and insects also influenced the piece, with wildlife elements woven into the composition. 

 The artwork, which was gifted to the village, is displayed at the entrance, while a replica serves as a backdrop at the performance stage. 

 When asked about the staff’s reaction upon seeing their faces in the painting, Yasu said: “Their reaction was really happy when they saw this picture for the first time. Everyone was very, very happy and surprised because it looked really real.” 

Note: Ive blogged about my personal tour at the same site, which made me agree with Yasu's view about the village.