At Rei Cosmetics, our Thank You Cards are more than just a note of appreciation. They reflect our deep admiration for Japanese art, craftsmanship, and storytelling. As part of our ongoing collaboration with Japanese female artists, we are proud to introduce our newest Thank You Card, created in partnership with Kana Handel, a Japanese artist based in the U.S.
About Kana Handel
Originally from Tokyo, Kana Handel moved to the United States in 1992 and now splits her time between Gainesville, Florida and New York City. She studied at the renowned Musashino Art University in Tokyo and began her career as a graphic artist in advertising before transitioning into freelance illustration. For over 23 years, Kana has illustrated books and magazines, working with prominent Japanese publishers such as Gakken (Kagaku and Gakushyu) and Shogakukan, both known for their focus on children’s publications.
While illustration for children has always been central to her work, Kana eventually felt drawn to explore more personal forms of expression. She reflects on how, as a child, painting always brought her joy, a feeling she believes still exists within all of us. Rather than creating strictly for children, her work speaks to the child within each of us.
Her art is rooted in storytelling and emotion. Blending elements of nature, spirituality, love, politics, and peace, Kana creates figurative and narrative works that channel imagination as a source of healing. While touches of realism appear, her pieces are guided by a desire to transform her thoughts into visual stories that evoke positivity and introspection in the viewer.
About come and go
For this Thank You Card, we selected Kana’s striking piece come and go. The painting features a woman enveloped in nature, surrounded by trees, grass, flowers, butterflies, and the moon, creating a sense of harmony and quiet reflection. Created using acrylic, dry pigment, and oxidized silver leaf gilding on canvas, the work reveals intricate textures and delicate details that are best appreciated in person.
The piece immediately resonated with us at Rei Cosmetics. It reflects the essence of J-Beauty, where many products are inspired by nature and where beauty is closely tied to balance, calm, and well-being. Much like the feeling of being immersed in nature, come and go evokes a sense of peace and gentle happiness.
A Keepsake from Rei Cosmetics
As a token of our appreciation, we are including these exclusive Kana Handel x Rei Cosmetics Thank You Cards in every order, while supplies last. Each card is a small work of art, perfect for collecting, displaying, or sharing with someone special.
We hope this piece brings a moment of calm to your day and invites you to reconnect with creativity, nature, and the child within.