(Textile Creator, Renowned Textile Designer)
A renowned master of fiber artist, was born in Kiryu of Japan. He started doing hand weaving at an early age in his family’s mill, and has since devoted to innovative design of fabrics. In the 1970s and 1980s, he collaborated with the renowned fashion designers, such as Issey Miyake and Rei Kawkubo, to integrate the innovation of fabrics into fashion design. From 1970s, Arai worked on Jacquard textiles and produced the effect of oriental style textile designs, which is synergy of artistry and utility. His works are included in the permanent collections of many museums, including the Victoria and Albert Museum London, the Museum of Modern Art New York and the American Craft Museum.