Born in 1958 in Nibutani, Biratori, Saru District, Hokkaido. She is the younger sister of attus weaving and embroidery artist Nitanitani Fumiko, and grew up in a three-generation household with her grandparents, parents, and four sisters. From an early age, she closely observed her late mother, Nitanitani Wakako, making Ainu clothing and textiles. After returning to Nibutani when her daughter was young, she joined the Dance Section of the Biratori Ainu Cultural Preservation Society, where she learned suwari-uta (seated songs) and more. She attended embroidery and other craft workshops whenever possible, and at the age of 60, after retiring from her previous work, she decided to fully dedicate herself to creating her own works. She now continues her craft while also working.

She mainly produces embroidery works such as chijiri, chikarakarape, and hanten, as well as toma (※1). In embroidery, she strives to create her works while faithfully reproducing what she was taught, especially regarding the direction of chain stitches. The patterns are mostly traditional designs handed down in her family, drawn by her sister Nitanitani Fumiko. She works on her creations daily with her sister’s advice and guidance.

In Nibutani, the passing down of traditional culture from master to successor has long been a way of life, and thanks to the senior artisans who inherited and protected these skills, local crafts continue to this day. She holds deep respect and gratitude for them and wishes to carry on the tradition herself.

Member of the Nibutani Folk Craft Association.

※1 A flower mat made from gama (bulrush) leaves.