In 2005, Junko enrolled at the National Academy School of Fine Arts and the Art Students League of New York. She has studied under Mary Beth McKenzie, Sharon Sprung and Costa Vavagiakis. Junko has also had the pleasure of painting in Florence with both Mary Beth and Sharon. She is happy to join her fellow artists in their latest endeavors at the Alex Adam Gallery in New York.

Her main focus is on figure painting using oil, working from live models. The goal is to be able to interpret and connect with models’ emotions and thoughts and express them on canvas. Junko currently lives in Manhattan with her husband, Don and their two cats, Nora and Tommy.

Her works have been exhibited at National Academy mid- year and year-end shows since 2006.