The art of Yasuo Araki revolves around people. Yasuo uses motifs such as people, stars, the sun and the moon because every living entity is a part of the universe. In 1945, at the age of 6, Yasuo fled from the hell that rained down from the B-29 bombers during the war, destroying his quiet hometown of Yamanashi, Japan. This wartime experience led him to engage in peacemaking efforts at a grass root level. It is also what made him determined to become an artist who communicates the message of peace through art.

In 1964, Yasuo graduated from Musashino Art College in Tokyo. Four years later, in 1968, he left Japan at the age of 29 with a one way ticket to Vancouver, Canada. A few years after arriving in Canada, Yasuo was employed by the BC Ministry of Education as a graphic designer, where he worked for 9 years.

Since then, Yasuo has gone on to actively exhibit his work across Vancouver and around the world. He has held numerous solo exhibitions and participated in various group shows all around Vancouver, Seattle and Japan for a total of over 80 art exhibitions.

Yasuo founded and has been operating Araki Gallery International Inc., located in Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver/Canada Place since 1989. In 2021, the Araki Gallery International Inc. will be celebrating its 32nd anniversary at the Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver.