Kimiko Nishimoto

Kimiko Nishimoto (西本 喜美子, Nishimoto Kimiko; 22 May 1928 – 9 June 2025) was a Brazilian-born Japanese photographer and internet celebrity. She was previously a hairdresser, track cyclist and homemaker.

Early life and education

Kimiko Nishimoto was born in Brazil in 1928. Her parents taught agriculture to locals. She was the second daughter of 7 siblings. At the age of 8, her family moved to Kumamoto. She graduated from beauty school.^[1]

Career

Nishimoto worked as a hairdresser in her father's salon where she specialized in bridal and Japanese coiffure. After four years working as a hairdresser, Nishimoto attended cycling school and became licensed as a professional cyclist.^[1] From the age of 22 to 27, she competed nationally as a track cyclist with her two younger brothers.^[2]

In 2001, Nishimoto began her career as an amateur photographer after taking a photography and image processing course taught by her eldest son. In 2011, she had her first solo exhibit at the Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art.^[3] In 2018, she had an exhibition named "Asobokane?" (transl. "Shall We Play?") in Shinjuku.^[1] As of March 2020^[update], Nishimoto had developed a social media presence, with over 220,000 followers of her Instagram account.^[4]

Personal life and death

At the age of 27, Nishimoto married Hitoshi, a tax official, and they raised their three children in Kyushu. She was a homemaker for over 45 years. Nishimoto's husband died in 2012 of lung cancer.^[1] As of May 2018^[update], Nishimoto resided in Kumamoto Prefecture.^[3] In reference to her longevity, Nishimoto stated that she was a daily cigarette smoker and drank a tall glass of Bourbon whiskey every day.^[4]

Nishimoto died on June 9, 2025, at the age of 97.^[5]