Naganawa is a naïve painter, or actually faux naive in the tradition of Paul Klee and Marc Chagall. Those two artists were highly skilled masters who developed childlike styles. Both of them synthesized disparate cultures. Similarly, Naganawa, while her roots are in Japanese tradition, embraces the Cambodian culture.
The artist felt a deep sympathy for the Cambodians because of the suffering they endured during the years of war. She was inspired to go there and to help revive the spirits of people by teaching art and making picture books for students.