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Each of the pieces in her Goddess and Spirit series of bowls and vases has a unique engraved design, usually depicting a visual metaphor or allegory. Naoko blows the vessel, usually in two transparent colors with a crystal foot. She usually engraves the design on the inside, and the transparent colors allow the viewer to see the juxtaposition of the entire scene from any angle. Through these pieces she conveys her sensitive interpretations of human figures, flowers, trees, animals, birds and other related images.

Her series called "Horn of Life" offers a refined sculptural form on which detailed engravings of birds, fish, shells, flowers or other organic subjects are conveyed. She blows the vessel, etches away to reveal the bottom color, and then inlays the surface, front and back, with sheets of silver leaf. When the piece has cooled, she then engraves designs onto the areas covered with silver leaf.

Takenouchi uses classic engraving techniques, some dating back to Roman times. Another process she uses was originated in the 1870s and involves high-pressure etching with fine grain garnet beads. Although she may repeat themes, each piece is unique in color, form and images used.

Takenouchi has worked as a glass artist since 1983, when she began a four-year course of study in design and glassblowing at the Tama Art University, Tokyo. Subsequently, she studied glassblowing at the highly regarded New York Experimental Glass Workshop. In 1993, and again in 1998, she was honored with scholarships to attend the world-renowned Pilchuck Glass School in Washington state.

In 1995 her glass art was among only 100 pieces selected from thousands of international applicants and for inclusion in the prestigious New Glass Review 16, which is published annually by the Corning Museum of Glass.

Takenouchi’s work has been shown at major galleries, museums and juried exhibitions throughout the world. In 1995 she exhibited her work at The International Exhibition of Glass Kanazawa and The Canadian Craft Museum. Among her commission are two CBC Sports Awards for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and the President’s Award for Starbucks Coffee.

Her work is included in numerous private collections in Japan, Canada, Europe, Great Britain and the United States.