As director of costume design for opening ceremony of 2008 Beijing Olympics, Ishioka found inspiration from art pieces such as Greek statues and African helmets. As a result, a large number of costumes that are able to visualize fabric texture, actions, and aura were designed under her hands.
The design of costumes for the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony was driven by Ishioka's desire to create visual representations of fabric textures, actions, and a sense of presence through her work. She drew inspiration from art pieces such as Greek statues and African helmets.