Biography

Painter. Born in Osaka City. In 1907, entered Tokyo University of the Arts, and studied Japanese-style and Western-style paintings. In 1919, gained attention for winning the Chogyu Prize for “N’s Family” in the 6th Nika Exhibition. Went to Europe in 1921. After he returned, his realistic painting style that had been based on his lively use of brushstrokes transformed into one that revealed unconstrainted brushstrokes with rich colors. In 1923, he became a member of the Nika Association. In 1924, along with Katsuyuki Nabei and Jutaro Kuroda, he established the Shinanobashi Institute of Western Painting in Osaka. He greatly contributed to the development of the Western- painting world in Japan, via teaching practical techniques of painting, while also producing many artists. Widely known as the “Narashige of women’s nudes,” he painted a great number of such nudes well into his later years. In addition, he published illustrations and essays in newspaper novels, and also produced glass paintings.