Biography

Painter. Born in Fukuoka Prefecture. Grew up in a coal-mining area. In 1938, entered Tokyo University of the Arts. Graduated early in 1943 due to WWII, while at the same time was drafted into the military. Due to illness, was sent back to Japan before the war ended. Moved to France in 1952. Became a member of Salon d’Automne in 1956. After his return to Japan in 1964, in parallel with his creative activities, he taught at schools such as Tokyo University of the Arts. In addition, he dedicated his time to the preservation of works by art students who died in WWII, which helped establish Mugonkan. He was also a recognized writer. In 2014, he received the Order of Culture from the Japanese government. He continued to energetically create works even into his centenarian years, while also going back and forth between his studios in Tokyo and Fukuoka.