I was born in Yonezawa city, Yamagata prefecture in Japan in 1935. I came from a poor farmer family. When I was in elementary school my teacher gave me art supplies including pencils, crayons, sketchbook, and other art tools which was my introduction to art. I was hooked. It began as sketches of my surroundings including a cow in a field, just about anything I could see, I would draw. Some of my art work won awards at school.

When I was 13 years old, my family was so poor they sent me away to work with a rich family. I continued my passion for art through high school and moved to Tokyo after graduating. I was able to secure a job with a movie company in the art division where I continued to refine my skills.

In 1963, I came to the United States to study art professionally. This was the same year former president John F. Kennedy was assassinated which is will always remain in my memory. In San Francisco, I went to school during the day and worked at a Japanese restaurant at night. I entered my art pieces in a variety of art shows and to my surprise won. My proudest accomplishment was in 1966 when my design for the San Francisco Opera House Madam Butterfly was selected. Another accomplishment in which I am honored and humbled to have my design published for 50 years for the San Francisco Japanese American daily newspaper.

In 2004, I relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada to focus on my art full-time. I continue my passion for art and recently hosted an art show this past fall 2016 in Hiroshima, Japan. The inspiration to host the art show in Hiroshima was a result of my desire for world peace. Hiroshima is a symbolic city for world peace as a result of the atomic bombing from World War II.

Majority of my art pieces are focused on the scenery of San Francisco. San Francisco embodies a city of diversity, peace, and hope for tomorrow. This is important more than ever during these times of uncertainty. It is my hope my art can initiate healing and peace.