I have loved to paint since I was a child. Painting with different colours makes me happier when I am happy, kinder when I am sad, braver when I am lost, and more cheerful when I am depressed.
As I grew older and busier, I stopped painting. Then one day, as if guided, I began to paint a lot. It was only about 10 years ago. Then last year, I came across Japanese oil pastels. Sakura Craypas is the most familiar among the many painting materials I have used. As I was painting with the crayons, I was drawn to Buddhism, as I had been led to believe. Although I am not a member of any particular religion, Maitreya and Buddha have always brought me as much hap-piness as painting. Thinking back, Sakura Craypas were used in school when I was a child. And as a Japanese, I had the opportunity to visit temples on a very regular basis.
From the beginning, I think I grew up protected by these two things. Now I am painting very happily and happily.