>What are your most profound memories of growing up?
As a boy, camping under the pine trees on the local beach near my home town Fukuoka in Kyushu.
>What family stories/personal experiences affected you most profoundly?
When my father took me to the working studio of the famous potter Kakiemon. 
I saw the world of a centuries old family of artisans continuing throughout history into the present.  I was in awe to see what I had only seen in books was actually a reality.  I was in awe with reverence and respect for his work.  It opened my eyes to a different world.
>How has your culture of origin influenced your artwork?
Japanese culture reveres nature and beauty.  Also discipline and balance. 
Life requires harmony to maintain peace and order.  There exists the antithesis.  Nature is chaotic,  but its forces balance each other.  In Japanese art- Ukiyo-e, Yamato-e, calligraphy,  this expresses itself in asymmetry,  balancing form,  mass,  color.  There is tension,  and then there is balance.  Studying Calligraphy, Japanese brush painting, gave me love for the sensory experience of my hand using brush to apply ink to
paper,  taught me control of the brush,  and how to make the strokes express ideas and emotions.
>Have there been any dramatic events in your life that have changed/shaped your art?
The recent death of a family member taught me that life is short and precious.  The experience propelled me to express the soul and life-force in my painting.
>What was the hardest point in your artistic journey?
Opening the door.  Overcoming my fears.  Having the courage to leave the commercial world,  and live my dream to exist as an artist.  Opening the door,  going through it, to enter my journey and look for my road.
>What was the most gratifying experience for you as an artist?
Having the opportunity to have my first gallery show afforded to me by Agora Gallery.
>What would you like your art to accomplish?
To be able to express myself,  to share and communicate my vision with other people.
>What do you believe makes your art stand out in the art world?
Passion for painting.  The ability to express human experience, emotions,
and dreams in pictorial format.