Born in Kagoshima Prefecture, the third son of a retainer of the Satsuma domain. He studied under Yukihiko Soyama, Seijuro Nakamaru and Hosui Yamamoto. On Seiki Kuroda’s recommendation he became an assistant professor at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, and took part in founding the Hakubakai. After travelling to Europe he became a professor at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. Beginning with figure paintings of an Eastern refinement, in his maturity he opened new ground in landscape. Member of the Imperial Art Academy; Imperial Household Artist; recipient of the Order of Culture.