He began to paint in oils on his own; a work selected for the Tatsumi Gakai caught the eye of Ryusei Kishida, and he joined the Sodosha and became friendly with the Shirakaba circle. After receiving the Nika Prize he took part in founding the Shunyokai, which remained the centre of his activity to the end, while joining the Roso-kai started by Hoan Kosugi and coming to know the Chinese classics. Besides oils of free colour and brushwork he worked in ink painting, calligraphy and ceramics, and was known as an essayist. He received the Order of Culture in 1975.