I was born in Japan, and began my woodcarving career through apprenticeship, carving and restoring Buddhist statues and temple ornaments. Coming to the U.S., I worked as a restorer of antique furniture and woodcarvings in New York City. Now living and working in the woods of Vermont, the motifs of most of my woodcarvings are taken from things in nature. Except for the preparation of raw wood materials, I carve every piece by hand. It is a slow, meditative process. My wish is that the inspiring and pacifying energy of nature is transferred to people when they see, touch, and use my hand-carved objects.
