Timeline

1924

Born in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture

1942 - 1948

Attended Kyoto Municipal School of Painting where he was given no option but to study traditional Japanese-style painting

1948

Attended City Art Centre, Osaka where he studied the fundamentals of oil painting and joined the New Creation Art Association

1952

Formed the 'Zero' group with Saburo Murakami and Akira Kanayama

1955

Zero group merges with the Gutai Art Association. The 'Gutai Group' as it became known exhibited both in Japan and internationally until its dissolution in 1972

1957

First meeting with the French art critic, Michel Tapié, who developed the theory of 'L'art Informel'. Tapié subsequently arranged opportunities for members of the Gutai Group to show their work in Europe (including their participation the the 'Nul' exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam in 1965 and in USA at the Martha Jackson Gallery, New York in 1958)

1965

Awarded the Amagasaki Citizen's Cultural Prize

1971

Entered the Buddhist priesthood at the Enryaku Temple Mount Hiei

1987

Awarded the Hyogo Prefectural Cultural Prize

1999

Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for Culture