I was born in Osaka Japan and lived in the same neighborhood as Sen No Rikyu in Sakai. Moved to Michigan at 18 months, went to school there, moved to Minnesota to study Zen with Dainin Katagiri Roshi. Moved to Mashiko to study pottery with National Living Treasure Tatsuzo Shimaoka. After 3 tear apprenticeship, set up my own pottery and kiln in Mashiko and am working here. My wife Jean is an artist (wood block prints, monotypes, drawing and painting.)