I was born and raised in Japan. I grew up in Kamakura, one of the ancient capitals of Japan, situated on the Pacific Ocean south of Tokyo and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Kanto region. 

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My hometown is not only a historic place, but it is also a cultural mecca, becoming a popular destination for authors and artists since the 1800s. At home, I was always surrounded by art. Both my parents were engaged in some form of visual art. My father was a painter all his life, and my mother was first a fashion designer and later a potter. I grew up watching them expressing their artistic sense through their creations. Being aware of your own artistic sensibility was part of my growing-up process.