In Japan I studied for 5 years at Saikousha Art School in Saitama.
Following this I worked for a Japanese TV company as an assistant set designer. I am also an accomplished musician and worked in Japanese theatre.
I came to Britain to learn English. However, it soon became evident that there were few Japanese artists working in this country, so I began to contribute by joining two art groups.
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Initially, I joined a local professional art group in South Wales called Art 2000.
My work was exhibited in Llantarnam Grange Arts centre and Cwmbran Library.
As a result of these exhibitions, a local business man commissioned me for a painting that combined Arthurian mythological symbolism with traditional Japanese Samurai warriors.
The work was painted to depict a picture of unity between both cultures, an important factor, as Wales had the largest amount of Japanese companies in Europe. The painting titled 'Kindred Spirits' was aptly handed over on the day the Japanese Emperor visited Cardiff and received much publicity.
During 1997 I had also joined CADMAD, the leading Cardiff based Multicultural Art Group for professional artists. My western depiction of angels raised much attention, resulting in my work being used for all the publicity (posters, invitations etc.) for their 3 month touring exhibition titled 'Myth, Faith & Religion'. Exhibitions took place in Cardiff Central Library, Norwegian Church Art Centre and Living Archive Gallery, Barry.
In the summer of 1997, I was invited to stay with Cypriot artists Dinos and Irene Koumoulis for 10 weeks as a result of my work in Wales. We held a group exhibition at their villa Sirena Bay and I also had my work exhibited at several prestigious galleries on the island: Heliotropio and Thekla galleries in Larnaca, Anadsis gallery in Nicosia and Peter's International gallery, Limassol. Later that year I also became involved in publicity, helping Welsh artists raise awareness for a new art centre to be established in Newport, South Wales. Press cutting illustrated:
1998 was also a busy year. In January and February I exhibited at Swansea Museum and took part in the New Mumbles Gallery Christmas exhibition. Following this, myself and April Rogers held 3 joint exhibitions funded by the South Wales Arts Council.
My work still continued with the CADMAD multicultural art group in Cardiff; resulting in a six month touring exhibition titled Visions of Identity where my work was displayed at: St Donats Art Centre, Norwegian Church Arts Centre, Dylan Thomas Centre in Swansea, Cwmbran Library, Cardiff Central Library and Blaengarw Workmen's Hall.
In 1999 I was still an active member of the Cardiff Multicultural Arts Group, more specifically, AMA CYMRU, the section for visual artists. I partook in exhibitions at the Norwegian Church Arts Centre and Sherman Theatre gallery in Cardiff. I also represented my country with this group at the International Global Diversity Conference held in Cardiff that Summer. Politicians and celebrities attended this event from all over the world. AMA CYMRU is the only multicultural visual arts group in Wales. Furthermore I was the only Japanese representative of art in this group. I feel it's very important that I contribute and continue to represent my country's and family's art heritage.
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 In addition to my involvement in the British Art scene, I've also established good relationships through my music. I am an accomplished guitarist and harmonica player and have performed traditional Japanese music, rhythm & blues and my own style of music throughout various venues in South Wales. I am currently a member of Arts Focus, a group to raise awareness of arts in Newport and normally perform locally, free of charge to support them.
I have befriended many famous musicians in Wales who are eager to learn about my Japanese music culture and background. My performances are always voluntary and donation based. I have also performed regularly at the renowned Toucan Club in Cardiff.
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Coming from a strong lineage of artists, I was introduced to my country's traditional art and craft at an early age.
Kiyoshi Takamizawa, my father is an artistic person. He has worked as an interior designer at a department store and as a designer of Japanese gardens. He has illustrated books and calendars and his work has featured on covers of Japanese magazines. His main art style is drawing pen and watercolour. His pictures show many traditional Japanese architecture and sacred buildings. Currently he is in China, teaching Japanese
 
Haluji Takamizawa, my grandfather was a professional, traditional Japanese 'shodou' calligraphy artist in the Nagano area.
Hiroshi Takamizawa, my uncle is a famous writer and poet.
He wrote "Sun only for the survivors", an autobiographical account of families and their experiences in China during World War II. He is also an artist and has had many exhibitions of his oil paintings. He has also illustrated one of his poetry books.
Junzo Matsumoto, my cousin is a top interior designer in Tokyo. His clients are famous Japanese celebrities... a recent acquisition was Yousui Inoue, the famous songwriter and musician.
Toji Takamizawa, my great uncle graduated from Tokyo art university in 1932 and exhibited for many years.
Ikuko Sakamoto, my great aunt is a professional Japanese lithographer.
She has a Doctorate in Japanese water colours from Panama University. Currently, she is the Principal of two traditional Japanese water colour art schools in Japan which have been established for 20 years with students attending from all over the world.
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My parents
 
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