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Tanaka Isson Tanaka Isson was born in 1908 in Tochigi Prefecture near Tokyo. At age 18 he enrolled in the Tokyo Arts Academy (the forerunner of today's Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music) and entered the Dept. of Japanese Painting. Although his future seemed promising, he endured illness, poverty, and difficult life circumstances while pursuing his art studies making a clear distinction from the leading art circles of the day. In 1958, at the age of 50, Tanaka felt himself drawn by the natural beauty of the southern islands, and he decided to relocate to Amamioshima island. He worked at a silk spinning factory for sustenance, and lead a frugal life in food, clothing and shelter. Though his life seemed unfortunate to some, he continued to paint what he saw of nature and life in Amami. Tanaka Isson died in 1977 at the age of 69.

"The Amami  Woods" (8)  73 x 155 cm  Painting on silk

Tanaka Isson was a fervent and talented painter throughout his career. The permanent exhibit is divided into three sections, detailing the three main phases of Tanaka's career: Early Period to the Chiba Years, the Chiba Years to the Amami Years, and Magnum Opus in the Amami Years. The seminar room is the venue for our presentation of "Painting in Amami." This video presentation movingly portrays Tanaka Isson's artistic career, his character, and his connections with Amami. Various lectures, research symposia and workshops are also held here. [Showtimes] Every hour at :15 and :45 minutes after the hour  (presentation lasts 17 minutes) Last showing at 5:15 PM (6:15 PM in summer) "The Amami Woods" (9)  57 x 153 cm Painting on silk