I spent four years in Aomori. I attended middle school there. Throughout that time, I was supported by our relatives, the Toyota family. The Toyotas ran a textile business in the temple district. The late „Father“ Toyota was very supportive and encouraging in everything I did. I also relied heavily on him.

„Father“ was a good man. I regret that he passed away before I achieved anything significant. I wish he had lived five or ten years longer so I could have done something good to bring him joy. When I think about it today, I only remember the grateful moments with „Father“ and feel deep regret. If I achieved even a little in middle school, „Father“ was happier than anyone else in the world.

When I was in the second grade of middle school, five or six Western paintings were displayed in a small flower shop in Teramachi. As a child, I somehow liked them. I bought one of these pictures for two yen. I cheekily said that this picture would surely increase in value and gave it to „Father“ Toyota. „Father“ smiled. I think this picture is still in the Toyota family’s house. Today, it would be too cheap to sell it for even a hundred yen. It was one of the early masterpieces of Shiko Munakata.

I sometimes see Shiko Munakata in Tokyo, always walking so resolutely that I ignore him every time. But I think Munakata’s pictures from that time were truly great. That was almost twenty years ago now. I hope that the picture in the Toyota house has increased in value even more.

(Published 1941)