Gentle brush, strong spiritーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
Hosino Toishiro, a Japanese painter and poet, is a celebrated symbol of courage in the face of adversity. After losing the use of his limbs in an accident, he created over 500 works by holding a brush in his mouth. He died last year at 78, but his art filled with gratitude for life on bringing hope and comfort to many. This museum north of Tokyo displays about 70 works by Hoshino Toihiro. His gentle watercolors and uplifting poems have attracted over 7 million visitors from across the country. This flower blooms only on this grass. Now I understand that there is something I can only do. I’m drawn to the overflowing sense of life in his work. His art lingers in my heart more than even the most famous masterpieces. Hosino, a former physical education teacher, suffered a spinal injury when he was 24, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. Get well flowers helped him in his despair. Clinging to hope, Hosino began to paint them using a brush in his mouth while lying in bed. Once I saw you fly in the sky, I was so pleased to see you travel by the wind, carrying only one thing. Only one thing is needed for a man. I felt like flying in the sky if I could throw away the extra things. Saito Yuka is one of many whose lives have been touched by Hosino’s works. When I was a senior in high school and struggling with my future, I saw a calendar with Hosino’s art in the school library. I was deeply moved by his strength and how he kept on living and being alive after his accident. Seaitto later followed in Hosno’s footsteps and became a teacher. His poetry continued to support her when she faced professional challenges. I always felt as if he was telling me, “Why are you worrying about such little things? It’s okay.” This year, Silito became principal at a special education school and has been feeling the pressure of making big decisions at work. She decided to revisit the museum in order to seek guidance from Hosno’s works. A piece featuring Catalia flowers captured her heart. Whether I stand or fall, I am in the palms of your hands. I felt as if Hosino was telling me that it will be okay. Whatever happens, even if I make mistakes, it made me realize I can be myself and keep going just as I am. Today, some of Hosino’s works are published in English, others are set to music. One year after his death, his gentle brush continues to inspire countless hearts, keeping alive his deep gratitude for life.
Hoshino Tomihiro, a Japanese painter and poet, is a celebrated symbol of courage in the face of adversity. After losing the use of his limbs in an accident, he created over 500 works by holding a brush in his mouth. He died last year at the age of 78 – however, his art, filled with gratitude for life, lives on, bringing hope and comfort to many. #japan #art #artist #poet #painter #painting #culture #disability
More stories on arts & culture: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/tags/4/
Please subscribe HERE: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSPEjw8F2nQDtmUKPFNF7_A?sub_confirmation=1