Kotaro Takamura was one of the most influential poets, painters, and sculptors during the late Taisho (1912-1926) and early Showa (1926-1989) era of Japan . Born in Tokyo in 1883, Takamura was the eldest son of the prominent sculptor, Koun Takamura. He studied sculpture and oil painting at Tokyo School of Fine Arts, and continued his study in New York, London, and Paris. During his time in New York, he studied under John Gutzon de la Mothe Borglum, the sculptor responsible for Mt. Rushmore.
Following his completing his training in Paris in 1909, Takamura returned to Japan where he and his contemporaries were seen as revolutionary for incorporating Western techniques and styles into their artwork.
While Kotaro was an art student and discovering his calling as a sculptor, he struggled with constantly being in his father’s shadow. Wanting his work to be known for its own merits, Takamura rebelled against his father’s teaching. It was only after an encounter with his the future wife, Chieko, that he was able to rebuild the distressed relationship.
「僕の前に道はない、僕の後ろに道はできる」 (ぼくのまえにみちはない、ぼくのうしろにみちはできる) (Boku no mae ni michi ha nai, boku no ushiro ni michi ha dekiru) is an excerpt of one of his most famous poems, The Journey/The Itinerary 道程 (どうてい). Translated, it says “No path lies before me. As I press on, a path appears behind me” (Arthur Binard). Takamura declared his intention to be known as a trailblazer, creating a “path” for others to follow, expressing that while he is has been freed from his father’s influence, he admires his father’s accomplishments and respectfully acknowledges his father’s significant role in his life.
—by Ukita-sensei