Hello. I’m Keisuke Iwahata, born in Numazu City, Shizuoka, Japan on April 29, 1986.
When I was 3 years old, I was diagnosed with learning difficulties. But I managed to attend the same regular kindergarten and primary school as my friends did.
At the age of 10, I was diagnosed with leukemia, and I was taken to Shizuoka Children’s Hospital for treatment for 1 year. While in the hospital, I was absorbed in reading comic books by my favorite Japanese comic artist, Fujio Akatsuka. It was at that time that I first began to paint pictures.
After leaving the hospital, I still had to go to see my physician on a regular basis for anticancer drug treatment for 3 years. Every time I met him, I showed him pictures I painted, and he put them up on the wall. Consequently his room was filled with my works, which made me very happy.
Now I go to Shizuoka Chuo High School. I realize I wouldn’t be what I am without the kind support and help given by many people.
Today, I am hooked on traveling by myself. I have visited many places and been impressed not only by the wonderful scenery but also the warm hospitality offered by local people.
As soon as I come back from each trip, I paint and paint to my heart’s content.
No painting, no life.
I will keep on creating a lot of works and characters.
Excerpt from the self-introduction at my one-person exhibition held at Seibu Department Store in fall 2009
1986 | Born in Numazu City, Shizuoka, Japan. |
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1996 | Started painting pictures while under medical treatment in the hospital. |
Today | Enrolled in Shizuoka Chuo High School. |