He was born in Tokyo on January 23, 1925 and joined IJAAF with the 13th class of the Shonen Hikohei (Youth Pilot) programme. He was a member of the famous 64th Sentai and participated in the defence of Japan in the final stages of the War; an experience that influenced him greatly.
Check these two links: Link One - Link Two for the very interesting story of Kaiho-san and B-29 pilot Raymond "Hap" Halloran.
Kaiho-san on the left with Raymond "Hap" Halloran
After the War Kaiho-san became a Keirin (here) bicycle racer and later, after his retirement in 1962, a pilot instructor in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture.
His history as an artist starts before the War. At that time he used watercolours and won first prize in a Navy art competition. After the War he changed to oils and he became a major influence to many young Japanese aviation illustrators and artists. He passed away in 2004.
Small quiz: Can you identify the aircraft types and more importantly the units in the above paintings of Kaiho-san?
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