TOMOKA was born in 2001 in Yokohama with autism and intellectual disabilities.
At the age of seven, her mother found something that looked like a doodle in the margin of her textbook. She soon realized that it was Mt. Fuji, which was the beginning of TOMOKA’s art. This became an opportunity for her to attend a painting class.
Why does TOMOKA draw? She cannot understand her disabilities. She wonders why she cannot talk like others and why she cannot understand conversations well. She tries to communicate with others, but is often not satisfied. Therefore, she draws paintings. She is trying to express herself by drawing. The colors she chooses become her words.
The characteristics of TOMOKA’s art are vivid colors and a powerful touch. She wants to give power to the viewers and make them happy. She includes these intentions in all of her works.