Born in Ibaraki Prefecture in 1892. After moving to Tokyo, studied under Unno Bisei, a metal sculptor from his hometown, then became a student of Asakura Fumio. Was selected for the 10th Bunten in 1916. Later exhibited in the Kanten as well, but moved to England in 1921. Went to Paris in 1922 and studied under Bourdelle at the Grand Chaumiere. During this period, he communicated with Foujita Tsuguharu, Fukuzawa Ichiro, and others, and continued his personal research, with a particular interest in archaic Greece sculpture. He also studied the teracotta method of baking shaped clay unglazed.

Returned to Japan in 1935. Exhibited in the Nikaten from the following year until 1940. The works he made in Europe were invited to be shown at the 2nd Shinjukaiten in 1948; the fresh and unique terracotta expression was met with surprise and highly regarded. Joined the Shinjukai in 1951. The same year, was awarded the 3rd Mainichi Art Award, then in 1962, the 5th Gendai Nihon Bijutsuten Grand Prize, and in 1970 the Nakahara Teijiro Award. Passed away in 1977.