Yasui Sōtarō: A Pioneer of Modern Japanese Painting Early Life and Training Yasui Sōtarō, born on May 17, 1888, in Kyoto, Japan, was a pivotal figure in the development of modern Japanese painting. He initially defied his family’s expectations by abandoning commercial studies to pursue art. His formal training began at the Shōgoin Institute of Western Art (later known as Kansai Bijutsuin) under the guidance of Asai Chū. This foundation in Western painting techniques proved crucial for his future artistic explorations, alongside fellow student Ryuzaburo Umehara. Years in France and Artistic…