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At any rate, I returned to Japan having enjoyed to the full life's harshness, toughness, obstinacy and joy. I had experienced an amazing vitality ? the vitality of a world that glows with unaffected life, of a world without color. As this vitality also relates to bamboo, I learned a lot on the trip.

In order to have a long career as possible as a painter, I want to be as active as possible while I am young ? to not only think of ideas, but to actually put them into practice.

Many people disapproved of my trip to Greenland, but I have an intense personality, and believe that "if I think I can do something, I can do it."
With the passing years my mind has become that of an adult, but I want my spirit to remain as curious as that of a child. This time I experienced Greenland in summer, so next time I'd like to go in winter. I'm already excited about discovering what life is like there during the three dark midwinter months when the sun doesn't come out all day, and the temperature drops to 30 to 40 degrees below zero.

Next time I want to bring vegetable seeds. In Greenland vegetables are all imported because there is a preconceived idea that it is not possible to grow them. However, alpine plants bloom in seasons during which the sun comes out, so I think it must be possible to grow vegetables. I will be very happy if I can supplement, however little, the vegetables of the Inuit.

"The bamboo of Kyoto" and "the Inuit of Greenland".
Both of these have a tough, unyielding vitality. I really feel that I have discovered a deep connection with their splendid lives.