THE SUN RISES is a set of requiems for the Japanese affected by the earthquake and tsunami in March of 2011. Each work expresses the cultural symbols for the sun and for the seasons of nature, using Japanese spiritual philosophy to help people cheer themselves up. 

 In the first and the last works, THE SUN RISES OVER & OVER AGAIN and ATARASHIKI NIPPON NO YOAKE (NEW JAPANESE SUNRISES) the sun is placed in the middle to show Japanese powers.

The title of the second work, AKITSUSHIMA, is an old Japanese name. The red dragonflies in this work also have same names, so I drew them to represent the beauty of Japan. (Not posted)

The third work of SOMEIYOSHINO, is the cherry blossom, highly popular in Japan. It is synonymous with spring in Japan, and encourages people to be happy.

The idea to draw the fourth work, LOOK UP! A HAPPY RAINBOW APPEARS IN THE SKY, came from a famous song, SUKIYAKI. I selected the lyrics “I look up when I walk, so the tears won't fall” from this song, as well as a rainbow, a symbol of happiness.