Michisei was born in Isezaki , Gunma Prefecture , the son of Kohno Jiro , a painter , teacher of art and portrait photographer who was also a member of the Japanese Orthodox Church ; some sources state that he grew up in Nagano City . The elder Kohno also had an extensive library , which provided further inspiration for his son . Michisei soon fell under the influence of painter Kishida Ryūsei , and joined the latter 's Sodosha movement in 1915 ; he also exhibited at times with Kokugakai , Nikakai , Shun ' yokai , and Bunten . After Kishida 's death Kohno turned increasingly to illustration , producing artwork for a number of novels published during the Shōwa period and working for a variety of newspapers . Beginning in 1931 he was a member of Nihon Hanga Kyokai , and he exhibited his paintings sporadically between 1933 and 1937 . Among the subjects he illustrated was the 1923 Great Kantō earthquake . He also produced woodblock prints during his career , and served as art director for one film directed by Kazunobu Shigemune for Toho Studios , '' Matsushita mura juku '' , in 1939 . Sekine Shoji was influenced by his work
1923 Great Kantō earthquake
1923 Great Kantō earthquake
Kohno Michisei