Graduated from Tokyo Academy of Fine Arts (now Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music) in 1929. His early work included posters, advertisements, costume and set designs for plays and movies (Tsukiji Little Theatre, Shochiku Kinema). Worked for Nippon Kobo from 1934 to 1939 as art director, established DESKA in 1959. Taught design at Musashino University, Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, Joshibi University of Art and Design, and Aichi Prefectural University of Fine Arts and Music, where he later served as president. Lectured at the Ulm School of Design in 1963. Became the Japanese AGI president in 1961. Presiding judge at the International Warsaw Poster Biennale in 1968. Was appointed a Royal Designer for Industry (UK) in 1983, and was elected to the Tokyo ADC Hall of Fame in 1986. He held his first solo exhibition in 1967. A posthumous solo exhibition was held at Ginza Graphic Gallery (GGG) in 2003 and the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo in 2005.