Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2010

The 5-year-old recently became the first student from Tokyo to win top honors in the Japan National Art Competition, sponsored by Sumitomo Life Insurance Co.

Where are you from?
I was born in Japan, but I’m a US citizen from Texas.

What are your hobbies?
Making things, arts and crafts. Baseball. Fishing. Playing with my friends.

Tell us about the art contest.
It is a competition every year for kids in school in Japan. My school, Seven Seas International, has me make a picture, and then I won for Tokyo and then for Japan.

We hear that your painting might be displayed at the Louvre, along with a couple other winners. What do you think about that?
I saw a picture of the Mona Lisa, and my painting will be there too! I am very proud and happy.