Toriyama Sekien: A Pioneer of Yōkai Illustration and Ukiyo-e Innovation Name: Toriyama Sekien (also known as Sano Toyofusa) Born: 1712, Tokyo, Japan Died: 1788 Origin: AllPaintingsStore Early Life and Artistic Training Sekien was born into a family of high-ranking servants to the Tokugawa Shogunate, affording him access to elite artistic training. He received instruction from prominent artists of the Kanō school, Kanō Gyokuen and Kanō Chikanobu. While not formally recognized as a member of the Kanō school, this rigorous training significantly shaped his artistic foundation.…