Yoshiro Tachibana was born in 1941 in Sanda, Japan, during the height of wartime conflict.He was the son of the renowned painter Nakaba Tachibana. From an early age, Yoshiro showed a strong interest in painting, learning from his father and admiring masters such as Cézanne, Van Gogh, Matisse, and Rouault.
Growing up during World War II, especially in the aftermath of the tragedies of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, had a profound impact on his worldview.
This turbulent era awakened in him a deep curiosity and a desire to explore beyond Japan’s borders, leading him to travel at a young age in search of new perspectives and artistic experiences.
In the 1960s, Yoshiro moved to Tokyo to study at the University of Fine Arts, where he became fascinated by the work of Paul Klee. During his time in Tokyo, he also delved into flamenco, which became one of his great passions, helping him forge a deep connection with Spain and prominent artists of the era. In 1968, he joined the Japanese painters' group "Black Flag" and took part in several protests against the Vietnam War. These experiences strengthened his desire to explore the world and understand different cultures. A year later, he embarked on a journey through Europe, visiting Russia, the Scandinavian countries, and finally Spain, where he was captivated by the villages of the Iberian Peninsula and their rich culture.
In the 1970s, Yoshiro continued his artistic exploration by traveling to Hamburg and Kiel in Germany, where he developed an interest in contemporary German painters and the works of Nolde. In 1973, he visited Norway and attended drawing classes at the Oslo School of Architecture, where he was introduced to Munch's works. In 1974, he finally decided to settle in Muxía, a small fishing village in Galicia, Spain.
The 1980s were a period of great growth and recognition for Yoshiro. In 1981, he traveled to Japan to exhibit in Tokyo, and three years later, in 1984, his work was selected for "La Expo Cultural Japón 84" in A Coruña. During these years, he immersed himself in mystical themes and studied Buddhist mandalas. In 1987, he held another exhibition at the Sanda City Hall in Japan and traveled to Sri Lanka to delve deeper into early Buddhism. Upon returning to Spain in 1988, he began exploring primitive painting and medieval iconography.
After a long period of isolation, in 1998, Yoshiro resumed exhibiting his work, showcasing it in Kobe, Japan, and several Spanish cities. In 2001, he had the opportunity to present his pieces alongside the works of his father, Nakaba Tachibana, in his hometown. Three years later, he returned to Japan for an exhibition in the city of Ashikaga at the Kurita Memorial Hall. In 2005, his growing recognition led him to participate in the Stockholm Art Fair in Sweden.
Throughout the 2000s, Yoshiro held numerous exhibitions in Galicia, including at Galería Espacio, Hotel Palacio del Carmen, Galería Triquel y Medulio, Galería Visol, and Galería Bomarzo. In 2010, he held his final public exhibition at María Pita, the City Hall of A Coruña. In 2015, his work Pueblo Azul was featured in a Zarzuela performance at the Washington National Opera.
