Toshio Yodoi

Toshio Yodoi (淀井 敏夫, Yodoi Toshio, February 15, 1911 - February 14, 2005) was a Japanese sculptor, a pioneer of Japanese modern and contemporary arts. In 1994, he was officially recognized by the Japanese government as a "Person of Cultural Merit;" and in 2001, the Order of Culture was conferred.

Early life

Toshio was born in 1911 in Asago in Hyōgo Prefecture. He was a 1933 graduate of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts.

Honors

Emperor Akihito personally conferred the Order of Culture on sculptor Toshio Yodoi as Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi looked on. Only the highest-ranking awards, such as this rare honor, are bestowed personally by the emperor.

• 2001 – Order of Culture.
• 1994 – Person of Cultural Merit.

• Magnier, Mark. "Badges of Honor, Discord; Japan's imperial awards, which often go to bureaucrats, point up its rigid, elitist ways and are in need of new selection criteria, critics say," Los Angeles Times. April 26, 2002.
• "Cultural Highlights; From the Japanese Press (August 1–October 31, 2001)," Japan Foundation Newsletter, Vol. XXIX, No. 2, p. 7.