Tokio Mabe was born in Kumamoto Prefecture and graduated at the Kyoto Higher Crafts School in 1905. After studying oil painting with Asai Chû he travelled in Europe from 1920-1925, where he also studied etching. On his return to Japan he was one of the founding members of the Nihon Hanga Kyôkai, but he withdrew in 1939. He is both known for his etchings and for his woodblock prints.
