Iwao Akiyama, born in Oita prefecture in 1921, started as an oil painter. From there he moved to etching, and then to woodblock prints. He had the good fortune to be able to study under Munakata Shikô from 1959 to 1966. Their works show some similarity, but Akiyama has developed in different ways. He limits himself to certain themes: animals (owls and cats in particular), snowy landscapes (often featuring a wandering monk), and girls. He often prints on very coarse handmade paper. Like Munakata's work, his work is instantly recognizable.
Akiyama Iwao died in Matsudo, Chiba, on September 15, 2014, at the age of 93.
