'When I was in elementary school, I was taking a nap under a tree in my garden. Then I had a dream, that would later come true, of having an exhibition as a painter and being an artist. That felt very real, and I realized this was foreshadowing my future. I felt that if I continued on the same path, I'd become an artist like in my dream."

Miwa Komatsu's childhood dream did become a reality. Komatsu, now an emerging artist, is becoming known for her vibrant depictions of Japanese Shinto symbolism and frequently has exhibitions and live painting performances both in Japan and overseas.

"My older brother was interested in art and my mother liked to go look at art. Plus Nagano, where I am from, has many museums," Komatsu tells The Japan Times.