Nihonga painter and Order of Culture recipient Hirayama Ikuo (born 1930 in Hiroshima) died earlier today after suffering a stroke. He was 79. Hirayama graduated from the Tokyo School of Art (now Tokyo University of the Arts), where he became Professor in 1973, and President in 1989 (-1995; 2001-2005). He also played leadership roles in numerous cultural organizations including Chairman of the Nihon Bijutsuin and the Foundation for Cultural Heritage and Art Research, and President of the Japan-China Friendship Association.
Hirayama Ikuo Museum of Art
http://www.hirayama-museum.or.jp/
Hirayama Ikuo Silk Road Museum
http://www.silkroad-museum.jp/