Based in France, near Paris, Masako is an illustrator with a unique background. Unlike most painters, she began drawing late in life. Yet the young Japanese girl grew up in an environment conducive to pictorial art since her mother created traditional Japanese ‘sumie’ watercolour paintings. Masako admired the artistic work but could not imagine having the talent to do the same. Her preferences then focused her on outdoor activities, travel and on cultural discoveries. At 17, she went to the United States as part of a student exchange program. H…