Toshio Yodoi  Toshio was born in 1911 in Asago in Hyōgo Prefecture. He was a 1933 graduate of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. Emperor Akihito personally conferred the Order of Culture on sculptor Toshio Yodoi as Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi looked on. Only the highest-ranking awards, such as this rare honor, are bestowed personally by the emperor.