Tadakiyo Sakai

From a young age, Sakai showed a liking towards painting, design, and sculpture. At 14 years old, he immigrated to Brazil, where he lived in the Pinheiros district of São Paulo, later settling in Embu das Artes.^[2] Recognized internationally as a sculptor in terracotta, he began his art career in 1951 under the guidance of Cássio M'Boy, Bruno Giorgi, and Victor Brecheret. He frequently collaborated with Afro-Brazilian artists such as Solano Trindade and incorporated Black designs and traditions into his works.^[3]

The Memorial Sakai in the central area of Embu das Artes is a museum and school established to honour Sakai.^[4] The city also has the Tadakiyo Sakai State School, situated in the Vila Olinda neighborhood.^[5][6]