Hadaka no taisho horoki (1980)

A captivating Japanese drama series based on the true story of Yamashita Kiyoshi, a brilliant artist who passed away in 1971 at the age of 49. He is often regarded as the "Japanese equivalent to Van Gogh." The show gained immense popularity since its debut in 1980, spanning 83 episodes. The plot revolves around Yamashita's extraordinary life journey. At the tender age of 12, he was placed in a protective institution for intellectually challenged individuals. There, he discovered the art of Harie (a traditional Japanese paper-cutting technique), and his unique talent blossomed. Within a few years, Yamashita's skills surpassed those of top-class artists. As his fame grew, he left the institution and embarked on a wandering adventure across Japan, clad only in a sleeveless undershirt. Throughout his travels, Yamashita left behind a trail of remarkable artwork. Each episode of the series delves into interesting encounters, heartwarming moments, and Yamashita's likable personality as documented in his diary and through Harie. His artistic legacy and unconventional life make for a compelling and inspiring narrative. The drama beautifully captures the essence of Yamashita's passion, resilience, and the profound impact he had on the art world.