He was working as an umbrella maker in Osaka when a Ranpoi of Kyoto, Genshun KOISHI and an astronomer Shigetomi HAZAMA recognized his talent, and he went to Edo to study at the age of 27 with their introductions and financial supports.
大坂で傘職人をしていたが、京都の蘭方医小石元俊と天文学者間重富に才能を見出され、ふたりの紹介と経済的支援を得て27歳で江戸に遊学する。