Ikune Sawada was born in Okayama, Japan. He received his BA and teaching certificate from the Art University of Kyoto in 1960, studying art history, education, and painting, after which he became an art instructor for the public schools of Okayama Prefecture and Osaka. From 1969 to 1970, Sawada attended Seattle Community College, where he practiced his English, watercolor, and drawing skills. He has been awarded the Lulu Fairbanks Award of the Foundation for International Understanding through Students. In 1990, he moved from Seattle to Walla Walla, and his paintings soon reflected the landscape of the Palouse. In addition to his paintings, Sawada is also known as a master Bonsai artist and gardener.