If gods, like humans and animals, are also beings that exist within the cycle of reincarnation, perhaps there was once a time when even they had only just been born.

The *Baby Series* grew from this idea.

Long before they became bodhisattvas who vowed to relieve the suffering of others, or deities endowed with powers beyond human understanding, I imagine them as innocent and endearing babies—still unaware of who they would one day become.

Benzaiten traces her origins to Saraswati, the ancient Indian goddess closely associated with water. After being introduced to Japan, she became intertwined with various Japanese beliefs and came to be worshipped as a deity of music, the arts, and talent, while also taking on the role of a protective deity in battle.

As a goddess of music, Benzaiten is often depicted gracefully playing the biwa, a traditional Japanese lute. In her warrior aspect, she may appear with eight arms, holding weapons.

I began to wonder what a deity with so many different aspects might have been like as a little girl.

That imagination gave birth to *Baby Benzaiten*.

She is a little strong-willed and endlessly curious—a tiny princess who wants to try everything for herself.

She has loved the biwa since she was very young. Even though the instrument is far too large for her little body and difficult for her hands to reach, she refuses to give up and practices patiently every day.

Today is a special day. She is finally going to perform the piece she has worked so hard to learn.

She carefully lines up her beloved toy friends and holds a tiny concert just for them.

I have also hidden small hints within the painting of the Benzaiten she will one day become.

The building blocks evoke the treasure pagoda carried by Bishamonten, while the little snake toy alludes to Benzaiten’s deep association with serpents.

But for now, she knows nothing of the future that awaits her.

She simply wants to play the biwa she loves and share her music with her favorite toys.

Before she became a deity,
before she knew who she would become,
she was simply little Benten.

This work captures one small, innocent moment from that imagined childhood.