Tadamasa Ueno was born Katsumi Ueno. His work has a unique style which fused traditional studies of Kabuki actors with western influences to create critically acclaimed prints. The admiration of his work was shown by his first teacher, Torii Kiyotada, who allowed Ueno to use ‘tada’, from his master's name, to form the basis of Ueno’s first name as an artist, Tadamasa. He was further honored when his next teacher, Torii VII, allowed him to use their family name; making Tadamasa Ueno, Tadamasa Torii in 1949.