Manabu Mabe's artistic journey unfolds against the backdrop of his upbringing in Kumamoto, Japan, where he was born on September 14, 1924, to Soichi and Haru Mabe. The family's migration to Brazil in 1934, seeking opportunities in the coffee plantations of Lins, São Paulo, marked the beginning of Mabe's immersion into the rich tapestry of landscapes that would later influence his artistry. It was during his formative years amidst the verdant fields, particularly on rainy days, that Mabe found solace and inspiration in capturing the natural beauty of his surroundings through painting.

As Mabe matured, his passion for art deepened, leading him to embark on a journey of self-discovery through the exploration of art books and magazines in 1941. Guided by the expertise of painter and photographer Teisuke Kumasaka in 1945, Mabe honed his craft, mastering the techniques of canvas preparation and paint dilution. These foundational skills would form the bedrock of his artistic expression, allowing him to translate his unique vision onto the canvas.