"Ukiyo-e" was a popular form of art during the Edo period. The genre is widely regarded as one of Japan's greatest cultural exports and continues to influence people all over the world. It is also closely associated with the world famous artist Katsushika Hokusai, a groundbreaking individual who explored new territory in the field with his innovative landscapes at a time when yakusha-e (actor prints) and bijin-ga (portraits of women) were common themes. Hokusai displayed a great level of skill in various styles and gained fame for his beautiful creations. His series of prints titled "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" remains hugely popular to this day. A selection of the artist's work will be exhibited at the special exhibition "HOKUSAI" at the Kyushu National Museum (Dazaifu City) from Saturday 16th April to Sunday 12th June 2022!

This exhibition does not only focus on Hokusai's ukiyo-e work that feature Mount Fuji and awe-inspiring waves. Drawings he created towards the end of his life will also be displayed. One of the biggest attractions will be the "Nisshin Joma zu (Daily Exorcisms)," a series of lion sketches that Hokusai started drawing every morning at the age of around 83 to protect himself from evil. The series was donated to the museum in 2017. All 219 pieces will be on display at the Kyushu National Museum this Spring. This marks the first time that the collection has been exhibited in its entirety anywhere in Japan! It is noteworthy that Hokusai is believed to have drawn the images for himself. The series also vastly differs from his woodblock prints. You can sense in the brushstrokes that Hokusai really let loose with this work. Other immensely valuable pieces such as the "Ceiling Painting for the Higashi-machi Festival Float" will also be on display. The exhibition offers great insight into Hokusai's creative and powerful artwork! Be sure to check it out! (Editorial Dept.: Non)