"HOKUSAI: ANOTHER STORY in TOKYO," an experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the world of ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai's masterpiece "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," is being held at Tokyu Plaza Shibuya from February 1 to June 1, 2025.
How will Katsushika Hokusai's world be expressed through the method of immersive exhibition using the latest digital technology? Our "FUN! JAPAN" editor actually experienced it and will share the appeal felt through all five senses in detail.
* If you purchase or make reservations for products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
【kkday】👉HOKUSAI: ANOTHER STORY in TOKYO Ticket Reservation (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Event)
Katsushika Hokusai: The Artist Who Inspired Van Gogh and Monet
Katsushika Hokusai is popular not only in Japan but also among overseas fans. Inside the exhibition venue, English and Chinese could be heard, and there were many foreign tourists. Particularly, it is said that there were many visitors from America and Taiwan.
Katsushika Hokusai is known for influencing renowned painters such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Cézanne. Surprisingly, he debuted at the young age of 19! It's astonishing that he continued to pursue new forms of expression until he was 90 years old. For example, it is said that he would perform live demonstrations of painting Daruma dolls in front of large crowds, which could be considered a form of live performance art in modern terms.
In the first area of the exhibition, visitors are welcomed by a panel display that explores the life of Katsushika Hokusai from various perspectives, highlighting his spirit of challenge and remarkable originality.
Incidentally, it is said that the masterpiece "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," which is the subject of this exhibition, was a work that quickly incorporated the travel boom among the common people of that time.
Viewing the Artwork by the Light of the Edo Period
The main features of this exhibition are four rooms: "Room of Light," "Room of Landscape," "Room of Wind," and the "Room of Hokusai." In the first room, the "Room of Light," flickering bamboo lights illuminate the artworks in the darkness. What does this display represent?
In typical exhibitions, artworks are viewed under lighting adjusted to a constant brightness. However, during the Edo period when Katsushika Hokusai lived, natural sunlight and andon (paper-covered lanterns) were the primary sources of light. These light sources didn't uniformly illuminate entire rooms but instead created a play of light and shadow.
This room is said to express the light of the Edo period. When you carefully observe the artwork, you notice that the impression changes significantly depending on the light: clouds that appeared calm when illuminated can seem rough when in shadow, demonstrating how the same piece can be perceived differently with changes in lighting.
I was also amazed by the sophistication of the digital works. Although the pieces are displayed on screens as digital data, you can clearly feel the texture of washi paper. This realism, where you can sense each individual fiber of the washi paper, is made possible by Ars Techne's patented technology. Apparently, ultra-high-definition image data captured from 360 degrees around the painting enables this reproduction.
A Vibrating Floor! Step Into the Nature Depicted by Hokusai
The "Room of Landscape" is a space where you can experience the natural world depicted by Hokusai. Large-scale images projected on the entire wall and floor come to life in sync with the changing seasons, and the chirping of birds and the sound of wind can be heard as if you were really there. The bird sounds coming from behind were so realistic that I couldn't help but turning around!
What's even more interesting is that the images projected on the floor change in response to people's movements. When you walk on a water surface, ripples spread, and when you walk on a frozen lake, not only does the ice crack, but even the sensation of stepping on the floor changes! This is achieved using a technology called "haptics" which creates a vibrating floor. Everyone there was obsessed, walking around, jumping, and enjoying various reactions.
Feel the "Wind" Painted by Hokusai on Your Skin
In the "Wind Room", you can actually experience the expression of "wind" as depicted by Katsushika Hokusai. Eight works selected from the "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" series that evoke a sense of wind are projected onto a large screen one after another, and real wind blows in sync with these images!
For example, when "The Sea Route to Kazusa" depicting a single ship sailing across the sea is displayed, you feel a powerful yet delicate wind as if it's hitting the sail. Also, when "Sumida River, Sekiya Village" showing three horses running is projected, the strength of the wind changes, transforming into a wind that cuts across your face as if you're galloping on horseback.
Being able to experience various expressions of wind was a very interesting and refreshing experience. This exhibit uses the latest technology developed by Sony, and it is said to be its first public unveiling.
Experience the approaching wave of "The Great Wave off Kanagawa"!
Finally, the last room, “Hokusai’s Room,” is truly a space where you can experience immersion in every sense! Over the course of a 12-minute presentation, all the elements—visuals, sound, wind, and vibrations—come together in harmony with the artworks of Katsushika Hokusai projected throughout the room.
Among all the displays, the most breathtaking was the video of The Great Wave off Kanagawa, known worldwide as The Great Wave. The image of the raging sea, projected across a state-of-the-art “Crystal LED” screen, felt as if the waves were truly crashing toward you. For several intense minutes, as the violent, churning waves played out on screen, you could feel the wind, the floor vibrated beneath you, and the roar of the ocean filled your ears—it was so powerful, I found myself instinctively pulling back.
The moment the 12-minute experience ended, spontaneous applause erupted throughout the venue. I, too, felt a sense of satisfaction and excitement, as if I had just watched a short film, and found myself clapping without thinking.
After passing through "Hokusai's Room," you continue to a room where several master replicas are displayed. In contrast to the powerful experience earlier, here you can leisurely enjoy works reproduced as close to the original paintings as possible in a calm atmosphere. It seems these replicas are also available for purchase!
There are also gin, snow globes, and capsule toys. Your eyes will wander among the venue-exclusive goods and collaboration products!
At the gift shop, which marks the conclusion of the exhibition, many exclusive items were available for sale. I’d like to introduce a few products that left a strong impression on me!
HOKUSAI × Fukagawa Distillery Original Japanese Craft Gin (AZUKI & YUZU)
Located in Koto Ward, Tokyo, "Fukagawa Distillery" recreates traditional Japanese distillation techniques in modern times. In collaboration with them, two types of gin, "AZUKI" and "YUZU," were being sold. Azuki (red bean) is inspired by daifuku, which was Katsushika Hokusai's favorite food, while yuzu is based on the fact that he made his own medicine using yuzu when he was seriously ill.
I was specially allowed to taste them, and "AZUKI" had a faintly sweet aroma and a deep aftertaste, while "YUZU" had an impressively refreshing scent!
This is a special version limited to 30 bottles worldwide. The bottle, crafted using the traditional Edo Kiriko glassware technique, is beautiful!
HOKUSAI × WACKO MARIA HAWAIIAN SHIRT
The aloha shirts and yukata by WACKO MARIA also caught the eye with designs that modernly arranged the works of Katsushika Hokusai. The aloha shirts seem like they could be enjoyed for everyday wear. Colors are available in four options: White, Black, Navy (*), and Burgundy (*).
*Limited colors exclusive to this exhibition
Hokusai Snow Globe
Personally, I found this snow globe to be the cutest item. When you turn it upside down, snow gently flutters over "The Great Wave off Kanagawa."
Sticker Set (4 pieces)
These stylish stickers are carefully cut to match their designs. They're perfect for personal use, and would also make a thoughtful, tasteful gift that's sure to be appreciated!
Picture Play Chopstick Rests
The last item I'd like to introduce is a venue-exclusive gacha (capsule toy machine).
These are "chopstick rests" featuring Katsushika Hokusai's paintings reimagined in modern pastel colors. I couldn't help but think "How cute!" and tried it once. I managed to get a round shape in pink color with the letter B!
There seems to be a secret design as well, which makes me curious about what it could be...
Drink Hokusai’s Art?! Enjoy the Collaboration Menu Too
Additionally, other restaurants within the same Tokyu Plaza Shibuya are offering limited-time menus inspired by Katsushika Hokusai's ukiyo-e prints. Why not drop by these places along with visiting the exhibition? After the exhibition, I also "drank" Hokusai's paintings before heading home.
Kyoto Uji Fujii Meien
Uji Matcha Latte / Hojicha Latte
Uji Matcha Drinking Comparison Set
Seasonal Hagama Set Meal
Handmade Soba Takenouchi
Edo Soba Kiri Sammi
Is there a way to get discounted admission? You can save up to 1,500 yen by using a campaign!
As of May 2025, with only a short time remaining until the end of the exhibition, an advantageous campaign offering discounted admission fees is currently underway! It is reported that this offer can be used by both domestic and international visitors alike.
"Pair Discount"
This is a campaign where two people can enter for 5,500 yen, regardless of whether it's a weekday, weekend, or holiday.
"HOKUSAI Campaign with KIMONO"
If you visit wearing a kimono or yukata, you can enjoy the following special benefits:
1. 10% discount coupon for collaboration menu items at "Kyoto Uji Fujii Meien"
2. Free official "Exhibition Catalogue" or half-price admission for one accompanying person
Photography is allowed inside the exhibition. Visiting in a kimono or yukata will likely result in even more beautiful photos!
【kkday】👉Tokyo | First Kimono Yukata Rental Experience, Asakusa Store
This exhibition is available for a limited time until June 1st. Don't miss this precious opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Hokusai's world!
HOKUSAI : ANOTHER STORY in TOKYO
- Venue: Tokyu Plaza Shibuya 3F
- Date: February 1, 2025 (Sat) ～ June 1, 2025 (Sun)
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