Katsushika Hokusai, a Japanese ukiyo-e artist and a pioneer of Japonisme, is a world-renowned artist best known for works such as "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji: The Great Wave off Kanagawa." An exhibition introducing Hokusai’s works from a fresh perspective—as the origin of modern manga and anime expression—titled "HOKUSAI: The Artist Mad About Painting" is currently being held at CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO (Kyobashi, Tokyo) until Sunday, November 30, 2025!
This is a must-see for fans of Japanese anime and manga! In this article, we will explain Hokusai’s background and astonishing achievements, as well as introduce original and limited-edition exhibition goods, and the concept cafe "Hokusai Shokudo" located within the museum.
Who Is Katsushika Hokusai? ~A 90-Year Life Devoted to Art and Astonishing Achievements~
Before reporting on the exhibition, let’s first learn about the genius artist known as "Katsushika Hokusai."
The "Madman of Art" Who Created Over 30,000 Works in His 90-Year Life
Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) was an ukiyo-e artist who was active in the late Edo period.
What is truly astonishing is his boundless creative energy. In an era when the average life expectancy was said to be in the 30s to 40s, Hokusai lived to the age of 90, continuing to create art right up until his death. It is said that he produced over 30,000 works in his lifetime. He also changed his name (art name) more than 30 times and moved house 93 times, episodes that reflect his free-spirited nature and insatiable curiosity.
Founder of "Manga"? The World-Famous "Hokusai Manga"
Among Hokusai’s many achievements, perhaps the one most closely connected to us today is the popularization of the word "manga."
One of Hokusai’s most famous works is "Hokusai Manga." This was published as a drawing manual (textbook) depicting all manner of subjects—animals, people, landscapes, yokai (supernatural creatures), and more.
The Origin of the Word "Manga"
The term "manga"(漫画) originally meant "pictures drawn freely (漫ろに,sozoroni) and casually," but thanks to the huge success of Hokusai’s drawing manual, the word "manga" became widely known.
Pioneer of Japonisme
"Hokusai Manga" was also introduced overseas as "Hokusai Sketches," greatly influencing Western Impressionist painters such as Van Gogh and Monet, and sparking a Japanese boom in Europe known as Japonisme.
The comical expressions of the people Hokusai drew, and the dynamic, almost animated sense of movement in his works, can truly be called the "origin" of modern manga and animation.
Furthermore, thanks to these achievements, Hokusai became the only Japanese person selected by the American magazine 'LIFE' in its 1998 feature, "The 100 Most Important Events and People of the Past 1,000 Years."
A Masterpiece of Landscape Art That Changed the World: "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji"
What truly propelled Hokusai’s name onto the world stage was his series depicting Mount Fuji, "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" (Fugaku Sanjurokkei).
The most famous of these is "The Great Wave off Kanagawa." The dynamic composition and the depiction of waves that seem about to crash onto the viewer were revolutionary, breaking the conventions of the time. In this series, Hokusai also actively incorporated Western perspective techniques and "Berlin Blue" (Prussian Blue), a new pigment at the time, showcasing his advanced skills and innovative ideas.
It is this bold composition, delicate depiction, and flexible mindset to embrace the new that make Hokusai truly "remarkable"!
Exhibition Report: Highlights of "The Artist Mad About Painting. Exhibition"
This exhibition, held with the full cooperation of Uragami Sokyu-do, a world-renowned collector of "Hokusai Manga," brings together around 450 works.
1. Discover the Roots of Modern Manga and Anime!
The greatest appeal of this exhibition is that you can view Hokusai’s works through the lens of "modern visual culture."
The Origin of "Concentrated Lines"?
Expressions similar to the "concentrated lines" and "effect lines" used in modern manga to convey a character’s energy can be seen in Hokusai’s depictions of water, wind, and people.
Depictions of "Gags"
"Hokusai Manga" is filled with comical and exaggerated facial expressions and movements, just like sketches for gag manga. The series of humorous depictions will make you laugh and marvel, "They were already doing this 200 years ago!"
Animated Works
In part of the exhibition, animations based on Hokusai’s drawings are also shown. Watching the characters in his art come to life, you can’t help but feel that if Hokusai were alive today, he would surely be an animator.
For fans of Japanese anime and manga, this is a chance to trace the "origins" of these expressions and make new discoveries!
2. From Masterpieces to Never-Before-Seen Hand-Painted Works!
From world-famous masterpieces to never-before-seen, elusive works, a wide range of pieces are on display.
“The Great Wave off Kanagawa”
You can see up close the dynamic composition and the meticulously depicted spray of the waves.
There is also a similar piece in “One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji,” which was created after “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji,” allowing you to enjoy comparing the two.
All 15 Volumes of “Hokusai Manga”
The exhibition room displaying all the volumes is truly impressive. The diversity of themes and the breadth of expression let you feel Hokusai’s boundless creativity. When you look closely, you’ll be amazed at the level of detail, not only by Hokusai’s own artistic skill but also by the craftsmanship of the carvers of the time!
The Elusive Hand-painted Works
Rare hand-painted works (one-of-a-kind pieces painted directly with a brush) are also on display for the first time, allowing you to fully appreciate Hokusai’s delicate brushwork.
*During the exhibition period, some parts of “Nisshin Jomazu” will be rotated.
3. Enjoy Even More with the Audio Guide (Japanese & English)
This exhibition is fascinating in itself, but using the audio guide allows you to gain even deeper knowledge and enjoyment. There are three types of audio guides available: two in Japanese and one in English. Each can be rented for 700 yen.
Not only do they provide explanations of the works and historical background, but images are also displayed, making it easy to see what points to focus on. I also enjoyed the exhibition while listening to the audio guide, and was excited from start to finish.
One of the Japanese versions is narrated by Kaito Takahashi from the popular idol group King & Prince (*), so it’s highly recommended for fans as well.
*The kanji for “Taka” in his name is the ladder form.
This exhibition was a stimulating experience where you can feel the connection between the history of Japanese art, which Japan is proud to share with the world, and contemporary pop culture through Hokusai’s diverse body of work.
[Must-See Goods] Recommended Limited Items from the Museum Shop
One of the highlights of any art exhibition is the exclusive merchandise available at the museum shop. This exhibition also featured a wide variety of adorable Hokusai goods. Here, we’ve carefully selected some of the items that especially caught the editor’s eye.
HOKUSAI—HOKUSAI: The Artist Mad About Painting Official Exhibition Catalog 3,300 yen
First up is the official exhibition catalog. The striking cover is so impressive you’ll want to display it as is, and it’s packed with over 450 rare works featured in the exhibition. In addition to scholarly essays, it also includes comments from renowned figures such as world-famous artist Tadanori Yokoo and Studio Ghibli’s legendary producer Toshio Suzuki. There is a Japanese and English bilingual edition.
Can Mirror 990 yen
This original mirror, exclusive to the exhibition, features one of Hokusai’s most popular works. The design of Hokusai’s art is already outstanding, but what really stands out is the fresh use of color! It’s fun to imagine that if Hokusai were alive today, he might have used colors like these.
Posing Mascot Plush Each 3,300 yen
Can you guess what this is? It’s a plush toy inspired by the “Sparrow Dance” from Hokusai Manga. The arms and legs can be moved freely, so you can recreate various poses drawn by Hokusai. The adorable and comical display is sure to make you smile.
Apparel
Apparel items such as clothing and bags also caught attention. There are stylish and playful items, including collaboration pieces with the American outdoor brand "CHUMS" and belly warmers featuring comical expressions from Hokusai Manga!
HOKU-CHEW 1,944 yen
The special package of "Hi-Chew" featuring the exhibition’s poster visual is super cool! It’s perfect as a casual souvenir.
Capsule Toy 400 yen per play
Near the entrance of the museum shop, you’ll also find capsule toy machines. There are two types: button badges and acrylic keychains.
[Must-Try Gourmet] Enjoy “Hokusai Shokudo” After Viewing Art
After soaking up all the energy from Hokusai at the exhibition, take a break at “Hokusai Shokudo,” a limited-time restaurant located within CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO!
This restaurant offers special menus in collaboration with the exhibition. Inspired by the question, “What if Hokusai opened a restaurant?”, the menu is full of playful gourmet dishes inspired by the world of Hokusai’s works and the food culture of the Edo period in which he lived.
Here are some of the most highly recommended food gourmet items.
Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji: The Great Wave off Kanagawa Soba 1,690 yen
It’s as if the famous painting “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” from the “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” series has come to life as a dish! The motifs from the artwork are skillfully recreated, such as Mount Fuji made from grated radish and a crispy-textured little boat.
Fugaku Cream Soda 1,190 yen
A cream soda served in a glass shaped like Mount Fuji, layered with Hokusai Blue soda and vanilla ice cream. The traditional Japanese sweets served on the side also feature wave motifs.
Bijinga Parfait 1,390 yen
A gorgeous parfait layered with black tea jelly, peaches, matcha castella, and raspberry ice cream. The highlight is a confection printed with one of Hokusai’s bijinga (beautiful women) paintings.
HOKUSAI – The Artist Mad About Painting. Exhibition
- Venue: CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO (Tokyo, Kyobashi)
- Address: 6F TODA BUILDING, 1-7-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Access: About 7 minutes on foot from Tokyo Station, about 3 minutes on foot from Kyobashi Station
- Exhibition Period: September 13 (Sat), 2025 – November 30 (Sun), 2025 (Open every day during the exhibition period. Some exhibits will be changed during the period.)
- Opening Hours: 10:00–18:00 (until 20:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and days before holidays) (Shop hours are the same)
- Cafe Hours: 11:00–19:00 (until 21:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and days before holidays)
- Official Website: Here
Experience the “Masterpieces” of Hokusai!
Katsushika Hokusai was a true genius who, even 200 years ago, had a global perspective and innovative style—truly ahead of his time!
The fact that the roots of manga and anime expression can be found in the works of ukiyo-e artists from the Edo period speaks to the profound depth of Japanese culture. For not only Japanese people but also foreigners interested in Japanese art and culture, the “HOKUSAI – The Artist Mad About Painting. Exhibition” is sure to be a thrilling and eye-opening experience.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience “crafts of Hokusai’” for yourself in Kyobashi, Tokyo.
References:
Sumida Hokusai Museum, “About Hokusai”
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