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The life of the Edo ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), who called himself Gakyōjin (The Man Mad About Art), was one of continuous creation. While on one hand he studied the traditional art of the Kano-school and Karae (Chinese-influenced paintings), he also was strongly influenced by western paintings, incorporating their influence into the core of his art. He produced commercial Nishiki-e (colored woodblock prints) of actors and beautiful women. He also developed new genres of paintings and prints, such as bird-and-flower art and famous landscape art, characterised by his Fugaku Sanjūroku-kei (Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji). He also left outstanding paintings of single items and prints created for certain connoisseurs. His illustrations of the books of Kyokutei Bakin and his art manuals, created for his numerous students, are extremely comprehensive.

Hokusai created a myriad of paintings and art, depicting all things in nature. Even among all these varied works, his “Hokusai Manga” stand out. The first volume of the Hokusai Manga was published in 1814 in Nagoya by Eirakuya Toshiro (Toheki-do). Supported by its popularity, a total of 15 volumes were published, with the final volume being published in 1878. The popularity of the Hokusai Manga, rooted in the lively expressions of people, humorous content, and his unique perspective used in his drawing composition, spread even to Europe, helping start the Japonism boom.

This exhibit will focus on the intricacies of Hokusai Manga as it connects to modern artworks, through the collection of Uragami Mitsuru, one of the largest and highest quality collections of Hokusai Manga in the world.

Related Events

Opening Commemorative Event and Lecture “Hokusai and the ‘Hokusai Manga’ that surprised the world” (reservation required)
Lecturer: URAGAMI Mitsuru (Representative of Uragami Sokyu-do; Supervisor of this Exhibition)
Date and Time: August 10, 2020 (Mon - Public Holiday) 10:45-12:30
Venue: Hall, Museum of Art, Kochi (capacity of 100)
Reservation Method: Call 099-866-8000 by August 9th (Sun)

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Online YouTube Workshop “Make a Japanese binding book and create your own ‘My Manga’!”
This workshop introduces how to make a Japanese binding book that can be easily made at home. By drawing your favorite things in it, you can create your “My Manga” that is just like “Hokusai Manga”!
Video available: August 10, 2020 (Mon - Public Holiday)
Collaborator: Kochi Castle Museum of History
Broadcasted on: The Museum of Art, Kochi (YouTube Channel)

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Curator’s Gallery Talk *This event has been cancelled.
Dates and Times: 16th Aug, 23rd Aug, *6th Sep, **13th Sep (all Sundays) at 14:00
Fee: Free (admission ticket required)
Assembly Point: The Exhibition’s First Hall

*English interpretation available on 6th September
(provided by Kochi Prefecture’s Coordinator for International Relations)
**Sign Language interpretation available on 13th September
(provided by Kochi Prefecture Association for the Deaf)

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Teachers’ Week (reservation required)
For a week from 12th August (Wed) to 18th August (Tue), we would like to invite teachers (including non-art teachers) in Kochi Prefecture to view both the main exhibition as well as the collection exhibition for free. Please apply in advance by calling 088-866-8000 by 11th August (Tue). For those interested in bringing their students to the museum, please call to discuss.

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Free Childminding Service by Certified Personnel (reservation required)
Date: 13th Aug (Thu) to 16th Aug (Sun)
Time: Twice a day (10:00-12:00 and 13:30-15:30)
Fee: Free (admission ticket required)
Venue: Lecture Room (1st Floor)
Capacity: 10 children per session
Reservation Method: Pre-reservation by phone (088-866-8000), followed by submission of an application form by 8th Aug (Thu).
Sitters provided by NPO Mutter Schule

*There may be changes made to the information stated above, due to COVID-19 countermeasures. Updates regarding changes will be published on our website.

Kochi Venue Special: Ekin and Edehon (Art Manuals)

Collaborator: Ekingura
We will explore the relationship between Painter Ekin, who was said to have brought “Hokusai Manga” to Tosa, and Edehon. During the exhibition period, plain sketches made by Ekin will also be displayed at Ekingura (Akaoka Town, Konan City).