Katsushika Hokusai Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji

Masterpieces by Katsushika Hokusai on Full Display for the First Time in Approximately Eight Years

“Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji” is a series consisting of 46 prints created by Katsushika Hokusai when he was in his seventies. This masterpiece depicts various views of Mt. Fuji seen from a wide area extending from Edo (Tokyo) to the Tokai region. This series is not only Hokusai’s most famous work, but also a symbol of ukiyo-e, which continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

In this exhibition, we will display the entire series together for the first time in approximately eight years. Rare proof prints and later impressions will also be shown, along with works that inspired this series such as “Hokusai Manga,” Hokusai’s early prints, and related pieces by Utagawa Hiroshige and Utagawa Kuniyoshi. While recent research has focused on Hiroshige’s works from geographical and topographical perspectives, this exhibition highlights the relationship between Hokusai’s depictions of Mt. Fuji and the actual geography. Using photos and maps, we explore the geographical elements that influenced his compositions to better understand his creative intent.

①Hokusai’s Diverse Views of Mt. Fuji: Presenting All 46 Prints

Hokusai captured Mt. Fuji from various perspectives across a wide region, from Edo (Tokyo) to Tokai. The exhibition features 46 prints, allowing visitors to appreciate Hokusai’s innovative ideas and diverse compositions. Highlights include the so-called “Three Masterpieces”: the dynamic waves of “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” “South Wind, Clear Sky,” and “Rainstorm beneath the Summit.” Other notable works are “Fujimigahara in Owari Province,” which captures Mt. Fuji from the unusual perspective of inside a barrel, and “Ejiri in Suruga Province,” which skillfully depicts a sudden gust of wind. In addition, valuable materials, such as early and later impressions, are displayed.

②Deciphering the “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” through Topography

When Hokusai created the “Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji,” the actual topography of the depicted locations significantly influenced his compositions. The key elements to note are elevational differences and waterscapes. Many works capture Mt. Fuji seen from the edges of plateaus or mountains or across the waterfronts of rivers or the sea, skillfully incorporating terrain into the viewpoint and composition. In this exhibition, we examine his works using local photographs and topographical maps to reveal his ingenious techniques and details, which are not apparent at first glance.

③From Hokusai Manga to Hiroshige and Kuniyoshi: A Wealth of Related Works

Hokusai began creating landscape prints from his youth, when he went by the name Katsukawa Shunrō. Even in his famous “Hokusai Manga,” he drew several images that would later serve as the basis for the “Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji.” That series, completed in his seventies, is considered the culmination of his artistic career. This exhibition presents not only these masterpieces and Hokusai’s earlier works, but also related materials, including works by Utagawa Hiroshige and Utagawa Kuniyoshi that depict the same famous sites as the “Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji.”

Admission

Adult	1200 yen
University and High school students	800 yen
Junior High School Students and below (under 15 years old)	Free

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