Lovers of art, history and animals are celebrating the release of an exclusive set of ukiyoe woodblock prints from 1857 that are now free to download and share online.
ukiyoe (Page 2)
There’s always been a strong connection between Japan and the George Lucas-helmed Star Wars franchise. From the samurai-influenced Darth Vader and Stormtrooper costume designs through to the film’s storyline, which borrows heavily from Akira Kurosawa’s 1958 film Hidden Fortress, Lucas himself is the first to admit he owes a lot of his creative inspiration to the Land of the Rising Sun.
So it’s nice to see that Japan is reciprocating the love with a number of Star Wars creations of their own. From samurai-styled figurines to ukiyo-e woodblock prints, these Japanese-styled homages to the epic American film franchise are the perfect way to get ready for the December 18 release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. And now you can carry the force wherever you go, with a gorgeous wooden iPhone 6 case that’s so beautiful even a Sith Lord would stand in line to buy one.
When you think of Japanese ukiyo-e, or woodblock prints, you probably think of Hokusai’s beautiful landscapes in his Thirty Six Views of Mount Fuji, or the stylized prints of beautiful courtesans in traditional Japanese dress. But there are also many pieces of Japanese art and ukiyo-e from the Edo to the Meiji period (between 1603 and 1912) that represent a more mythical and macabre side of Japan.
The following is a collection of 20 pieces that all contain skulls or skeletons in some form, many of them by renowned and famous artists of the time.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Man in Japan falls into hole with a bear in it
Giant pipe mysteriously rises up through street in downtown Osaka
Bob’s Big Boy is alive and well, and also a cute robot, in Japan【Photos】
Godzilla hammer from Japan lets you smash nails like a kaiju
Japan’s kimono-style bra and panties bring traditional motif to modern lingerie design【Photos】
Can you eat lunch in Tokyo for less than 500 yen?
Häagen-Dazs Japan releases new ASMR ice cream called “Rocky Crunchy!”
Naruto’s author Kishimoto reveals what characters’ names would’ve been if editor didn’t intervene
Weekly
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Silicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Japanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum
Pikachu and Eevee become handmade Lladró porcelain sculptures to celebrate Pokémon’s 30th birthday
Monthly
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026- Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism- Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals- Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Godzilla hammer from Japan lets you smash nails like a kaiju
Japan’s kimono-style bra and panties bring traditional motif to modern lingerie design【Photos】
Can you eat lunch in Tokyo for less than 500 yen?
Häagen-Dazs Japan releases new ASMR ice cream called “Rocky Crunchy!”
Naruto’s author Kishimoto reveals what characters’ names would’ve been if editor didn’t intervene
Culinary cosplayer shows how to make a Super Mario Yoshi egg sandwich
You can now visit a recreation of Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 and live there in miniature form in【Pics】
Cowboy Bebop creator’s Samurai Champloo anime to become live-action series from Hollywood studio
We go to shake hands with an otter, it’s like that scene in E.T. but way cuter!
Sushi Push Pops aiming to be Japan’s newest sakura season snack sensation
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
-
