The works of Hokusai and others, admired for more than a century, lend a touch of class to your appreciation of a cold one.
woodblock prints (Page 2)
Ukiyo-e master Hokusai’s iconic seascape is now appearing on eligible motor vehicles in the capital.
Mario, Pokémon, Link, Star Fox and more are brought to life through the same process used 200 years ago.
Pokémon look more distinguished than ever in authentic ukiyo-e that pay homage to a pair of feudal Japan’s greatest artists.
When Japanese travelers go abroad, they’ll be taking some of the country’s most famous and beautiful examples of woodblock print artwork with them.
Japanese ukiyo-e painters from the Edo period (1603-1868) are now famous throughout the world for their exquisite woodblock prints depicting everyday Japanese life and the natural world. Such master painters are less well-known, however, for their humorous contributions to the art world, which often feature whimsical scenes of anthropomorphic animals. Fortunately for us, though, these types of pictures are experiencing a recent wave of popularity among Japanese Internet users, and these images are simply too cute for us to just pass up. We’ve got fish, cats, puppies, monkeys, and a few more surprises from the masters in store for you after the jump!
Lovers of Japanese art and history will be familiar with the world-famous set of ukiyo-e woodblock prints known as “The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido.” Created in the 1800s by famed artist Utagawa Hiroshige, the collection is a series of landscape paintings from each of the post stations on the ancient coastal walking route from Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto and is frequently praised for the way it captures the spirit and essence of old Japan.
While the masterful works have garnered fans around the world, when it comes to sharing the images online, things haven’t been so easy. Now, limitations have been lifted and the beautiful series is free to share without copyright restrictions. What better way to celebrate the good news than to share some of the best with you, our dear readers?
MOST POPULAR
Now
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Nagoya’s dark-red miso has continued to capture tastebuds for generations
Otoshidama: How kids in Japan get rich once a year
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
We eat 13 of the most highly recommended sushi items at Sushiro and pick the best of the best
Japanese firework catapults a teddy bear into the sky
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Sanrio lucky bag gives you cute My Melody and Kumori merch, all your money back in burgers coupons
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Weekly
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it- Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026- Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Monthly
- 7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
- Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
- Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan- Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
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
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
RECOMMENDED STORIES
We eat 13 of the most highly recommended sushi items at Sushiro and pick the best of the best
Japanese firework catapults a teddy bear into the sky
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Sanrio lucky bag gives you cute My Melody and Kumori merch, all your money back in burgers coupons
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
What is Teru Teru Bozu? The tragic history behind the Japanese fine weather doll
Less than one in four surveyed Japanese men has a girlfriend, over one in three women has a beau
Six ice creams you should try at Baskin-Robbins Japan, according to staff who work there
Studio Ghibli unleashes Turnip Head on the world
Hey, Japanese taxi driver! Take us to the best Turkish rice restaurant in Nagasaki!
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Dragon’s Maze: Japan’s built-by-hand giant labyrinth that gets bigger and harder every year
What’s in a Lawson fukubukuro lucky bag?
How to speak Japanese like a gyaru【2024 edition】
-
