woodblock prints (Page 2)
The works of Hokusai and others, admired for more than a century, lend a touch of class to your appreciation of a cold one.
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?









Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japanese criminals are now using crabs to hunt for burglary targets
This train station bento boxed lunch shop has been in business for nearly 100 years
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?
A letter from our reporter’s deceased mother arrives at just the right time
Final Fantasy VII’s Tifa’s bar pops up in real-world Tokyo, and we stop by for drinks[Photos]
Japan’s rice warehouse stockpile rate hits record high as consumers, restaurants reject high prices
Woman in Japan breaks into home of complete stranger just to slap him in the face
Is Mister Donut’s all-you-can-eat Donut Buffet still worth it?
Nintendo’s Super Mario throws out first pitch at professional baseball game in Japan[Video]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Beard Papa goes beyond just matcha with its new premium green tea cream puffs
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Final Fantasy VII’s Tifa’s bar pops up in real-world Tokyo, and we stop by for drinks[Photos]
Japan’s rice warehouse stockpile rate hits record high as consumers, restaurants reject high prices
Woman in Japan breaks into home of complete stranger just to slap him in the face
Is Mister Donut’s all-you-can-eat Donut Buffet still worth it?
Nintendo’s Super Mario throws out first pitch at professional baseball game in Japan[Video]
Police cracking down on outdoor seating in Tokyo’s liveliest street market neighborhood[Video]
This historical Kyoto zen garden is hosting a guitar and beatbox concert
Squeezy Tanuki Testicle toys once again appear in Japanese gacha machines
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Looney Tunes is now an adorable anime series with Looney Tunes Gokko[Videos]
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
We turn to a shady Amazon Japan gadget to try to stop Tokyo crows from stealing our hangers
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away