2025.9.2
金秋艺术指南：从“HOKUSAI展”开启您的日本桥与京桥艺术之旅
This autumn, "HOKUSAI: The Artist Mad About Painting" an exhibition that lets you experience the roots of Japan's celebrated manga and anime culture, will be held at CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO in Kyobashi from September 13 (Sat) to November 30 (Sun), 2025.
What sets this exhibition apart is its unique approach. Rather than tracing Hokusai's influence on European art from an art-historical context, it focuses on his incredible artistry and techniques—his "hand-skills" and "technique-skills"—to explore the origins of expression in internationally acclaimed Japanese manga and anime. Through both the artworks and the exhibition design, you can viscerally experience this connection. The focus lines, effect lines, and depictions of time and wind that he challenged with just paper and brush in the Edo period—even his comedic expressions—can be seen as the very source of today's "moving pictures." The exhibition is a chance to be amazed once again by Hokusai's genius and to exclaim, "He was drawing things this kitsch and pop, even back then!" The event runs from September 13 (Sat) to November 30 (Sun), 2025, at CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO in Kyobashi. With late hours until 8:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and the days before public holidays, it's a great stop after work. Don't miss it!
Full of Can't-Miss Highlights!
Immerse Yourself in the World's #1 "Hokusai Manga" Collection and His Masterpieces
Centering on the complete 15-volume Hokusai Manga from the collection of Mitsuru Uragami (Uragami Sokyu-do), the exhibition also features a massive collection of his works, from illustrated novels (yomihon) to The Great Wave off Kanagawa from "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji," and all 102 illustrations from his late masterpiece, the three-volume "One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji." With over 400 items on display, this is a chance to survey everything from Edo-period publishing culture to Hokusai's image creation through a collection praised as the world's best in both quality and quantity.
A Mini-Theater that "Animates Hokusai"
A special mini-theater has been set up in the venue. Here, some of Japan's leading animators have created and will screen animations of "Sparrow's Dance" from Odori Hitori Geiko and "Martial Arts (Staff)" from the Hokusai Manga. It's a unique feature where you can witness the moment Hokusai's drawings truly come to life.
Reading Through the Lens of His "Doings"—From Technique to Manga & Anime
The exhibition is structured around Hokusai's techniques, with sections like "Focus & Effect Lines," "Explosions & Flashes," "Visualizing Natural Phenomena like Waves and Wind," "Passage of Time," "Yokai & Ghosts," "Abbreviated & Single-Stroke Drawings," "Comedic Depictions," and "Anime-Style Key Frames." From these 200-year-old prints, a formative sensibility emerges that connects directly to modern manga panels and storyboards.
First Public Showing! 16 Newly Discovered Works from His Final Years
The Nisshin Joma-zu (Daily Exorcisms) is a series Hokusai worked on almost daily in his early 80s. Of the more than 200 known drawings, 16 previously unknown works have been newly discovered and added to the Uragami collection. You can witness the raw power of his brushwork and see firsthand how his brush techniques and motif creation were honed in his final years.
Focus on "Hokusai the Designer"
From A Modern Guide to Combs and Pins, a book of designs with the feel of product design, to Picture Book of the Eastern Capital, which presents a bird's-eye view of the city in an age without aerial photography, and Illustrated Anthology of Tang Dynasty Poems, which expresses movement with speed lines—his cross-disciplinary "doings" are on full display.
The Power of Storytelling in Illustrated Novels
His illustrations for works like Chinsetsu Yumiharizuki (The Crescent Moon) and Shinpen Suiko Gaden (New Illustrated Edition of the Water Margin) demonstrate an exceptional skill in composition and in guiding the viewer's gaze. You can re-experience the dramatic expressions, reminiscent of shonen manga and gekiga, right from the woodblock-printed pages.
Plenty of Collaboration Goods!
A variety of products have been created in collaboration with Hokusai's works. From apparel to food, you'll find plenty of original goods available only here. Be sure to check them out!
葛飾北斎 『椿説弓張月』続編 浦上蒼穹堂蔵
葛飾北斎 『北斎漫画』十編 浦上蒼穹堂蔵
葛飾北斎 『富嶽百景』二編「海上の不二」 浦上蒼穹堂蔵
How to Enjoy the Exhibition, Tokyo Art & Antiques Style
The Nihonbashi and Kyobashi area is a dense hub of art dealers and galleries. In the fall, numerous exhibitions are held here. Here's how to enjoy the "HOKUSAI" exhibition in a "Tokyo Art & Antiques" way!
Extend Your Visit to Uragami Sokyu-do!
The special collaborator for this exhibition, Uragami Sokyu-do, is a member of Tokyo Art & Antiques. Its owner is the world's foremost collector of the Hokusai Manga and a dealer in ancient Chinese ceramics. While such prestigious shops might seem intimidating, why not take this opportunity to visit one?
Combine with Other Events:
Why not plan a dense art-viewing schedule by combining your visit with other nearby events like the Nihonbashi-Kyobashi Art Week / Mise-nite and the Tobi Art Fair 2025 (Oct 17–19)?
Encountering Old Designs:
The true pleasure of this area is discovering the depth of "materials and techniques," from Edo-period tableware to ancient crafts. For creators, touring the Hokusai exhibition and then the area's famous shops is sure to be a source of inspiration!
Directly Connected Theme Cafe:
In the "Hokusai Shokudo" on the same floor, you can enjoy menu items inspired by his famous waves and Mount Fuji. It's a great spot to enjoy with kids or friends!
See the menu here: https://hokusai2025.jp/special/
【Event Outline】
HOKUSAI: The Artist Mad About Painting
Dates: September 13 (Sat) – November 30 (Sun), 2025 / Open daily, some works will be rotated.
Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Fridays, Saturdays, and days before holidays until 8:00 PM. Last admission 30 minutes before closing).
Venue: CREATIVE MUSEUM TOKYO (TODA BUILDING 6F, 1-7-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
Access: 3-min walk from Kyobashi Station, 7-min walk from Tokyo Station, etc.
Admission: General ¥2,300 (Advance ¥2,100) / High School & Junior High ¥1,800 (Advance ¥1,600) / Elementary ¥1,200 (Advance ¥1,000) (Special tickets also available: https://hokusai2025.jp/ticket/)
Official Website: https://hokusai2025.jp
This fall is the perfect season to enjoy art throughout the city, using Hokusai's "doings" as your starting point. Tokyo Art & Antiques will continue to provide information on upcoming fall exhibitions. Please stay tuned for our latest updates.
https://www.tokyoartantiques.com
