temporary exhibition

This exhibit showcases works of illustrator Rella, who has drawn inspiration from renowned Edo period Ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai to create a collaboration between Katsushika Hokusai and characters chosen as representatives of pop culture today, such as Hatsune Miku from Piapro. (*1) As concurrent projects, Katsushika Hokusai woodblock print reproductions and Hatsune Miku figurines will be displayed, Hatsune Miku x Katsushika Hokusai: The Great Wave off Kanagawa Ukiyo-e stamping workshops will be held, and exhibition merchandise will also be available for purchase.

There have always been and continue to be iconic symbols at the heart of popular culture pertinent to each era that captivate people like the North Star, a.k.a. Polaris, the theme of this exhibit. Just as Katsushika Hokusai depicted Mount Fuji in countless ways, artists have rendered various icons in a rich variety of expressions, and with the public exposed to those various renditions, we now have a diverse culture in Japan. This exhibition highlights how this expanding creative culture continues to be passed down over time.

■ Exhibit Details
- Echoing Gazes: Mount Fuji and the Diva – Two Artists Depicting Icons
This exhibit features original works by the creator Rella, combining elements of Katsushika Hokusai and Hatsune Miku. In addition to Rella’s original artwork, reproductions of Katsushika Hokusai’s work used for the background of Rella’s pieces and other works that share a common thread of aesthetics will also be on display, introducing timeless creativity to visitors.

- The Aesthetics of Layering: The Visual World Constructed by Printing Blocks and Layers
The exhibit will compare the composition of color blocks (*2) of Ukiyo-e paintings and the layers of digital illustrations. Alongside explaining the process of creating Ukiyo-e paintings and the printing techniques involved, an explanation of the digital illustration process, including revealing layers and separating lines and color layers, will be introduced via monitor display. Visitors will be able to experience this timeless creative technique of combining layers to create a singular piece of art.

- The Passion to Bring What You Love into the Real World: Expansion from 2D to 3D
The exhibit features a comparative display showcasing modern figurines and acrylic stands, alongside omocha-e (a form of Ukiyo-e designed for play) including tatebanko, (*3) often considered as papercraft of the Edo period. It highlights the media evolution of this concept, illustrating how the Japanese cultural tradition of bringing beloved 2D characters and imagery into the physical world to enjoy has been passed down across generations.

- Ukiyo-e Layered Stamping Experience “The Great Wave off Kanagawa × Hatsune Miku”
Through a hands-on simulation of pressing ukiyo-e woodblock prints layer by layer, featuring the main visual of this exhibit, ‘Katsushika Hokusai × Hatsune Miku (Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji: The Great Wave off Kanagawa)’, visitors can have fun while learning about printing and creative techniques passed down since the Edo period.

*Requires the purchase of a limited admission ticket with stamping sheet for 1,050 yen (tax included).
*Only visitors who have purchased the “Limited admission ticket with stamping sheet” may purchase additional stampings at the ticket counter (550 yen, tax included). Please refer to the Printing Museum official X account for details.

*1 Piapro Characters: A collective term for the six virtual singer software characters – Hatsune Miku, Kagamine Rin, Kagamine Len, Megurine Luka, MEIKO, and KAITO – developed by Crypton Future Media, INC.　
These characters, which have generated a vast chain of creations (piapro), are referred to as the “Piapro Characters.”

*2 Ukiyo-e Color Separation (Bumpan): A multicolor woodblock printing technique where a separate woodblock is carved for each individual color required to complete the artwork.

*3 Tatebanko: A traditional Japanese papercraft where illustrated paper pieces are cut out and assembled into three-dimensional diorama scenes.