Katsushika Hokusai was and still is, arguably one of the world’s most famous and influential painters and printmakers. Over the past year a number of events and productions have taken place to celebrate the 260th anniversary of the artist, such as ‘The Life of Hokusai’ performed live by Japanese stage performance artist, Katsumi Sakakura and the upcoming movie entitled “HOKUSAI’ set to be released on 28 May 2021.

Prior to the release of the movie, Japanese culture web media site Waka web has launched the portal site ‘HOKUSAI PORTAL’ which introduces the great artist through more than 100 published articles.

As of April 2021, Waka Web has more than 400 articles relating to ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints of ‘Pictures of the Floating World’), and with the celebration of 260 years since the birth of Hokusai, there has been an increase in interest for the Edo era artist. With more and more Hokusai prints making their way into everyday lifestyle (such as appearing on banknotes, passports and fashion items like these neck buffs), the web media site has joined with the team behind the HOKUSAI movie, to start a new project that utilises the combined knowledge and contents of the movie and Waka Web.
The new project – HOKUSAI PORTAL – looks at the artist from all angles, and focuses on his life, work, the people who surrounded him and the influences from the culture of his time.

In addition to the more than 100 Hokusai-related articles already available on the site, new posts from Waka web writers, editorial staff and guest writers which dive deep into the life of Hokusai will be continuously uploaded through to the end of June 2021.

If you want to learn more about the life of the great artist Katsushika Hokusai, look no further than the HOKUSAI PORTAL.

HOKUSAI movie

Despite nearly two centuries having passed since the death of the great artist, Hokusai continues to influence crafts, sculpture, music, architecture, fashion and design. Through his art and career, we know so much about him, yet still, so little is known about his youth, and large portions of his life remain shaded in mystery.

The movie "HOKUSAI" is an original story that has been created by thoroughly examining historical materials and connecting the facts. Alongside a cast of well-known actors and actresses, Yuya Yagira takes on the role of young Hokusai, whilst Min Tanaka portrays the artist in his later life.
The film depicts Hokusai's turbulent life, including his youth, which has generally been overlooked up until recently. Viewers will experience the frustration and glory of an artist's life. What is it that drove him to continue painting all the way from his childhood through to his death in his 90s?

Release date: 28th May 2021
Starring: Yagira Yuya, Min Tanaka, Hiroshi Tamaki, Takimoto Miori, Kanji Tsuda, and Hiroshi Abe amongst others
Screenplay by: Len Kawahara
Official Movie Website: https://www.hokusai2020.com
Official SNS: @hokusai2020 Hashtags: #映画HOKUSAI #HOKUSAI #北斎