In recent times, Japanese ukiyoe artists have used the traditional Japanese art form to depict influential personages in modern pop culture. Musicians have been represented on ukiyoe paintings through legendary bands like KISS and Iron Maiden, and now, some of the most famous characters from movies, Japanese manga, and games are also appearing on unique ukiyoe art.

Creating ukiyoe paintings of many of our favorites is Japanese painter Takao Nakagawa. In his Ukiyoe Character series, he gives a new touch to characters like Goku, Darth Vader, Mario, and the Hulk. The artist has explained that each character was drawn as samurai-in-combat.

Nakagawa's artwork not only imagines the popular characters as warriors of the past, but they give greater relevance to traditional ukiyoe art to younger generations less familiar with its history.

Son-Goku

Piccolo

Luke Skywalker

Boba Fett

Darth Vader

Yoda

Lupin the Third

Daisuke Jigen

Goemon Ishikawa

Fujiko Mine

Zenigata Keibu

Dr. Slump Arare

Ashita no Joe

Astro Boy

Ultra Man

Batman

The Incredible Hulk

Mario

Luigi

You can see Nakagawa’s entire collection of ukiyoe characters on his online gallery, and visit his website (Japanese) to stay updated on his projects.