Katsushika Hokusai: The Genius Artist Who Amazed the World
Anime＆Manga
2025.03.09
Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) is one of Japan’s most renowned ukiyo-e artists. While he is best known for The Great Wave off Kanagawa from Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, his artistic influence extends far beyond that iconic piece. His innovative compositions, dynamic perspectives, and even early use of techniques resembling modern comic effects make him a truly revolutionary figure in art history.
Hokusai was more than just a ukiyo-e artist; he was a creative force who constantly evolved and left a lasting impact on art worldwide. Let’s explore his life, his incredible works, and his influence on modern art and manga.
1. Who Was Katsushika Hokusai? His Life and Personality
Hokusai was born in 1760, during Japan’s Edo period. He began studying art in his teens and became a professional ukiyo-e artist in his twenties. However, his creativity and passion for art continued until the very end of his life, nearly 90 years old.
His life was full of remarkable quirks and unique habits.
① Changing Names Over 30 Times & Moving 93 Times
Hokusai changed his name more than 30 times during his lifetime, adopting monikers such as “Fumago,” “Taito,” “Iitsu,” and later, “Gakyō Rōjin Manji” (meaning “The Old Man Mad About Painting”). This wasn’t just a matter of preference—it reflected his constant drive for artistic renewal and growth.
Additionally, he was known for moving houses 93 times! The reason? He despised cleaning. Whenever his house became too messy, he would simply pack up and move instead of tidying up. This unconventional lifestyle allowed him to focus entirely on his art.
② A Lifelong Pursuit of Perfection
Even in his 70s and 80s, Hokusai continued refining his skills, calling himself “The Old Man Mad About Painting.” He believed that his art was still incomplete, and just before his death at 89, he left behind these famous words:
“If only Heaven had granted me five more years, I could have become a true artist.”
His insatiable hunger for artistic mastery made him one of history’s most fascinating and dedicated creators.
2. Hokusai’s Revolutionary Art: More Than Just Ukiyo-e
① Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji: His Most Famous Masterpiece
Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji (1830–1832) made him a household name worldwide. The most famous piece from the series, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, is one of the most recognizable artworks in history.
This series showcased Hokusai’s innovative use of Western perspective techniques, creating breathtaking depth and movement. His bold compositions and dynamic wave formations later inspired Impressionist painters like Monet and Van Gogh.
② Powerful Illustrations: Depicting Lightning and Explosions
Hokusai wasn’t just a master of landscapes; he also created highly dramatic and action-packed illustrations. Some of his works look like something out of a modern manga, filled with explosions, lightning bolts, and intense movement.
One prime example is an illustration from “Chinsetsu Yumiharizuki” (a novel by Kyokutei Bakin), depicting the resurrection of Mōun, a fearsome spirit. In this scene, the foolish King Shōnei of Ryukyu disturbs an ancient burial mound, unknowingly unleashing Mōun. The resulting massive explosion sends boulders flying through the air, striking down his terrified retainers one by one.
Hokusai’s composition is extraordinary—he uses bold, radiating lines to depict the explosion’s force, making it feel as though the blast extends beyond the edges of the paper itself. This technique is similar to “impact waves” seen in modern manga and anime.
Another example is his illustration “Ruriyō Raishi” (The Wandering King Struck by Lightning).
This dramatic piece depicts an ancient Indian king who, according to legend, destroyed the Shakya clan (the clan of Buddha) and was later struck down by divine lightning.
In this artwork, a massive bolt of lightning descends from the heavens, piercing the king’s body. The background is filled with intense radiating lines, emphasizing the sheer force of the divine punishment. This kind of dynamic, radiating effect is often seen in modern manga and anime fight scenes, such as when a character is hit by a powerful attack.
Through these illustrations, we see Hokusai’s pioneering ability to convey movement and impact in static images, making his works feel alive with energy.
3. Hokusai’s Lasting Impact on the Art and Manga World
① Inspiring Impressionist Painters
During the late 19th century, Japanese art became incredibly popular in Europe, influencing a movement known as Japonisme. Hokusai’s works, in particular, captivated Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas.
• Van Gogh admired Hokusai’s waves, describing them as “alive and moving.” He incorporated their swirling, fluid forms into his own paintings.
• Monet was inspired by Hokusai’s use of perspective and depth, applying similar techniques in his landscape paintings.
② Hokusai’s Influence on Film and Animation
Hokusai’s bold compositions and cinematic perspectives have had a lasting impact on film and anime.
• The wave patterns in The Great Wave inspired visual designs in Star Wars.
• His use of radiating lines and exaggerated perspectives influenced manga and anime, particularly in action-packed battle scenes.
4. Why Hokusai Is Still Revered Today
Even more than 200 years after his death, Hokusai’s art continues to fascinate people worldwide. What makes his works so timeless?
① His Bold, Unique Compositions
Hokusai’s dramatic framing, striking perspectives, and dynamic angles remain cutting-edge even today. His approach to visual storytelling influenced not only ukiyo-e but also photography, cinema, and digital art.
② His Humor and Storytelling
His sketches in Hokusai Manga capture human movement, facial expressions, and daily life with an almost cartoon-like humor. These elements helped shape the visual style of modern Japanese manga.
③ His Lifelong Passion for Creativity
Hokusai’s words—“If only I had five more years…”—reflect his never-ending pursuit of artistic growth. His relentless dedication serves as an inspiration to artists, illustrators, and creators around the world.
Conclusion
Katsushika Hokusai was more than just a great ukiyo-e artist; he was a visionary who changed the course of art history. His innovative compositions, intense action scenes, and exploration of movement and storytelling continue to influence artists today.
If you ever visit Japan, be sure to see his artworks in person—his genius is best appreciated up close!
Hey there! I’m Yasuoka, a Japanese student fascinated by how people see Japan from the outside.
Uncovering the surprising, bizarre, and fascinating sides of Japan. There’s more to Japan than you think!
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