If you love art and are fascinated by Japanese culture, you will certainly be familiar with the name of Hokusai.
This extraordinary artist is not only the author of the famous ‘Great Wave of Kanagawa “, but also one of the greatest exponents of the ukiyo-e movement, the ”pictures of the floating world’, which marked the height of creativity of the Edo era in Japan.
Who was Katsushika Hokusai really? What are his main works?
Find out everything you need to know about one of the most influential artists in history in this post.
HOKUSAI: THE VISIONARY MASTER

Katsushika Hokusai. La [Grande] Onda presso la costa di Kanagawa dalla serie Trentasei vedute del monte Fuji
1830-1832. Silografia policroma ©Courtesy of Museo d’Arte Orientale E. Chiossone
His output is vast: we are talking about thousands of prints, paintings, book illustrations and even drawing manuals.
Hokusai is best known for his innovative approach to art.
He introduced perspectives never before seen in traditional Japan, drawing inspiration from Western techniques, and brought natural landscapes to the centre of the artistic scene. His works not only depict the beauty of Japan, but also capture the essence of a changing era.
The Works of Hokusai
When talking about Hokusai, one cannot help but be fascinated by the variety and depth of his artistic output. Each work is a journey into the master’s universe, between breathtaking landscapes, scenes of everyday life and artistic inventions that have spanned the centuries.
Here are some of his most famous creations that capture the essence of Japan and the uniqueness of his genius.
- The Great Wave of Kanagawa: this masterpiece is part of the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji series and represents a monumental wave that seems to engulf everything. It is Hokusai’s most iconic work and one of the most recognisable images in the world.
- Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji: A series of prints dedicated to the sacred Mount Fuji, a symbol of spirituality and beauty, showing the artist’s compositional genius.
- Manga by Hokusai: a collection of fifteen volumes that are a veritable manual of drawing, full of scenes from everyday life, landscapes, animals and imaginary figures.
- Shunga – spring images: refined erotic works rich in detail, created with techniques that combined art and craftsmanship to evade the censorship of the time.
What is the Floating World?
The ukiyo, literally ‘floating world’, is a concept born in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868) that reflected the desire to enjoy the beauty and pleasures of life, despite its transience.
This lifestyle was manifested in entertainment districts, kabuki theatres, brothels and teahouses, where art found fertile ground to express lightness and the ephemeral.
Ukiyo-e prints often depicted scenes of everyday life, enchanting landscapes, portraits of actors or courtesans, capturing the spirit of an era whenthe joy of the present was celebrated above all else.
Hokusai took this genre to new levels, immortalising not only pleasure but also the intimate connection between man and nature, making the ‘floating world’ an eternal window on the soul of Japan.
Interesting facts about Hokusai
Hokusai not only influenced his contemporaries in Japan: his art inspired big names in European Impressionism such as Monet, Van Gogh and Degas. Today, his style continues to inspire modern artists and designers all over the world.
Hokusai changed his name at least thirty times during his life, a common habit among artists of the time to mark new creative stages.
It is said that until the age of 80 he considered his work immature and declared:
‘At the age of 100, I will finally have achieved perfection’.
Despite his fame, Hokusai lived in modest conditions throughout his life, devoting every moment to art.
To study Hokusai today is to immerse oneself in a world of beauty, creativity and innovation.
His ability to connect Japanese tradition with foreign influences makes him a unique cultural bridge that continues to speak to all generations.
Whether you want to delve into his work for passion or personal culture, discovering Hokusai is like stepping onto a wave that carries you far away to a sea of inspiration. Be enchanted by the floating world of Hokusai and discover how this artist left an indelible mark on the history of art.