Amazing Arts of Japan

The stereotype of Japanese art may involve simplicity and tranquility, as represented in wabi-sabi and Zen. However, other styles contradict any notion of limitations. Such works go to extreme lengths in using loud colors and packing every possible space with extraordinary technique. Visits to Nikko and Niigata, among other spots, reveal the truth that Japanese artistic traditions include the gorgeous, the bizarre, and almost everything in-between.

More than 150 years after his death, Katsushika Hokusai remains one of Japan's most well-known artists around the world. His most popular work, 36 Views of Mount Fuji, shows the iconic mountain from multiple perspectives. Hokusai created the illustrations when he was in his seventies. This program delves into the mysteries surrounding the woodblock prints. What drove the artist to begin them late in life? And what was it about the series that dazzled the people of his era? The answers reveal truths about the artist, his work, and his times.

Discover unique Japanese art while visiting across Japan with our series program, "AMAZING ARTS OF JAPAN". In this edition, we look into the magnetism of unique Japanese Buddhist statues of various times such as vigorous Buddhist statue from the Samurai era, unorthodox statue by a wandering monk, and floating Buddha image of present age.

Discover unique Japanese art while visiting across Japan with our series program, "AMAZING ARTS OF JAPAN". Theme of this edition is super real figurative art. Explore the beauty of astonishingly fine reality in craft products dating back to the 18th century and food samples of today.