Japan Saves Endangered Traditional Art with Pop Culture

Japan Saves Endangered Traditional Art with Pop Culture

Ukiyo-e, the traditional Japanese art of woodblock printing, is on the verge of extinction because of the lack of practicing craftsmen as older generations pass on. In order to prevent this previous art form from disappearing, the Ukiyo-e Project, among others, combines popular culture with Ukiyo-e to attract new fans. This in turn gives work to the artisans involved in the creation process: Illustrators, wood carvers, and hand printers, hence preserving the art form.

The modern twists on Ukiyo-e are not only fresh, but look amazing as well, proving that the ancient art form is flexible and adaptable to the aesthetics of contemporary society. Here's some Star Wars flavor added to Ukiyo-e




A super limited edition Ghost in the Shell print with only 300 copies in the world


Street Fighter in Ukiyo-e form!


Naruto version - can you spot the characters?


Even Doraemon gets put into the Ukiyo-e world!


Here's a collaboration between the Ukiyo-e Project and popular rock band KISS.


You can own a piece of ancient Japan and help preserve this art form here.

This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article

Japan Saves Endangered Traditional Art with Pop Culture 1

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