I am Issai Yorozuya, a contemporary Ukiyo-e artist.I used to draw
pictures as Mari Mihashi, but I borrowed a Chinese character from
K-atsushika Hokusai and changed to Issai Yorozuya. Hokusai is my
role model. His life, works and philosophy inspire me. We are 200
years apart.
He lived in the Edo Period.I admire the courage, determination, unity
and kindness of the people in the Edo period.In the Edo period, there
was a portrayal called the“Moji-E”. In this portrayal, the text
messages related to the artwork are hidden in the drawing.
The people enjoyed drawing and looking for hidden messages with the
”Moji-E” and at the same time, learned a new language.
I don’t only draw ”Ukiyo-e”. I also draw the ”Moji-E” and I wish to
convey the Japanese traditional culture to next generations.I have
been donating some of my works to shrines and temples nationwide,
including Ise Jingu as Hokusai did.
Auspiciousness is also added to preserve the meaning of the drawing.
The meaning of the play is to prepare for tomorrow in Japanese.
Let’s play more and more with the ”Moji-E” and learn the Edo culture.