Modern Ukiyo-e Woodcut Prints by Kazuo Umezu

A Collaboration between One of Japan’s Most Talented Manga Artist and a Group of Woodblock Printing Artisans

Images taken from representative works of manga genius Kazuo Umezu, such as Makoto-chan and Snake Woman, have taken on a new form as traditional Japanese ukiyo-e prints. Carvers and printmakers from the Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints spent six months preparing the prints. Kazuo Umezu has autographed each of the limited 300 prints of each work.
These prints, created from a crystallization of the Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock tradition and Umezu’s manga, are true works of art, and can be seen as a second wave of Japonisme. Imagine how nice it would be to have one of your own.


Profile of Kazuo Umezu

Born in 1936. He showed artistic talent from an early age, began drawing manga when he was in the fourth grade, and made his professional debut in 1955. He has published a number of horror manga, including Snake Girl, also known as Reptilia, and became known as the “godfather of horror manga” as he traumatized boys and girls throughout Japan. He has written many hit series including The Drifting Classroom, Orochi: Blood, and The Baptism , and many people even call him a “prophet” for his anticipation of the future. Makoto-chan, which was released in 1976, proved enormously popular with its surrealist humor, and the exclamation “Gwashi !” became a social fad.
Since the release of Fourteen in 1995, he has had to cut back on his drawing due to repetitive stress syndrome, but has gone beyond the manga world, making musical performances and appearances on TV and in movies, and has made wide use of his creativity and talent as an artist in arts and entertainment in general.

Profile of Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints

The Institute was established in 1928 in Nishi-Sugamo, Tokyo, by Toyohisa Adachi. Its members began the production, publication, and sale of ukiyo-e reproductions as a means to show people the attractiveness of ukiyo-e in a proper form. Beginning with the works of Tōshūsai Sharaku they began to reproduce print works, and have gained worldwide recognition.
Today, they also produce woodblock prints geared to the present era, including original works of contemporary artists. In addition, as part of their mission to ensure that woodblock printing skills are passed down, they established the Adachi Foundation for the preservation of woodcut printing, where young artisans receive training.