World's First Hokusai x Eisen Shunga Exhibition: Phase 2 Opens May 1; Special Display of a Different Version of 'The Octopus and the Diver'
The second phase of the 'Hokusai & Eisen Shunga Exhibition WA' in Shinjuku Kabukicho opens May 1, 2026. This world-first exhibition specializing in Hokusai and Eisen will refresh over half of its 136 pieces and feature a rare version of Hokusai's masterpiece 'The Octopus and the Diver' for a limited time.
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- 📰 Published: April 25, 2026 at 01:49
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The second phase of 'Hokusai & Keisai Eisen Shunga Exhibition WA - Kabukicho in Bloom -' organized by Smappa!Group (Chairman: Maki Tezuka) will open on Friday, May 1, 2026. This exhibition, specializing in the Shunga (erotic art) of Katsushika Hokusai and Keisai Eisen, is a world-first attempt according to supervisor Mitsuru Uragami (representative of Uragami Sokyu-do and permanent director of the International Ukiyo-e Society). All 136 exhibited works are from Mr. Uragami's collection, characterized by high quality that he prides as 'museum-grade.' In the first phase, a rush of visitors seeking Hokusai's masterpiece 'The Octopus and the Diver' led to entry restrictions. In the second phase, to preserve precious works for future generations, over half of the 136 works will undergo page changes or full replacements.
Highlights of the Second Phase:
1. Special Display of a Different Version of 'The Octopus and the Diver'
From Hokusai's erotic book 'Kinoe no Komatsu' (Pine Seedlings on the First Rat Day), the masterpiece 'The Octopus and the Diver' will be on special display for a limited period (May 1–May 10). From a conservation perspective, this version is different from the one shown in the first phase. Even with the same motif, different printings reveal variations in lines, colors, and paper texture—a true joy of woodblock printing.
Differences include:
- Thickness: The first phase showed a consolidated volume of three parts, while the second phase displays only the third volume, making the book significantly thinner.
- Color: The second phase features overall calmer tones compared to the first phase, showcasing the unique charm of woodblock prints where the same design results in different hues.
2. Replacement of Over Half of Exhibited Works
As Edo-period woodblock prints are vulnerable to fading from light, they cannot be exhibited continuously for long periods. Over half the works will be refreshed, adding new masterpieces by Hokusai and Eisen. The exhibition also traces the lineage of 'The Octopus and the Diver' back to ancestral works and the 'Myth of the Diver and the Jewel' in 'Nihon Shoki,' highlighting the 'Sampling & Remix' creativity of Edo artists.
3. Keisai Eisen: The Artist Most Suited to Kabukicho
Keisai Eisen (1791–1848) is the other protagonist. Born into a samurai family but becoming a ukiyo-e artist to support his sisters, he frequented Hokusai's home to learn techniques while maintaining an independent path. He excelled in paintings of beauties and was incredibly prolific in Shunga, while also writing fiction, running a brothel, and selling face powder. Organizer Maki Tezuka states, 'I feel a deep sympathy for Eisen. His attitude of searching for identity while refusing to lose resonates with life in Kabukicho.'
4. Interactive Event: 'Makura Bunko'
The exhibition also features events focused on 'Makura Bunko' (Pillow Library), a bestseller of the Edo period, providing an immersive experience into the world of Shunga.
Highlights of the Second Phase:
1. Special Display of a Different Version of 'The Octopus and the Diver'
From Hokusai's erotic book 'Kinoe no Komatsu' (Pine Seedlings on the First Rat Day), the masterpiece 'The Octopus and the Diver' will be on special display for a limited period (May 1–May 10). From a conservation perspective, this version is different from the one shown in the first phase. Even with the same motif, different printings reveal variations in lines, colors, and paper texture—a true joy of woodblock printing.
Differences include:
- Thickness: The first phase showed a consolidated volume of three parts, while the second phase displays only the third volume, making the book significantly thinner.
- Color: The second phase features overall calmer tones compared to the first phase, showcasing the unique charm of woodblock prints where the same design results in different hues.
2. Replacement of Over Half of Exhibited Works
As Edo-period woodblock prints are vulnerable to fading from light, they cannot be exhibited continuously for long periods. Over half the works will be refreshed, adding new masterpieces by Hokusai and Eisen. The exhibition also traces the lineage of 'The Octopus and the Diver' back to ancestral works and the 'Myth of the Diver and the Jewel' in 'Nihon Shoki,' highlighting the 'Sampling & Remix' creativity of Edo artists.
3. Keisai Eisen: The Artist Most Suited to Kabukicho
Keisai Eisen (1791–1848) is the other protagonist. Born into a samurai family but becoming a ukiyo-e artist to support his sisters, he frequented Hokusai's home to learn techniques while maintaining an independent path. He excelled in paintings of beauties and was incredibly prolific in Shunga, while also writing fiction, running a brothel, and selling face powder. Organizer Maki Tezuka states, 'I feel a deep sympathy for Eisen. His attitude of searching for identity while refusing to lose resonates with life in Kabukicho.'
4. Interactive Event: 'Makura Bunko'
The exhibition also features events focused on 'Makura Bunko' (Pillow Library), a bestseller of the Edo period, providing an immersive experience into the world of Shunga.