For as long as I can remember, I've been captivated by Katsushika Hokusai's "36 Views of Mount Fuji" series, particularly "The Great Wave off Kanagawa", which is arguably Japan's most recognizable artwork. Created between 1830 and 1832, this remarkable series captures the majestic Mount Fuji from various vantage points. Even today, the iconic symmetrical cone-shaped silhouette of Mount Fuji continues to be a favourite subject in Japanese art, largely due to its deep cultural, historical, and religious significance. Standing tall at 3,776 meters, this awe-inspiring active stratovolcano holds the title of Japan's highest peak.
In this artwork, I pay homage to Hokusai's iconic series by presenting Mount Fuji from various perspectives. However, I aim to showcase the old and new aspects of Japan. Following WWII, Japan experienced rapid growth and modernization at an astonishing pace. The dazzling skyline of Shinjuku, the lightning-fast Shinkansen, record-breaking rollercoasters at Fuji-Q Highland, pristine highways, cute kei trucks, and ubiquitous FamilyMart stores exemplify some of the advancements the country has been enjoying. Despite the whirlwind of change, Japan has managed to preserve its customs and traditions. Some things truly stand the test of time. Across the nation, temples and shrines are meticulously maintained, Shizuoka's verdant tea fields continue to yield the country's finest green tea, swans gracefully glide across Lake Kawaguchiko, women don elegant kimonos with poise, and the annual cherry blossom season remains a breathtaking spectacle. In many ways, the past is intricately woven into the present. I believe the fusion of ancient and modern Japan would be something Hokusai, himself, would be proud of.
It is remarkable that amidst all the transformations, Mount Fuji has managed to retain its timeless allure. I hope I have adeptly portrayed this majestic and spiritually significant stratovolcano while also respectfully capturing the beauty of the country, its people, and its rich cultural heritage. This artwork was crafted 190 years after Hokusai's series, and I hope that another artist, 190 years from now, will be inspired to continue this legacy by creating a new series of diverse views of Mount Fuji while showcasing future Japan.
