Hokusai’s Great Wave Now Featured on Japanese Banknotes

The newly issued ¥1000 banknote, introduced by the Bank of Japan, features Hokusai’s renowned “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” This iconic artwork is sure to be a hit with tourists and art fans of Hokusai, making the note not only a functional piece of currency but also a cherished souvenir that beautifully captures Japan’s rich artistic heritage. The reverse of the note showcases a portrait of Shibasaburo Kitasato, a renowned bacteriologist nominated for the Nobel Prize.

Once considered the equivalent of a ten-dollar bill in the United States, the yen has recently plunged to its lowest value in decades, now worth six U.S. dollars. This significant depreciation is a boon for tourists, especially those who have a keen appreciation for traditional Japanese woodblock-print art, such as the masterpieces of Hokusai.

Hokusai was well-versed in the nuances of capitalism, yet his true genius lay in his extraordinary ability to capture the beauty of Japan. His keen and unique perceptions of the natural and cultural landscapes have left an indelible mark on Eastern and Western art for nearly two centuries. Hokusai’s work, especially his iconic series of woodblock prints, has inspired countless artists and continues to evoke a sense of wonder and admiration. His art transcends time and geography, offering viewers a glimpse into the serene and majestic beauty of Japan as seen through the eyes of a master.

Martin Bailey, a specialist on Vincent van Gogh, believes the Dutch artist drew inspiration from Katsushika Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” when he painted “The Starry Night.” The similarities between the two works are striking. In Hokusai’s piece, the wave towers over Mount Fuji. Similarly, Van Gogh’s “swirling mass in the sky hurtles towards the gentler slopes of Les Alpilles.”

Art historians know Van Gogh was an avid collector of Japanese prints and greatly admired Hokusai’s work. In a letter to his brother Theo, Van Gogh described the waves in the print as “claws” that trap the boat, conveying a vivid sense of movement and power. Van Gogh painted “The Starry Night” in the summer of 1889 while staying at a small mental asylum on the outskirts of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.