Hokusai, who was born in the 10th year of Horeki (1760) in Honjo near Minami Warigesui (currently Kamezawa, Sumida Ward), was interested in painting from an early age, and continued to paint works enthusiastically until just before the end of his life at the age of 90.
The pseudonym "Katsushika" comes from the old place name of his birthplace, while the name "Hokusai" represents the North Star in the Myoken Buddhist sect of Yanagijima, which worshipped it.
Hokusai is world-renowned. His landscapes had a great influence on the Impressionists such as Van Gogh, Degas, and Toulouse-Lautrec, which can be appreciated when you look at their works.
In 1999, when readers of the American magazine “Life” were asked to name 100 great people who left their mark in the last 1000 years", only one Japanese was chose, which was Hokusai. This shows that he is very highly esteemed even in foreign countries.
Hokusai is said to have been a rather strange character, who moved his residence 93 times in his 90-year long life. However, he has spent the majority of his life in "Sumida ", and he left many works which are views of Sumida at the time.
Recently in Sumida, we installed guide plates with QR codes in scenic places he painted and places remembered in connection with him, so that more people will know about "Hokusai", and become more familiar with his works.
Now, let's go on a walking tour to follow the "Hokusai" trail with your smartphone in your hand!