Hokusai’s “Nisshin Jomazu”: A Series of Prayers and Humor from a Master in His Twilight Years

When discussing Japanese art, Katsushika Hokusai is an indispensable figure. While his iconic “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” is world-famous, his late-life series “Nisshin Jomazu” reveals a more personal and deeply human side of the artist, offering a unique window into the richness of Japanese culture.

A Morning Ritual Begun at Age 83

In 1842, at the age of 83, Hokusai faced a period of illness and misfortune. To “ward off evil anew each day,” he began drawing lions and figures associated with lions nearly every morning. These works were not commissions, but rather deeply private art created for his own protection and well-being.

219 Works Filled with Prayer and Playfulness

The “Nisshin Jomazu” collection, now housed at the Kyushu National Museum, consists of 219 pieces. Each small painting features lions—some fierce, others with humorous or whimsical expressions. Rather than simply exorcising evil with strength, these lions seem to soothe the viewer’s heart and ease daily anxieties with their warmth.

Hokusai dated each drawing, showing his commitment to this daily routine. When he gifted this collection to Miyamoto Shinsuke at age 88, he included images of wish-granting jewels and longevity remedies, further revealing his playful spirit and sense of humor.

Why the World Is Fascinated

“Nisshin Jomazu” is more than just a series of artworks; it is a “record of prayers” created by Hokusai in his later years for health, happiness, and protection from evil. Even past the age of 83, Hokusai never lost his creativity or humor, continuing to draw new compositions of lions every day—a passion that inspires us even today.

In addition, the lion has long been a symbol of protection and good fortune in Japanese culture. Through Hokusai’s works, viewers can sense the spiritual traditions and daily prayers woven into Japanese life.

Conclution

If you are interested in Japanese art, culture, or the richness of life itself, Hokusai’s “Nisshin Jomazu” is a must-see.
This series, filled with the prayers and playful spirit of an aging master who never stopped challenging himself, is sure to give courage and inspiration to people around the world.

 

 

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Our Feelings For Kakejiku

 The Japanese people have long set a high value on aesthetic senses since ancient times. As a result, the
peculiar culture which is not seen in other countries blossomed and many aspects of the modern Japanese
culture come from it. Parts of Japanese culture has been introduced to people in other countries recently,
so the number of people from other countries who are interested in Japanese culture has been increasing.
However, the Japanese aesthetic senses, which are the bases of Japanese culture, have been nurtured
through a long history, intertwining various elements intricately, such as climate, geographical features,
religion, customs and so on. Therefore, they are very difficult to understand not only for people from other
countries, but even for the Japanese people. I think the best tool which conveys these difficult senses
understandably is a “kakejiku.”
 The kakejiku (a hanging scroll; a work of calligraphy or a painting which is mounted and hung in an
alcove or on a wall) is a traditional Japanese art. It's no exaggeration to say that paintings are what
express aesthetic senses at all times and places. The kakejiku is an art which expresses the Japanese
aesthetic senses. The kakejiku has long been used in traditional Japanese events, daily life and so on since
ancient times. As a result, there are various customs of kakejiku in Japan; kakejiku and the life of the
Japanese are closely related. We can see Japanese values through kakejiku.
 The kakejiku is a cultural tradition which the Japanese people should be proud of. However, many people
in other countries don't know much about it because it hasn't been showcased as much. This is why I
decided to try to introduce it. The kakejiku world is very interesting and beautiful. We want not only the
Japanese, but also many people from other countries to know and enjoy it. I hope that many people will
love kakejiku someday.

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Company Profile
syaoku.jpg(120220 byte)

Name Art Nomura

President Tatsuji Nomura

Founded1973

Established1992

Address7-23 Babadori, Tarumi-ku, Kobe city,
Hyougo Prefecture, 655-0021, Japan


Capital10 million yen

URLhttp://nomurakakejiku.com

Our Business

 Art Nomura is an art dealer which produces kakejiku (hanging scrolls). We mount many paintings and calligraphic works in kakejiku in my factory. Kakejiku are our main product. We also remount and repair old or damaged kakejiku. We share the traditional Japanese art of kakejiku with people all over the world.


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 The Japanese people have long set a high value on aesthetic senses since ancient times. As a result, the
peculiar culture which is not seen in other countries blossomed and many aspects of the modern Japanese
culture come from it. Parts of Japanese culture has been introduced to people in other countries recently,
so the number of people from other countries who are interested in Japanese culture has been increasing.
However, the Japanese aesthetic senses, which are the bases of Japanese culture, have been nurtured
through a long history, intertwining various elements intricately, such as climate, geographical features,
religion, customs and so on. Therefore, they are very difficult to understand not only for people from other
countries, but even for the Japanese people. I think the best tool which conveys these difficult senses
understandably is a “kakejiku.”
 The kakejiku (a hanging scroll; a work of calligraphy or a painting which is mounted and hung in an
alcove or on a wall) is a traditional Japanese art. It's no exaggeration to say that paintings are what
express aesthetic senses at all times and places. The kakejiku is an art which expresses the Japanese
aesthetic senses. The kakejiku has long been used in traditional Japanese events, daily life and so on since
ancient times. As a result, there are various customs of kakejiku in Japan; kakejiku and the life of the
Japanese are closely related. We can see Japanese values through kakejiku.
 The kakejiku is a cultural tradition which the Japanese people should be proud of. However, many people
in other countries don't know much about it because it hasn't been showcased as much. This is why I
decided to try to introduce it. The kakejiku world is very interesting and beautiful. We want not only the
Japanese, but also many people from other countries to know and enjoy it. I hope that many people will
love kakejiku someday.

(or press ESC or click the overlay)