Did you know?: Traditional Japanese art Ukiyo-e

Japanese manga has quickly become a popular comic genre worldwide, but long before Sailor Moon, Pokémon and ONE PIECE, a different art form was used for storytelling in the country. Ukiyo-e, literally translated to “paintings of the floating world,” dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1867) uses woodblock prints and paintings to capture portraits of kabuki actors, sumo wrestlers, travel scenes and landscapes. The art was simple and produced at a relatively low cost, allowing for it to be purchased and appreciated by many.