HOKUSAI'S GREAT WAVE CRASHES ONTO JAPANESE BANKNOTES

Katsushika Hokusai, The Great Kanagawa Wave (Kanagawa oki nami ura), from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, 1831-34 - Courtesy Minneapolis Institute of Arts

This redesign, initiated in 2019 following Emperor Naruhito's ascension to the throne, marks a significant shift in the country's currency aesthetics.

The star of this numismatic makeover is undoubtedly the 1,000-yen note, now adorned with Katsushika Hokusai's masterpiece, "The Great Wave off Kanagawa." This world-renowned woodblock print, created circa 1830-1833, has long been a symbol of Japan's artistic prowess and its complex relationship with the forces of nature.

Hokusai's wave, with its towering crest of foam threatening to engulf Mount Fuji in the distance, perfectly encapsulates the Japanese ethos of resilience in the face of natural adversity. The choice to feature this image on the most commonly used banknote in Japan speaks volumes about the country's desire to infuse everyday life with artistic significance.

The new currency lineup doesn't stop at the 1,000-yen note. The 5,000-yen bill now showcases Umeko Tsuda, a pioneering educator who founded Tsuda University, one of Japan's first institutions of higher learning for women. The 10,000-yen note features Shibasaburo Kitasato, the renowned bacteriologist who made groundbreaking discoveries in the fight against tetanus and diphtheria, in addition to his work on the bubonic plague.

This currency overhaul is part of a long-standing tradition in Japan, where new banknote designs are introduced with each imperial era. The process for these latest designs began in 2019 with Emperor Naruhito's accession and are expected to remain in circulation throughout his reign.

The inclusion of "The Great Wave" on national currency is a testament to its enduring popularity and cultural significance. Often considered second only to Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" in terms of global recognition, Hokusai's wave has inspired countless reproductions and adaptations. From a 1,810-piece LEGO set that allows enthusiasts to build a 3D version of the wave, to its appearance on everything from coffee mugs to T-shirts, the image has truly become a global phenomenon.

The art market has also reflected the wave's immense value. In March 2023, a pristine impression of "The Great Wave" sold at Christie's New York for a staggering $2.8 million, shattering previous records for Japanese prints at auction.

Hokusai, born in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) in 1760, was a master of the ukiyo-e style, which translates to "pictures of the floating world." His series "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji," of which "The Great Wave" is a part, revolutionized landscape art in Japan. By elevating the landscape from mere background to the central subject of his prints, Hokusai influenced not only his contemporaries like Utagawa Hiroshige but also European Impressionist painters who would discover Japanese prints later in the 19th century.

As these new banknotes enter circulation, they serve as daily reminders of Japan's rich artistic and scientific legacy. The Great Wave, now riding the currents of commerce, continues to captivate audiences worldwide, its timeless beauty now quite literally in the hands of millions.