How we feel about the iconic Japanese sci-fi masterpiece that turns 25 in 2023
Produced by Sunrise in 1998, Cowboy Bebop is a stylish, hardcore sci-fi anime known for its complex dialogue, charming characters, and excellent musicality. Even today, more than 25 years after its release, it continues to be highly regarded as a masterpiece of science fiction not only in Japan, but also around the world.
In presenting this iconic work, we thought deeply about how to express it, Ukiyo-e is an equally revered traditional Japanese craft that is a source of pride for Japan around the world. After countless production meetings, and a full year of careful planning and production, we are delighted to present this beautiful production to you.
About the creation of Ukiyo-e woodblock prints
Ukiyo-e is a representative traditional craft of Japan. However, the entire industry is on the brink of crisis, with the number of craftsmen across the country who continue to pass on this traditional Edo period technique dwindling to just a few dozen.
Despite efforts to train the younger generation, the reality is that daily production, including raw materials, is declining, resulting in a decline in the total number of artisans.
We work with craftsmen (painters, engravers, and printers) who continue to pass on these traditional woodblock printing techniques, and by combining traditional craftsmanship with Cowboy Bebop, we introduce the beauty of ukiyo-e to people around the world from a new perspective. By doing so, we hope to contribute to the preservation and development of this respected Japanese culture.
We aspire to provide you with the essence of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Main features of this work
Transform the most representative key visual into an ukiyo-e
We are ambitiously committed to leaving Cowboy Bebop as an ukiyo-e woodblock print for future generations, and we chose this key visual because we believe it is a brilliant design that encapsulates the world of anime.
We hope you’ll enjoy this key visual, which is brought to life again through the fusion of traditional techniques that have been used since the Edo period.
The mat portion of the artwork contains subtitles for each episode of the TV series. Given that it’s Cowboy Bebop , capturing the essence of old-school fashion was crucial. The subtitles contain musical elements, consistent with the concept of “space jazz” rather than traditional “space opera”, which we believe is a key feature of this production.
artist
Sculptor: Kitamura Shoichi
Born in Kyoto in 1968
Graduated from the Printmaking Department, Department of Fine Arts, Faculty of Arts, Kyoto Seikai University
Studying woodblock printing with Tokuyoshiro Tokuri at Matakyu Publishing House
Learned woodblock printmaking from Akira Kurosaki
Studying printmaking with Osamu Hota at Jindo Publishing House
Established Bukchon Printmaking Studio and held workshops
Collaborated with local artist Brook Andrew in Melbourne, Australia
Served as MI-LAB artist-in-residence sculpture lecturer
Seminar at Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA
*In addition to the above, he has conducted many other demonstrations and workshops at exhibitions and events in Japan and around the world.
Position:
Member of Kyoto Woodblock Printing Crafts Association
Vice President of the Kyoto Branch of the Ukiyo-e Engraving and Printing Technology Preservation Association
Printer: Zhongshan Cheng
Born in 1958 in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu
Graduated from the Oil Painting Department of the Faculty of Arts, Kyoto Seika University
Served as an apprentice at Sato Woodcut Studio and studied woodblock printmaking under Keizo Sato
Ukiyo-e printing demonstration at Kyoto Seika University
Participated in the 1st Ukiyo-e Print Exhibition (Tokyo, Kyoto)
Participated in the 2nd Ukiyo-e Print Exhibition (Tokyo, Kyoto)
Participated in the international printmaking conference “Impact” (Finland), Keizo Sato assisted in the demonstration
Participated in the 3rd Ukiyo-e Print Exhibition (Tokyo, Kyoto)
Participated in the 1st International Printmaking Conference and published a joint paper with Kitamura Kazuchi (engraver)
Won the Kyoto Prefecture Traditional Industry Outstanding Skills Award
*In addition to the above, he has conducted many other demonstrations and workshops at exhibitions and events in Japan and around the world.
Position:
Vice Chairman and current president of the Kyoto Branch of the Ukiyo-e Engraving and Printing Technology Preservation Association
Director of Kyoto Woodcarving Crafts Association
Cowboy Bebop Ukiyoe Woodblock Print
Price: 60,000 yen + tax and shipping
Quantity: Limited to 300 copies worldwide
Comes with framed box and Ukiyoe woodcut certificate
Size: Picture (width: approx. 240mm x height: approx. 360mm)
Frame (width: approx. 437mm x height: approx. 553mm x depth: approx. 21mm)
Frame: Wood, plywood back frame
Mat: paper
Washi: Echizen Kizuki Hosho by Iwano Ichibei, a living national treasure
Sculptor: Kitamura Shoichi
Printer: Zhongshan Cheng
Artwork delivered in original Ukiyo drawing frame.
It comes with a certificate certifying that it was produced using traditional ukiyo-e woodblock printing techniques.
Sales website: AKIHABARA PREMIUM COLLECTION
Website: akihabara-premium.com
