Passing down traditional woodcut printing techniques to present and future generations

Ukiyo-e, which flourished during the Edo period, captivated people all over the world with its vivid colors and bold compositions. Among them were Impressionist painters such as Van Gogh and Monet. Ukiyo-e is still highly regarded as an artform that is representative of Japanese culture. This high reputation is largely due to traditional Japanese woodcut printing techniques, which were developed as a means of mass production at the time.

From the Meiji Period, new printing technologies other than woodcut printing became mainstream. In such times, Toyohisa Adachi, the founder of the Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints, said, “I want to convey to many people the appeal of traditional woodbcut prints cultivated through ukiyo-e culture.'' With this in mind, he became a publisher himself and in 1928 founded the Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints, which produces woodcut prints with a focus on reproductions of ukiyo-e.

Since its founding, the Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints has kept to a studio style in which the publisher, carver, and printer work in the same place. In order to maintain high quality standards, the publisher supervises the entire process of printmaking, and the artisans work together to improve their techniques. While inheriting advanced techniques, they have pursued the goal of creating woodcut prints that match the sensibilities of the times. Currently, the work is mainly done by carvers and printers in their 20s to 40s, who work hard to improve their skills each and every day.

Even in today's world where digital technology has permeated people's lives, woodcut prints, created using craftsmanship that have been passed down over many years, inspire people and enrich their daily lives. At Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints, we create attractive works that are in keeping with the times while maintaining the basics of traditional woodcut printing techniques.

Company Profile

• Company Name:
  The Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints
• Year of Establishment:
  In 1928
• Capital:
  20 million
• Representative:
  Meguri Nakayama
• Office Location:
  3-13-17 Shimoochiai, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo
  161-0033 JAPAN
• TEL / FAX:
  +81-3-3951-2681/　+81-3-3951-2137
• Business:
  1. Preservation and enlightenment of traditional woodcut printing technique
  2. Production and publishing of woodcut prints
  3. Organizing of Exhibition