SPACE INVADERS™ & © TAITO

Space Invaders Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print

"Picture of the Fugaku Alien Invasion"

Sales price: 65,000 yen + TAX/Shipping
Number of sales: Limited to 300 sets worldwide
Specifications: Picture (W: approx. 360mm x H: approx. 240mm)
Frame (W: approx. 425mm x H: approx. 540mm) Comes with a special frame
Frame: Wood, backing/wooden plywood, acrylic
Mat: Paper
Washi: Living National Treasure Ichibei Iwano Echizen Raw Paperback

Click here to purchase

[[SECTION:■ 『Space Invaders』

The first ukiyo-e woodblock print]]

1978``Space Invaders'' is a monumental arcade game developed by Taito Co., Ltd. in 2012 and created a worldwide frenzy. With its simple yet innovative gameplay, the timeless masterpiece that laid the foundation for video game culture is revived in a new form as the traditional Japanese craft of ukiyo-e woodblock prints.

[[SECTION: ■What is “Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji Gohyakurakanji Sajido”]]

This is a drawing from the famous series ``Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji'' by Katsushika Hokusai, a leading ukiyo-e artist of the late Edo period.1830This is a multicolored woodblock print (Nishiki-e) produced around 1995 (first year of Tenpo).70This series, in which Hokusai, who was in his mature age, painted Mt. Fuji from various perspectives, was very popular in Edo at the time, and is highly regarded to this day as a group of works that symbolize Japanese art.

What is depicted is the view from the ``Sazaido'' (Eirado) of Gohyaku Rakan-ji Temple in Fukagawa, Edo. The three-story building has a spiral structure and was named because its shape resembles the shell of a turban shell. In the foreground of the painting, people are carefully depicted enjoying the scenery while leaning or sitting on the railings, vividly expressing the peaceful moments of the common people of the Edo period.

In the distance, Mt. Fuji rises quietly across the Sumida River. The bold composition, which features architecture and people in the foreground and a small Fuji in the distance, emphasizes depth and breadth, while at the same time creating a vivid impression of the contrast between everyday life and Mt. Fuji, which is a symbol of eternity.

This painting, in which the breathing of people and the tranquil image of Fuji coexist, exudes a timeless yet fresh charm and eloquently demonstrates the maturation of Hokusai's art.

[[SECTION: ■How to create ukiyo-e woodblock prints]]

Ukiyo-e is a traditional craft representing Japan. However, the entire industry is currently in crisis, and the number of craftsmen who have inherited this traditional technique, which has been around since the Edo period, has shrunk to around a dozen people across Japan.

While we are focusing on training young people, the fact is that our production volume, including raw materials, is decreasing day by day, and the number of employees is decreasing.

Together with the current craftsmen (illustrators, carvers, printers) who are trying to pass on this ukiyo-e woodblock printing technique to future generations, by combining traditional techniques with ``Space Invaders'', we hope to have people all over the world learn about the goodness of ukiyo-e from a new perspective. We will continue to preserve this world-class culture that Japan is proud of and contribute to its development.

I want to deliver it to you. The essence of Japanese traditional crafts.

[[SECTION: ■Points of this work]]

``Space Invaders'' shines brightly in game history, and Katsushika Hokusai's masterpiece ``Thirty-Six Views of Mt. Fuji: Gohyakurakanji Temple Sazaido" collaborated to create this miraculous work using traditional ukiyo-e techniques that have continued from the Edo period to the present day.8Bit's pixel art, delicate woodblock carving, and the vivid color contrast created by printing the colors over and over dozens of times.

Furthermore, in this new ukiyo-e woodblock print, in addition to the traditional woodblock print expression using water-based paints, we have incorporated ``mineral pigments'' as an attempt at a new color expression.

Mineral pigments are pigments for Japanese paintings that are made from finely ground minerals. The texture of the particles of the pigment itself appears on the screen, creating deep colors and a unique texture that is different from ordinary paints. There are various types of paint, ranging from those made from natural minerals to those made artificially, and have been used for a long time in traditional Japanese art, including Japanese paintings.

In this work, I incorporate mineral pigments such as ``safflower,'' ``eco-rock yellow-green,'' ``aoguchi white-green,'' and ``purple mineral,'' and express the rich expressions of each color in the woodblock print.

By combining the delicate lines and beautiful printing that are unique to woodblock prints with the graininess and deep colors that are unique to mineral pigments, we have pursued a new expression that is different from previous ukiyo-e woodblock prints.

Ukiyo-e woodblock prints continue to inherit tradition while evolving with new materials and techniques.

Please enjoy the craftsmanship that goes into each color and the rich color expression created by mineral pigments.

[[SECTION: ■Purchase bonus “Original Invader Bamboo Fan”]]

For those who purchase the ukiyo-e woodblock print, you will receive an ``Original Invader Bamboo Fan,'' which is a reproduction of the fan held by the woman looking at the invaders floating in the sky, as a set with the ukiyo-e woodblock print.

[[SECTION:■"Space Invader Ukiyo-e T-shirt" released at the same time]]

A T-shirt with a Space Invaders ukiyo-e design will be released at the same time as the ukiyo-e.

This product is produced using multicolored layered silkscreen printing.
By carefully layering each color, we have recreated the depth and texture of a real ukiyo-e woodblock print. The most distinctive feature is the exquisite color nuance created by the overlapping of inks, and the finish that gives you a taste of traditional Japanese techniques, where you can enjoy even the slightest misalignment.

The "SPACE INVADERS" logo is simply placed on the front.
Ukiyo-e art is boldly printed on the back, creating a piece that combines the worldview of a classic game with a Japanese atmosphere.

An encounter between game culture and Japanese art.
Try incorporating "iki" into your daily life as wearable art.

Please purchase as soon as possible as quantities are limited.

Space Invaders Ukiyoe T-shirt

Sales price: 9,500 yen + TAX/shipping
Size: Free

Click here to purchase

[[SECTION: ■Commitment to producing Ukiyo-e woodblock prints]]

The ultimate Echizen paperback calligraphy by Living National Treasure Ichibei Iwano

《9th Iwano Ichibei》

1978In 2011, he assumed the name Ichibei Iwano, the 9th generation.2000year6In April, he was recognized as a holder of the national important intangible cultural property Echizen Hosho (Living National Treasure).

We continue to make the ``Echizen Raw Paperback'' that has been passed down from generation to generation in the Echizen climate.``Kizukihosho'' is a type of Japanese paper that is made from kozo (Japanese mulberry tree) and is backed by Japanese tradition and history.

This time, we used the ultimate washi paper, which has a smooth brush stroke and is used for ceremonial paper for Shinto rituals as well as prints, etc., and can withstand the pressure of hundreds of woodblock printings.100Years later,200We chose this company with the hope that it will continue to exist even years from now.

The ultimate hand-carved handrail aesthetic.

[Carving]

Ukiyo-e woodblock prints begin by separating the woodblocks by color based on the design and carving them out one by one. As you can see, it is a series of horrifyingly precise work, and even a deviation of just 1 millimeter has a huge effect on the entire surface, and the fact that the carving is completed without any deviation is truly the result of the craftsman's years of training.

We continue to carve everything by hand, including not only the outline, hair, and figure, but also the background parts that do not appear in color. Because the woodblock prints are so delicate, they can chip or wear out after being printed thousands of times, so all ukiyo-e prints can only be produced in limited quantities.

[Carver – Nami Sato]

2007From 2010, he studied under the third generation carver, Ougiryo Sekioka, in Tokyo.

Learn traditional woodblock print techniques, focusing on Senjafuda and Ukiyo-e woodblock prints.

2019Lived in Kobe since .

Member of Ukiyo-e Carved and Printed Woodblock Printing Technology Preservation Association

[Printing]

Next, the printing process begins using traditional paints for each color. This is also a world where craftsmanship is required, where a shift of just 1 millimeter or too little pressure can cause the entire screen to shift.

Also, since I couldn't tell what the final color would be until I printed it, I changed the paint dozens of times in pursuit of the ultimate color.

[Sprinter – Ayumi Suda]

2014year9Tsuki Studied under Keizaburo Matsuzaki.

Started training as a traditional woodblock print artist at Matsuzaki Daikado.

2020year4moon 5After training for a year and a half, he became independent.

Currently, he focuses on reproductions of Edo woodblock prints, as well as handrail gilt seals, fan paintings, and modern woodblock prints.

 

 

[[SECTION: ■Product information]]

Space Invaders Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print

"Picture of the Fugaku Alien Invasion"

Sales price: 65,000 yen + TAX/Shipping
Number of sales: Limited to 300 sets worldwide
Specifications: Picture (W: approx. 360mm x H: approx. 240mm)
Frame (W: approx. 425mm x H: approx. 540mm) Comes with a special frame
Frame: Wood, backing/wooden plywood, acrylic
Mat: Paper
Washi: Living National Treasure Ichibei Iwano Echizen Raw Paperback

Ukiyo-e publisher: Bansan Co., Ltd.

 

 

Click here to purchase

 

The work is presented in a box with original noshi paper with an ukiyo-e pattern.We will deliver it to you.

traditional ukiyo-e woodblock printsthat it was produced using a techniqueAccompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

 

 

About Space Invaders

"Space Invaders" is a video game franchise that was planned, developed and published by Taito in 1978, and has been enjoyed on various platforms to this day. The character ``Invader'' that symbolizes the work is familiar all over the world as a pop culture icon. Taito positions Space Invaders as a corporate character, and is developing a multifaceted licensing business both domestically and internationally through collaborations with global brands and tie-ups with companies. Taito will continue to actively promote its brand as the sole right holder of intellectual property rights, including copyrights and trademark rights, related to Space Invaders and its characters worldwide.

SPACE INVADERS™ & © TAITO