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- interest of print artists in each other�s work throughout the world, promises to prolong this long and happy relationship. Some Japanese printmakers have succeeded in creating a truly international outlook which allows them to intermingle undetected with artists from all over the world trans�cending cultural barriers, while others have a style which reveals a spirit that is unmistakably Japanese and draws from the rich aesthetic sensi�tivity of old Japan.
Among the best known members of the modern Japanese print move�ment are Munakata Shiko (1903-1975), Saito Kiyoshi (1907- ), Azechi Umetaro(1902- ),Yamaguchi Gen (1903- ),SekinoJunichiro(1914- ), Mori Yoshitoshi (1898- ), Watanabe Sadae (1913- ), Maki Haku (1924- ), Kinoshita Tomio (1923- ), Inagaki Tomoo (1902- ) and NakayamaTadashi (1927- ). Munakata Shiko [7], who is always listed atop the modern print movement, was noted for his simple folk art prints characterized by religious connotations. The popular style of Saito Kiyoshi [8] shows Western Post-Impressionist influence, while still re�taining strong Japanese characteristics. Azechi Umetaro[9] has received international acclaim for his charming primitive depictions of mountain folk. Yamaguchi Gen [10] is noted for making use of leaves and other natural materials in his prints. Sekino Junichiro [11] has earned a repu�tation for his outstanding portraiture prints, which display his own decora�tive style of naturalism. Mori Yoshitoshi [12], turned to making folk art prints, using typical Japanese themes and the medium of stencil. The stylized religious prints of the Christian artist, Watanabe Sadae [13] are also folkloristic in inspiration and use the stencil printing medium. Maki Haku [14] makes interesting prints by placing cement on the wood, while Kinoshita Tomio [15] creates an unusual effect by using u -shaped and U-shaped gouges to produce parallel lines on the wood. Inagaki Tomoo [16] gained international recognition for his highly stylized studies of cats. And recently the super-colourful prints of Nakayama Tadashi [17], which depict birds and animals in highly fanciful ribbonlike forms, have become popular. These are just a few of the leading modern Japanese print artists, the list of first rate printmakers should actually run into the hundreds. Because the numbers of talented Japanese print artists are so great, and their styles so varied, it is hard to keep up with the ever- changing Japanese art world. Since 1960 there seems to have been a shift away from European influences to the new trends taking place in the U.S.A.
As can be seen from this short survey, the modern Japanese print artist is innovative and independent, and has made use of unlimited techniques and universal themes. They can proudly use things Japanese or just as easily follow world trends without showing a national identity. Through their creativity, boldness of design and sensitive use of colour, they have earned a very high reputation in the international art world! And the fact that there is a phenomenal number of Japanese print artists taking part in major international print exhibitions and winning countless awards proves not only that they can compete on a world basis but also that much of the world�s finest graphic art is being produced in Japan.
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