1. Hokusai Had Over 30 Names: Katsushika Hokusai was born in Edo, modern day Tokyo in 1760. As was the tradition at that time, he had numerous names throughout his life. At birth he was known as Tokitaro. In fact, throughout his life he had more than 30 names, far more than average, but the most popular name was Hokusai.
2. He worked as a publisher: Hokusan began his career early. At age 12 he started working in a bookshop and library. At age 18 he entered the art studio of Katsukawa Shunsho. Shunsho was a master of ukiyo-e, a popular style of woodblock print usually depicting famous actors and courtesans of the day
3. He Made His Name Under The Name Of Shunro: His first pen name was Shunro. Under this name he made a collection of prints of Kabuki actors. Upon the death of Shunsho in 1793, Hokusai started experimenting with other styles of art, including European styles he was exposed through French and Dutch engravings.
4. His Most Famous Artwork Was His Largest: During a festival in 1804, he used buckets of paint to paint an enormous 180 meter long scroll with a portrait of the monk Daruma, the founder of Zen Bhuddism. For many years after, Hokusai would be famous in Japan for this artwork.
5. But Now He Is Known For Another Artwork: Today Hokusai is best known for his art of “The 36 Views Of Mount Fiji”. And for the most famous painting of all time “The Great Wave” that has today become the very symbol of Japan.
6. His Name and Mount Fuji Relate To His Buddhist Beliefs: Hokusai means “North Studio” and is an abbreviation of Hokushisai or North Star Studio. Hokusai was a member of the Nishiren sect of Buddhism, who see the North Star as associated with the deity Myoken. Mount Fuji has traditionally been linked to eternal life.
7. He Became A Manga Artist: At age 51, he once again changed his name, this time to Taito, and started making drawing manuals. At the time, these simple paintings of caricatures and quick sketches were known as Manga, which later became the name for Japanese comics.
8. He Trained A Generation: Over his life time he trained over 50 students in the art of woodblock cutting. His youngest daughter Ei, also known as Katsushika, worked closely with him, eventually becoming a great artist in her own right.