Portrait of Hokusai

Hokusai was 70 years old when he created the "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" series. His fascination with Mt. Fuji, as well as his reverence for it, are revealed in this series. Mt. Fuji was often associated with the Buddhist faith and Shinto (Japanese indigenous religious beliefs), so it became the center of popular religious cults in Edo. As a result, he believed that dedication to the mountain could grant immortality. Besides, some argue the financial burden left by his grandson challenged Hokusai's spiritual strength, so he devoted the rest of his life and work to honoring his relationship with the mountain.