LOUNGE /
ART
May 27, 2026
Depicting the daily life of The Peninsula Tokyo through traditional woodblock prints
THE PENINSULA TOKYO
Three original ukiyo-e prints created by The Peninsula Tokyo are finally available for general sale. As a flagship project among the art initiatives the hotel has long championed, these works utilize traditional Japanese woodblock printing techniques to depict the hotel's daily life within a worldview where past and present intersect.
Text by WASEDA Kosaku
Art Connects Past and Present, Nurturing the Future
The Peninsula Hotels, guided by the philosophy of "embracing the culture of the land on which each hotel is built," offers products and programs that reflect local culture and art, extending beyond exterior design and interior decor.
The Peninsula Tokyo has also engaged in various art projects, including artist collaborations for whiskey bottles and sponsorship of art fairs. This ukiyo-e creation is part of that initiative, aiming to introduce guests to traditional Japanese arts while also providing direct support to the artisans who practice ukiyo-e.
The production was overseen by the "UKIYO-E PROJECT," which specializes in depicting contemporary stars and landscapes using traditional woodblock prints. The artist OZ, known for fusing Japanese philosophy and sensibilities with modern concepts and techniques, was commissioned for the artwork. Engravers Nagai and Abe, along with printer Ogawa, dedicated several months each to complete the pieces.
All three prints share the common title "THE ぺニンシュラ東京図絵 (The Peninsula Tokyo Zue)," where "戸゜ (Pe)" signifies "entrance/door," "任 (Nin)" implies "consideration/respect," "朱 (Shu)" symbolizes the red hues within the hotel, and "邏 (Ra)" means "to circle." These characters are chosen for their auspicious meanings related to the hotel.
The subjects of each print are as follows:
1. Front Entrance: Hospitality
A scene at the arrival entrance, blending the iconic 1934 vintage Rolls-Royce with Edo and Meiji-era transportation like horses, rickshaws, and palanquins.
2. The Lobby: An Afternoon Sojourn
In the lobby, featuring its distinctive chandelier and the "Gale no Mon" (Gate of the Crouching Dragon) centerpiece, Edo-period ladies enjoy afternoon tea and interact with international guests.
3. Hibiya Lantern: Gazing at the Morning Sun
A bird's-eye view from the west. The upper left depicts the hotel's exterior, with the modern cityscapes of Ginza, Nihonbashi, and Marunouchi in the distance, and the former Edo Castle within the Imperial Palace grounds, as the sun rises in the east.
A unique element common to all prints is the hidden gargoyle, the hotel's guardian spirit residing on the seventh floor, subtly placed within each artwork.
The paper used for these works is Echizen Kizuki Hosho, handmade washi from Fukui Prefecture. Made from 100% domestically sourced kozo fiber, its strength and suppleness have made it a favored material for ukiyo-e and Japanese paintings since ancient times. The artist's brushstrokes, the delicate lines carved by the engravers' knives, and the nuanced colors applied by the printer converge on this exquisite paper to create these unparalleled works. Each print measures 260mm x 380mm.
A limited edition of 100 prints for each design has been produced. They are available for purchase at the hotel, with options for framed or unframed versions.
On the B1 floor of The Peninsula Tokyo, a permanent exhibition space dedicated to the ukiyo-e project showcases three canvas paintings (each 1.36m x 2.01m) by artist OZ.
These ukiyo-e prints, where past and present converge, possess a universal power that transcends culture and time. People from diverse nations, speaking various languages and holding different values, share moments within the shared space of the hotel. The Peninsula Tokyo aspires to be more than just a place of accommodation; it may be a microcosm of society where art facilitates encounters and fosters mutual understanding.
Supervision: UKIYO-E PROJECT
The term "Ukiyo" in ukiyo-e translates to "this world" or "the present time," and historically depicted popular beauties, kabuki actors, and scenic spots of each era. The UKIYO-E PROJECT, founded in 2014 by Yuka Mitsui, operates as a contemporary publisher aiming to adapt the spirit of ukiyo-e to modern times by portraying contemporary stars and landscapes through traditional woodblock printing. This innovative approach, which creates new demand for ukiyo-e artisans and ensures the transmission of their skills to future generations, has garnered international acclaim and is held in the collections of institutions such as the British Museum (London), the Museum of Applied Arts (Vienna), and the University of Miami Library.UKIYO-E PROJECT
Artist: OZ - Otō - Keisuke Yamaguchi
A painter and artist who continuously pursues the "something" hidden within all things by fusing unique Japanese philosophies and sensibilities with modern concepts and techniques. In recent years, he has expanded his artistic expressions to include large-scale ema (votive tablets) and contemporary paintings, contributing to cultural preservation through dedications, while also holding solo exhibitions abroad and participating in art festivals.https://oz-te.com
A painter and artist who continuously pursues the "something" hidden within all things by fusing unique Japanese philosophies and sensibilities with modern concepts and techniques. In recent years, he has expanded his artistic expressions to include large-scale ema (votive tablets) and contemporary paintings, contributing to cultural preservation through dedications, while also holding solo exhibitions abroad and participating in art festivals.https://oz-te.com
Engraver: Saeko Nagai
After graduating from Kyoto University of Art and Design, she apprenticed under the third-generation master Senryo Sekioka. Upon completing six years of training, she became independent and established her studio in Sumida Ward.
Member of the Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print Engraving and Printing Techniques Preservation Association, Member of the Tokyo Traditional Woodblock Print Craftsmen's Cooperative Association
After graduating from Kyoto University of Art and Design, she apprenticed under the third-generation master Senryo Sekioka. Upon completing six years of training, she became independent and established her studio in Sumida Ward.
Member of the Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print Engraving and Printing Techniques Preservation Association, Member of the Tokyo Traditional Woodblock Print Craftsmen's Cooperative Association
Engraver: Sayumi Abe
After studying woodworking for three years at a design vocational school, she apprenticed under the third-generation master Senryo Sekioka. Following six years of training, she established her studio in Arakawa Ward. Member of the Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print Engraving and Printing Techniques Preservation Association, Member of the Tokyo Traditional Woodblock Print Craftsmen's Cooperative Association.
After studying woodworking for three years at a design vocational school, she apprenticed under the third-generation master Senryo Sekioka. Following six years of training, she established her studio in Arakawa Ward. Member of the Ukiyo-e Woodblock Print Engraving and Printing Techniques Preservation Association, Member of the Tokyo Traditional Woodblock Print Craftsmen's Cooperative Association.
Price: ¥195,000 (incl. tax, framed), ¥145,000 (incl. tax, unframed)
Quantity: Limited to the first 100 prints of each design
Inquiries
The Peninsula Tokyo
Tel. 03-6270-2888
Frequently Asked Questions about The Peninsula Tokyo's Ukiyo-e Project
Q. What led to the creation of this project?
Based on the philosophy of "embracing the culture of the land on which each hotel is built," The Peninsula Tokyo, situated in Japan, has produced original ukiyo-e prints, a traditional Japanese art form. This initiative aims to introduce Japanese culture to both domestic and international guests while providing direct support to the artisans who preserve this tradition. Now, general sales have commenced for three original ukiyo-e prints. These works, created under the principle that "art connects past and present, nurturing the future," utilize traditional Japanese woodblock printing techniques to depict the hotel's contemporary daily life within a "worldview where past and present intersect." The UKIYO-E PROJECT, which supervised the production, was established in 2014 with the aim of applying the spirit of ukiyo-e—where "Ukiyo" signifies "now" or "the present"—to contemporary times, reflecting its historical focus on popular beauties and scenic spots. Their innovative approach has been highly praised worldwide and is held in the collections of institutions such as the British Museum and the University of Miami Library.
Q. What scenes are depicted in each of the three prints?
The first print, "Front Entrance: Hospitality," portrays a scene of welcome at the hotel's main entrance, where a Rolls-Royce, ox carts, and Edo-period ladies coexist. The second print, "The Lobby: An Afternoon Sojourn," is set in the lobby, featuring the distinctive chandelier and the "Gale no Mon" centerpiece, depicting Edo-period women enjoying afternoon tea and interacting with international guests. The third print, "Hibiya Lantern: Gazing at the Morning Sun," offers a bird's-eye view from the west, showing the hotel's exterior, the modern cityscapes of Ginza, Nihonbashi, and Marunouchi, the former Edo Castle within the Imperial Palace grounds, and the sunrise in the east. A unique element common to all three prints is the hidden gargoyle, the hotel's guardian spirit residing on the seventh floor, subtly placed within each artwork.
Q. What kind of group is The Peninsula Hotels?
The parent company, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, is a Hong Kong-based enterprise founded in 1866. The hotel group began with the opening of its flagship property, The Peninsula Hong Kong, in 1928, with the ambition to be "the finest hotel east of the Suez Canal." Currently, it operates 12 hotels across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Each hotel uniquely incorporates the history, traditions, and culture of its location, from its exterior design to its interior decor, resulting in a distinct atmosphere for all 12 properties worldwide. In 1973, The Peninsula Group was established, leading to hotel openings in Manila and Bangkok. The group expanded into the United States with its New York property in 1988, extending its presence to Europe and North America. In Japan, The Peninsula Tokyo opened in 2007, directly connected to the Hibiya Station of the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.