Kyoto University Graduate Turns Ukiyo-e Artist

Mar 02, 2026 | News On Japan

KYOTO - Murai Masayoshi, known professionally as Muramasa and described as a Reiwa-era ukiyo-e artist, has drawn attention for his distinctive “ukiyo-e-style portraits” that depict contemporary figures in the manner of Japan’s Edo period.

A graduate of Kyoto University who passed the certified public accountant examination and once worked in the field of audit, Murai made an unconventional career shift into the world of traditional Japanese woodblock-style art. Using a tablet device, he recreates the aesthetic of classical ukiyo-e while portraying modern-day personalities.

Among the more than 2,000 individuals he has illustrated is Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura. Murai’s works have also been exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris, further elevating his profile beyond Japan.

While expanding his international reach, Murai remains committed to local community activities and emphasizes the importance of human connections in his creative work. His ambitious goal is to create portraits of all 7 billion people in the world, blending traditional techniques with contemporary subjects in an effort to bring ukiyo-e into the modern age.

Source: Television OSAKA NEWS

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