Space Invaders meets Hokusai in new ukiyo-e woodblock print release

Tokyo Dub Agent (TDA) has announced the global release of a unique ukiyo-e woodblock print inspired by the classic arcade game ‘Space Invaders’. The artwork, titled ‘Fugaku Alien Invasion Map’, merges the iconic 8-bit pixel art of the Taito-developed game with the traditional aesthetic of Katsushika Hokusai’s famous series ‘Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji’. Specifically, the piece is based on the composition of ‘Sazaidō at Five Hundred Rakan-ji Temple’.

The production utilizes high-quality traditional materials, including ‘Echizen Kizuki Hosho’ paper, which is designed to withstand the pressure of hundreds of printings to ensure longevity for centuries. The project features specialized craftsmanship, including hand-carving by Nami Sato and hand-printing by Ayuki Suda. In an effort to enhance color depth, the creators have introduced ‘Iwa-enogu’ (mineral pigments) alongside traditional water-based paints.

The limited edition woodblock print is available for 65,000 yen through the ‘AKIHABARA PREMIUM COLLECTION’ platform. A limited run of 300 sets will be sold worldwide, with purchasers receiving an original Invader bamboo fan. Additionally, silk-screened ‘Space Invaders’ ukiyo-e T-shirts are being released as part of the collection.