Mokuhankan Japanese Prints - 2021 Update

This is the year-end update from David Bull's Mokuhankan printmaking workshop in Asakusa Tokyo. Of special interest is the announcement of the new subscription series for 2022 - 'Embrace the Delight', a unique collection of small prints, both reproduction, and original.
Mentioned in the video:
The 2022 subscription series: mokuhankan.com...
The previous series - Scenes of Nature
mokuhankan.com...
Our online catalogue, where all the other prints mentioned can be found: mokuhankan.com...
Our Twitch stream: / japaneseprintmaking
Our Patreon page: / mokuhankan
Instagram: / mokuhankan
Thank you for watching!
0:05 Introduction
7:40 Scenes of Nature
10:20 Embrace the Delight
17:54 What didn’t get done!
29:00 Opening a special package

[@JJ-zg1hh]

I love these updates. Dave informs his stakeholders better than most blue chip companies!

[@Yo_DynamoJoe]

Yes, because unlike them he has nothing to hide!

[@Josh-tt6zg]

Public companies have to issue quarterly financial statements... that's more than Dave updates us lol

[@JJ-zg1hh]

@@Josh-tt6zg taking the point a bit too literally there Josh!

[@seseragistudio]

@Josh Back when I was doing this 'all by myself', before running a payroll, I _did_ actually issue financial statements to the stakeholders (the print collectors). I published them in the same newsletter that I mentioned in the video. Here is an index to some of them (look for the Annual Reports): www.asahi-net.or.jp/~xs3d-bull/hyaku-nin-issho/index.html#anchor_reports

[@denverpage3082]

May I ask what does blue chip mean?

[@serrielu8025]

There isn’t a more honest and open, educational, inspiring, artistic, grateful and relaxing KZbinr.. Have learned so much, even outside of woodblock prints.

[@twcmaker]

Very true. An inspiration

[@spinoza897]

Yeah, Dave is a cool dude.

[@themagickalmagickman]

Wow... it really feels like just a couple months ago I was watching the 2020 update, not an entire year

[@mahnli]

Same!

[@hadynjohnson2122]

Same

[@Gennys]

I always love when a new video comes out, even if it is just an update.

[@Stokie09123]

Your alacrity to keep things rolling in the face of nearly unprecedented adversity to your business is nothing short of inspiring Dave.

[@letthetunesflow]

Now that’s how to be a fantastic boss! You gave the opportunity and initiative to a part time employee to use their skills to address a challenge. Then you gave them the opportunity to consider an offer to become a more permanent member of your team, all the while making sure they thought the compensation was within the range they considered appropriate and fair! Being a boss is giving the tools and facilities to your employees to prosper! If they are given the support, and freedom to pursue growing their skills, you as a boss and business owner will more than be compensated for their dedication! The more you show and encourage a fantastic employee to grow and implement their vision, the more they are going to love their job and continue to improve. Most importantly giving a fantastic employee the support you clearly have, the better the both of you are going to individually be rewarded personally and financially! Congrats to both of you and your business! You deserve it!!! Thanks!

[@seseragistudio]

You make it sound like I was doing something ‘special’, but actually, I was simply trying to be _practical_ . During the time she has been here, Watanabe-san has learned a lot about us; she has worked with me on pricing the antique prints, and thus has open access to our bookkeeping - our costs, etc. She has a clear view of our financial situation - how much we are selling, spending, earning, etc. etc. She knows what I am making, and also where other members of the team stand. So when it came time for me to think about hiring her full-time, I tasked _her_ with trying to figure out what a fair compensation would be. She went out and scrunched a bunch of government statistics on what people are earning in similar jobs, at that age and experience level, and then simply put it all together for me. She thought it was fair; I thought it was fair. Done deal. This is _so_ much better than sitting down with somebody in a kind of Management/Employee ‘face-off’, one trying to pay less, one trying to earn more. No thank you on that!

[@letthetunesflow]

@@seseragistudio You would be stunned at just how rare of a trait that is! You are so kind to take no credit for being a great boss. Doing exactly that, (taking no credit) just shows how great of a boss you are! She really does deserve a huge congratulations and the credit for her amazing work! I’m glad you gave her the opportunity to continue full time! You are very lucky to have her! Fostering talent like this is exactly what an amazing business like yours, and your employees does that contributes to people coming back over and over again, on top of your amazing prints! Thank you to you and your staff again on 100k! P.S. I’m sorry if I made it sound, in anyway, that she didn’t deserve all the credit! She truly does! I’m just so happy to see an owner of a company like yourself running it in the way that you are, it is extremely rare to see. Please thank her for me in person, you are lucky to have her, and each other!

[@jorgecardoso5863]

Oh boy, its so good to see the business doing well, it gets me weirdly proud. David is so organized and aware, the ladies are beyond amazing with their work and its so good to see an important and old culture like this thriving and growing despite everything :)

[@ChairmanWang]

Dave's talent stack is incredible. His sober business acumen, careful craftsmanship, communication skills, bilingualism, and humility seem to be unmatched. Someone needs to write a book about his life's journeys.

[@seseragistudio]

Not a book per se, but for those who _are_ curious how I ended up here, I did put together a stream of stories in that very newsletter that I mentioned in the video. They have been uploaded to (simple) web pages, and there is an index here: www.asahi-net.or.jp/~xs3d-bull/hyaku-nin-issho/index.html Scroll down to the 'From Halifax to Hamura' group ... "It was a dark and stormy night ..."

[@dylangrieveable]

No cozier way to spend Christmas than waking up on a rainy day to a warm cup of miso, and listening to Dave's soothing voice; it's like miso soup for the soul.

[@srimanthkamapantula3314]

Dear David bull, you are an absolutely wonderful human being. Most of the business leaders in the world are portrayed as very serious, cold, only concerned about the growth of their companies and nothing else. But you have the excitement and curiosity of a kid and a drive even more than a young man in his prime. When I first found your channel i cannot believe that someone can have such a deep insight of the buisness aspects and have that artistic sense at the same time. the audience watching your KZbin videos may not even be from the same country, but you speak to us as if we are friends for many years. The warmth in your voice makes us feel like we are being treated as a guest. You speak like a member of our family and take us on a little journey, explaining all the things that are happening in every video. I am sure managing a team is not an easy task, but from the results you showed to us it is evident that you have done a wonderful job. Apart from this I cannot admire enough of your dedication towards your art. You are not shy to try out new techniques and technologies(you may be the only wood block printer and carver who also does KZbin videos and twitch streams In my knowledge.) You may be one of the very few people who came out of the disastrous year of 2020 with success at hand and a smile on your lips. Your ability to turn crisis into an opportunity is nothing short of a miracle. I bow down to each and every one of your team for their effort to make this happen. Wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Wishing you and your team members a very long and happy life.

[@LilSeizures]

Every word you say is calculated, precise...but so natural and flows like water. Could listen to you talk for hours!

[@georgecarter6978]

You should give yourself as much credit as you give others Mr Bull. We wouldnt be so willing to take part in your adventure if you were not the genuine and passionate man that you are! So thank you!

[@n8o]

these videos are so engaging, it's a trip across the world and back. and it evokes such a feeling of simplicity and closeness. David is so good at relaying the human element of a small business, how motivational and inspiring it is for other entrepreneurs

[@geowgeow]

Dave’s levels of self awareness and ability to find lessons in his life are extraordinary. Truly one of a kind

[@everlastingarms3065]

Mr. Bull, you are such a delightful man and craftsman. Congratulations 2+ years later on your achievements & your youtube recognition. Well-earned. I sincerely hope you can find art-work-life balance.

[@TheBrutaline]

I can never get enough of well presented graphs. Thank you kindly.

[@rob7327]

I save your videos and watch them while backpacking in the mountains. Keeps me intrigued and very well put together. I keep wanting to buy prints but currently travel too much to keep them safe. Once I stop my travels/being a nomad I will 100% go haywire collecting your prints! Might start sending my niece some as a gift! Thanks for everything!

[@austinzusi9021]

Probably the most humble and heartwarming man I have ever seen

[@Zorpazorp]

This channel is easily one of my top finds of 2021. Love your work Dave.

[@ThonyHedgehog]

So glad to see you as energetic as ever, you seem to radiate with life and light! :D Always nice to have updates! :D

[@joefollett2985]

This guy has a truly original personality and admire his passion

[@patrickbruno4122]

Mr.David Bull and team, I just wanted to say thank you for the update and those provided in the past. I love all of your work and l myself have completed my 2nd carving and im in the proofing stage currently. Youre an inspiration and a role model both professionally and educationally. Very greatful to have come across your channel so many years ago and even more greatful to be a part of the growth your business has experienced. Thank you and best well wishes.

[@accountnamewithheld]

I was a subscriber of the 200 "Scenes from Nature" print set from the off -- and wow, having received the Dragon print on Christmas Eve, I'm totally satisfied from my subscription over the year! Great carving, printing, the little stories behind the printing or carving in your off videos, it all adds up to a great collectable experience. Especially in the larger format, that and the repro of authentic designs, it was enough to make me convert from a video watcher to a video buyer! Subscribed this year, and I really have loved it! Wish you all the success with the 2021 series. The Matchlabel prints video is supremely interesting -- imagine in 100 years, if people are haggling on "Meta" for the authentic Dave Bull versions ;) Thanks again and best of luck in the coming New Year! All the best to you and yours at Mokuhankan

[@alanlawrence2954]

An object lesson in how all business operators should communicate... No hoodwinking his audience, just total transparency and respect for them.

[@letthetunesflow]

Any mission critical supplies I would prioritize above anything, to make sure you are cultivating an alternative and a backup plan. Having a business that relies on something or someone that has no alternative is a business ending situation! Please hire or delegate someone to making sure that part of your business is taken care of! If that’s you or someone else that’s up to you! But don’t let something like that get swept under the rug!!! Having anything in a business relying on a single point of failure is a huge problem! So thinking about these business issues is absolutely critical like you have said. Those lessons you are talking about is your most important thing to focus on! Don’t get lost in the fun parts of the business! Get the backbone reinforced! Love your work and just want to see you continue to prosper!!! Congrats on the 100k your whole team really deserves it!!! P.S. I hope this didn’t come across demanding or telling you what to do. I just would hate for a single point of failure to effect you business, we all love you and your employees too much and their Amazing work!

[@Shadamehr100]

Found your channel via a KZbin recommendation of the 'It's Not Garbage (Remake)' video. Have always loved watching traditional craft videos and after viewing some on the Aoyamasquare channel the KZbin recommendation came up. Good to see the shop is doing OK and hasn't been slammed that hard by the pandemic. Just wanted to say enjoyed today's video, was only going to have a quick look at it, but 37 minutes later :-) I've decided to give myself a Christmas present by ordering my first ever print, look forward to receiving it ! All the best to you and your staff :-)

[@RikerLovesWorf]

David - You're 100% right in your thinking that avoiding spam is important. It keeps your credibility and makes people respect you more. Thanks!!!

[@geekverve]

I have absolutely no idea why KZbin's algorithm put this on my home page. Surprisingly I watched 30-minutes of it. You're an engaging fella. Good luck with your business.

[@justanothernguyen2334]

Casual reminder that mr. david is 70 this year! And he's still full of life! More so than me

[@br54789]

I have been watching this nearly every day in anticipation for my Delight prints to get here!!

[@twcmaker]

You are the best story teller on KZbin. Engaging and inspirational. We're you the main story teller at your childrens bed time.. I think so. And I'll bet the hung on your every word. Thank you for including us.

[@luxemme8872]

THANK YOU! I've learned so much through your YT channel and visiting the shop was the highlight of my trip to Japan in 2019! The craftsmanship that goes behind any print is simply... delightful! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@f0li0_]

Thanks Dave, your enthusiasm is magnetic!

[@amarug]

I always get anxious when you don't post for so long. I hope to see more videos again!

[@PixelBytesPixelArtist]

Dont know why an update video is giving me a huge smile. Love your videos, best of luck

[@martinsola304]

Congrats David for your award. Cheers from Argentina!

[@InCaldera]

Mr. Bull you're easily one of the most interesting, well spoken humans I've come across on my journey. Thanks for these videos.

[@JackWiizard]

All I want for Christmas is a new David video ❤️🌲

[@adamkimberley2575]

So glad to hear you're doing well. Wishing you all the best for 2022!

[@andrewade68]

Your kindness is contagious...😃

[@susanthrane]

What a great update. I love the idea of shipping the prints as letters. Since corona all my prints were snatched by customs 😅 Love from Denmark. Keep up the great work and making the world a better place with your personality ❤️

[@tonyholder122]

David you have nothing to apologize for... your a true artist and craftsman.. thank you.

[@ΧρῆστοςΚωστελίδης-γ3φ]

The Twitch-YT doublet was literally so original and amazing. Kudos!!

[@jmadden8687]

Thank-you for not monetising your channel. It is so fascinating watching your videos whether they be an announcement of a new series, a dissertation on some historical aspect of mokuhanga, or a video showing some aspect of the printing process. They are a joy to watch.

[@ArchonCommando]

I remember putting your streams on in the background while studying for my engineering degree what is now 5 or 6 years ago. It was so much better white noise than the library noises and it makes me all warm and fuzzy insides to see you still going strong bigger than ever now :).

[@vanessathenavigator]

Mokuhankan is such a perfect example of dedication and really hard work towards what you love paying off. Thank you for all you have done, Dave, Cameron and the rest of the team! We love you and congratulations!

[@danielkaye9693]

The second I’m no longer a broke college student, I’m coming for these.

[@JakeMcaulay]

It's always a good day when there's a new David Bull video

[@tonyskilbeck8663]

Finally!!! Great to see you're healthy.

[@mauigio]

BRAVO! What a touching way to end the video David, congratulations😻😻

[@Javid_74]

You are one of the most wise business owners I've seen Dave. Your approach to non-bland and considerate marketing alongside your business's overwhelming catalogue of substance filled art goodness is just a breath of fresh air. I work for a small business right now, and I truly wish they conducted things as good as you. I am afraid to give a word to the owner though, I haven't been here quite long enough yet! Maybe soon I can offer some input though. I've got one of your prints sitting proudly in a gold frame!

[@Racmaster00]

I met you in 2017 and didn’t have enough money to buy some of the prints that I wanted. Since then I’ve gotten a pretty decent raise at work, and I can’t wait to visit your shop again whenever everything opens back up and buy some prints in person.

[@bigmaccification]

Fantastic, love the new format and the new prints!

[@maenel]

The best christmas present one could ever ask for. A big thank you for you and your team, Dave! I am looking forward to yet another yet of your delightful work :)

[@Prometheus260491]

Thank you for all the content Dave. You’ve given me a love of prints to such an extent I have tickets to the Hokusai exhibit at the British museum for next month. I even plan a decorative wall of tokaido station prints when the world gets back to normal and I have an office again. Thank you so much for the new interest!

[@keen7981]

Never been more proud to be one of a hundred and fifty some odd thousand! Keep doing what you do with passion and respect and I will always be a proud supporter of of Mokuhankan :)

[@thomasobrien2594]

Thanks Dave and all the team …love listening to your updates …the passion and love you show to your trade is infectious… I have a small family run motor garage here in Ireland and your organisation skill and methods are really inspiring me to develop our business 👍thank you.. Congratulations on your award…so deserved and best wishes for 2022 🙏

[@declancarroll3131]

I hadn't checked in with Dave for a while and when KZbin suggested this I was like yeah I'll pop it on in the background. I can't believe a yearly update video could be so captivating. By the end I'd stopped what I was doing and was remembering vividly how interesting and meditative all of Dave's videos are. Looks like I'm back on the woodblock video wagon once again, take me to the subscription page!

[@just2025]

This the second video I’ve watched from this channel; and i thank god for the moment it showed in my recommendations ! Man this world of art and beauty and the way you speak of it mr.dave, it’s just wonderful … i think i’ve just poked a new hole in my wallet with the help of you mr.dave… and i’am very happy about it! Hope you continue your work with most fulfillment and joy.

[@danieldauber8335]

I really love these updates! Dave, you're not only an artist and business owner. You're nothing less than a great leader with passion for your art, who does not only inspire his staff, but also hundreds of thousands of people watching. I would gladly visit any leadership class you'd give, over any of the great business people. Seeing you reflecting about the past , present and future of the business you love.

[@AvarusCantus]

I’ll be honest, David, I wouldn’t be upset if you sent me an email every day about the work y’all are doing. Appreciate everything you do and always look forward to hearing from you!

[@travelinalaskan]

Fantastic and how exciting! As always I am excited to see what is to come.

[@blyad_mann9399]

I first stumbled upon your channel by, you guessed it, the KZbin recommendation 'Meeting the old carver - Ito Susumu'. I watched more and more of your videos and eventually found your Twitch streams. Since then i have watched each and every video and stream (Not always live) you have supplied us with and enjoyed each and every one of them. I have enjoyed all your work for hours and hours. I truly thank you for this awesome work and effort and i thank KZbin for that 1 small recommendation. I am super glad to have found this little corner of the internet and being part of has never been disappointing. Thanks David!

[@strawbarry7834]

In the spirit of naming each print series, I propose a global name for your entire body of work "Persistence In The Face Of Adversity." You are truly an inspirational person. And over the years, not only have I learned a lot about your craft, you've taught me what it means to be a decent, honest, hardworking, and caring human being.

[@seseragistudio]

Something I read long long ago had quite some impact on me. It wasn't that it 'changed' anything in me; I was already 'who I was' I guess, but it certainly reinforced something inside. And now and then, when sometimes a decision needs to be made, I remember it, nod, and then move forward. I have no idea where it came from, but it goes something like this: "Live so that when your children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you." (And thank you for the kind comments!)

[@strawbarry7834]

@@seseragistudio thank you so much for the reply and the advice. I've never heard that one before, but as a father myself I absolutely love it! Best wishes to yourself, your family, and your team. The world needs the beauty of your art now more than ever.

[@jennym744]

I came for the ASMR and stayed because I love Dave

[@RigadonRick]

One of the most genuinely fascinating & incredibly humble men on the planet. Your videos are always so engaging & motivating. All the best for 2022 to you & all of your team.

[@GentlemanSheep]

It's been a while since I watched any of your videos, and gosh did I miss doing so! I discovered this channel very randomly during last year and your videos are simply wonderful. Listening to you talk is an amazing experience and I'm always grateful that I could discover you and your work. Thank you for chatting so passionately about it with us all, you have such a wondeful personality and listening to you always makes me so happy. I wish you all the best for the holidays !

[@anthonymccormack2273]

I honestly couldn’t tell you how big my smile was watching you open that 100k plaque. Congratulations on all the success you have received not only here but in everything you have done! You deserved every single bit of it!

[@lorriedmussett4692]

David , I found your YT channel a few years ago and haven't looked back. I became a subscriber to your YT also a proud subscriber of two of your subscription packages......Im rambling so I'll just say....EVERYTHING YOU GUYS DO is 100% supported and appreciated.

[@pol1229]

Merry Christmas and much love to Dave and the Mokuhankan family, hope you're having a good one ☃️☃️☃️

[@ninadiamant8937]

I really enjoy this channel. I always learn something new. Thank you. Greetings from a greek fan.

[@YDM.]

This man is the very definition of serious businessman. He should teach marketing.

[@matthewmann4289]

I'm overjoyed to see your doing well

[@ChalkyWilston]

Thanks for the update Dave! The new series is very exciting! It is of course frustrating to think of all the projects for which there has not been time, but it is only due to all of the great work your and the team are doing in other areas. Congratulations on your success in 2021 - I'm sure that 2022 will be another record year! Thank you for all of your work and passion, and for sharing it with us all on Twitch and on KZbin!

[@CirclesandSounds]

Some of the most wholesome content on the internet ☺️ Thank you, David, for sharing the beauty of your passion with us all! THAT truly is the treasure here. ❤️

[@BenJonesVideographer]

Good to see you again Dave. Glad the shops doing well!

[@TimArrowsmithDesign]

Great stuff Dave, best wishes for 2022 !

[@twcmaker]

I love listening to you and how things are going in the shop, the prints and the blocks. Congratulations on the 100k award. I've watched for a long while now and thought I would give it a go too. Thank you, you made me feel that real people and niche content could have a place on KZbin and be a success. I recommend your channel to like-minded whenever possible. Thank you again 🙏 Jamie.

[@dansplans86]

Dave, I have talked about woodblock prints so much that my family bought me a canvas print of the Great Wave for Christmas! I was even able to tell that it was a high quality reproduction thanks to your video series on it. Your content has definitely enriched my life so thank you

[@Jonas-my6ld]

I've enjoyed every step of the way. Be well Mr. Bull and cheers to an excellent 2022!

[@joshmyer9]

"Like the Stanley Cup" -- Canadian confirmed! Congratulations on the epic year of growth, the subscriber milestone, and steering into a successful future. That said, I hope you're able to get back to your rockets soon!

[@krudmonger]

While I'm sorry to have not seen more videos from you this past year, I'm very glad that it's because of how busy your shop has been, even if the physical storefront hasn't. I wish you continued success in 2022!

[@fallingcanyon]

This was probably the best Christmas gift I received this year. ☺️

[@BubblesTheBard]

Congrats on the play button!

[@fogheta]

Good to see another top up, love these videos!

[@willsheffield2000]

I always try to catch your Twitch streams. Can count the missed ones since I started watching you on one hand. Find that business manager!!! Then get comfortable with a good set of blocks and some sharp knives and get to doing what we love watching you do... Carve!!! Best to you Dave and all the others at Mokuhankan for the new year!

[@raftsukrafton1826]

We must protect David at all cost

[@kidmarine7329]

Thank you David Bull

[@danieluecker477]

I dont know what it is but just listening to you rekindles my faith in the good things in life. Thank you ❤️

[@dorkiecookie]

It is so unfortunate for me that the subscription for Embrace the Delight has closed due to overwhelming responses, but I am so happy to hear that for the Mokuhankan! May you have a successful year ahead, business and personal wise, sending all the love to the hardworking team!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@quen7770]

Hoooray at last! Happy Christmas!!

[@eternalkick]

So proud of what you and your team have done David, and to think I only discovered your account this year alone. I wish nothing but success for your future, and I hope to stop by the shop one day, when things calm down in the world. All in due time 🙏🏾

[@bombastus4402]

Thanks for keeping us informed Dave. Your videos are always a pleasure to watch.

[@999MichaelMyers999]

I've been having a rough start to the new year. Your videos really calm me down and make me focus. Almost like you're a jedi master with unlimited knowledge. Thank you🙏

[@Awcko]

Wonderful to hear from you once again, David. It's encouraging to see you continue to thrive amidst the continuing state of things. Merry Christmas to everyone at the workshop!

[@BerticusBersht]

Such a delightful man. Glad to see him prosper.

[@Euroliite]

Been watching since the Kickstarter in 2013. You and the staff at the shop are all awesome! Not sure if I should be happy or not that you're so successful that you're almost suffering from it. Prints for 2022 look great, and I'm excited to see the rest as well as how this change of format will turn out.

[@mohammedshezaadboots1934]

I was so excited to see a new video had come out. I'm absolutely in love with this channel and this craft. Look forward to all the videos to come in the future

[@HybridAnchor]

Love this. Well done David and team. You guys are smashing it, and very well deserved!!! 🙏♥️

[@colmonator]

Congratulations on a great year David and best of luck on the next!