Mokuhankan Japanese Prints - 2022 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 two new subscription series that will be taking place simultaneously through 2023~2024.
- 'Hokusai Reborn', a project in collaboration with the British Museum, to create woodblock prints from Hokusai sketches in their collection.
- 'A Kyoto Journey', a set of 12 prints being created from designs by our long-time collaborator Jed Henry.
***
Mentioned in the video:
The Hokusai Reborn series: mokuhankan.com...
The Kyoto Journey series:
mokuhankan.com...
The Embrace the Delight series:
mokuhankan.com...
The video by our co-worker Taran Casey, showing his work on our reproduction of the Hiroshi Yoshida design 'Misty Day in Nikko':
• Misty day in Nikko - 1...
***
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!
0:01 Introduction
3:50 Hokusai Reborn
10:55 A Kyoto Journey
14:22 Year-end financial update
19:52 Questions from viewers

[@JMadLabs]

The only business update video I look forward to every year. Well done Mokuhankan team!

[@Victor-ij5fe]

Dave’s passion and work is inspirational. Netflix has to make a documentary about woodblock print making with you in it. History forsure, best of luck in the year to come.

[@eric0302]

Seen "art of the game"?

[@GoreTheSummoner]

jesus does people on the west learn about the world only from netflix? does netflix have to cover everything so the masses get the see the things. cmon..

[@Victor-ij5fe]

@@GoreTheSummoner Netflix tells stories, fact or fiction. Not an east or west thing but I see your point of view. Whatever story they tell is up to the viewer to decide on how they want to interpret, but Dave is already immortalized by KZbin, a western based company.

[@craiglarsen892]

That is an awful idea. Let Dave tell his story the way he wants.

[@testing1567]

@@GoreTheSummoner No, their just generally good at writing documentaries.

[@zieg0r]

Whenever I happen to finally make my "bucket list" trip to Japan, I am SO visiting Asakusa and your shop. All the best to you and your team, Dave and once again, thank you for your transparency and your gregarious presentation style.

[@feignedconcerns4208]

david your a fountain of inspiration

[@scottie_2024]

Its a testament to your skill at this that I had no idea you used a teleprompter!

[@themagickalmagickman]

back for 2022, looking forward for 2023. Hoping for a good year

[@Stokie09123]

This time 12 months ago David, I praised your incredible alacrity to save your fantastic, unique and wonderful business it was so amazing. This year, just allow me to say how happy I am that you are reaping the rewards of your innovation and commitment to your craft, business and staff. It’s so inspiring.

[@HarrIock]

I love these end of year updates. Even on their own they are so entertaining.

[@donsimons9810]

i don’t even care about the prints but want to buy them cause I like this guy so much. I literally want to fly to Japan to have a convo with him lol

[@christopherlo9446]

the pants story is very heartwarming lol

[@artfromtheheart4391]

I was shocked to learn Dave san was thinking about pulling the plug on the shop but equally thrilled he persevered. I only discovered Dave san's videos a month ago but I am in awe of his work and of his humble charisma. I honestly believe that Mokuhankan will thrive, more people will discover these videos and fall in love with the serentity of the art and practice of Ukiyoe. I wish Dave san and everyone else at Mokuhankan a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Thank you for everything you do ♥

[@vulcanlastshelter4571]

You should definitely see his twitch stream then.

[@artfromtheheart4391]

@@vulcanlastshelter4571 I have managed to catch the last 5 or 6 streams. It's so relaxing to watch.

[@windmill1965]

18:41 Congratulations Dave on exceeding the ichi-oku-en level (9 digits)! I visited your shop multiple times over the years before the pandemic (and once had a print party there, which was lots of fun). I'm looking forward to visit again soon, hopefully in the coming few weeks.

[@Greystorm1619]

A collab with the British Museum is no joke!! Congrats to the Mokuhankan team, y'all deserve it!

[@VideoPine]

Best asmr in town 👍

[@begoodification]

Can't wait to visit the shop next winter.

[@nzlemming]

Impressive progress on the weight-loss, David.

[@MajinRinzler]

Been watching for quite a while and seeing someone so passionate about something so sacred and beautiful is truly inspiring during tough times! Please keep going, you have support. 👍

[@BoBo-is9nm]

Love these videos, and meeting him this year was crazy.

[@DDMco123]

You look great in those jeans dave! Best wishes

[@bluepandaman]

I’ve been watching these business updates for years.

[@zacharyavery6082]

I'm sure I speak for many of us when I say that David Bull has drastically changed (for the better) my worldview on global art and culture, especially Japanese woodblock prints. Now, I'm an amateur woodblock artist myself! Thank you David for your incredible efforts.

[@jeraldbaxter3532]

Thank you!

[@manualASMR]

This is my favourite KZbin channel; I'm so glad I found it - from 'remembering a carver' to 2023, I am fully invested in Dave's adventures! He is like the wise old uncle I never had.

[@FreezerKing]

Dave, you'll be pleased to know that the Manitoba weather is as frigid as ever, -44 with the windchill a few days ago. And yet we persevere, much as your shop and your team have through a pretty nasty period of history, and we're all the better for it. Happy New Year!

[@nataliejones5548]

Just ordered my first print after watching you for years, Dave. Thank you!

[@pro0n]

Looking healthier and almost glowing here noticeably more than he has in previous videos -- much love over there, Dave

[@dylangrieveable]

So cool that you showed the inside scoop at the end, on how you make these videos. Such a hard worker, amazing craftsman, and amazing storyteller. Keep up the awesome work.

[@cherokeefit4248]

The random videos KZbin brings us is a blessing in disguise. People like this guy deserve to live away from the insanity of the world we we live in.

[@RicardoSanchez-es5wl]

Your perseverance and work ethic are incredible!

[@allewis4008]

Updates from this channel are like visits from an old friend

[@WhamBamBoozler]

So glad that you are back to being open and people can once again come in and enjoy the amazing work you and your staff do!

[@NormDeMoss]

We missed y'all!

[@dythe7858]

Happy holiday and super great to see you again on KZbin.

[@Artractive_]

It’s a good day when David posts!! So excited to watch this after work, I’m really excited to order some prints in the new year! :) Stay safe and have a merry Christmas to all the team!

[@robert_b_chromebrito5190]

Hello David, from chilly South Florida: Congratulations on your wonderful news: Mokuhankan is open again. We'll make sure, next time we are in Tokyo, to visit your store and, possibly, the studios . You are a visionary and a craftsman extraordinaire. I also congratulate you and your associates on the wonderful news of your association with the British Museum to bring Hokusai's designs to life. Fantastic!

[@Lilith_2191]

Im so glad Dave and his team survived covid! Yay for expert craftsmen and small businesses.

[@domingo2534]

I started my woodprint journey some months ago and your channel has become a staple, I am so glad to see the workshop doing well.

[@benfeld4058]

I'm just waiting for the notification about the new ASMR channel.

[@elimgerman]

So glad to see the shop is thriving! Blessings to you all

[@5chr4pn3ll]

Always a joy to watch these update videos. And equally joyful to see that things are going well.

[@leeming1317]

One day I hope I may buy some of these, they're absolutely grand work. I love the nature and cityscape prints omg! One day Davie, One day soon. :)

[@leeming1317]

(im not trying to say there overpriced or anything, I think its very reasonable) :)

[@vanessathenavigator]

So happy that you are still around ❤

[@robinpropst]

So intresting to see Dave in this more formal format (compared to the more informal twicht-arena) . Also - nice interludes and behind-the-scenes content. I Am so psyched for the Hokosai Reborn series, cant wait.

[@matthewthompson5655]

Looking forward to visiting the shop this weekend 🗼👍🏻

[@vanessathenavigator]

Just signed up for A Kyoto Journey ❤ I’ll remember my time in Kyoto for the rest of my life, I rented a bike there and just explored all over. I get a feeling these prints will tug my heartstrings.

[@vanessathenavigator]

Also, it gives me great joy to know my Patreon donation helped you keep the shop open! Thank you for that update!

[@mikee4689]

Thank you for your hard work this year, Mokuhankan!

[@vinaysoni2032]

Glad to see you back open!

[@masimololez8122]

Is always nice to see that sometime you love is doing well ❤, thanks for everything Dave

[@AsILayinRuin]

🇨🇦 Good to hear from you again Mr bull!

[@thomasspicer4130]

I have watched your videos for years you are a brilliant artist thank you for showing the world how you create your work marry Christmas and good fortune to you for the coming new year 2023 🥳

[@stuartleighton]

This is currently my favorite channel, and would love to visit the place when China finally makes international travel possible again.

[@kaiyo00]

Hey Dave, was a pleasure meeting you around a month ago now. Glad to hear that the shop is doing well, it was rather quiet when we were there. The print made it home safely with us to Australia and looks great! Thanks again for your dinner recommendation also (even if it was a bit busy haha)

[@RigadonRick]

A true master of their craft. Your skill, vision, presentation & even video editing is absolutely fantastic. I always thoroughly enjoy your videos. Wishing you a happy, healthy New Year to you & your team! All the very best for 2023

[@kimaji]

Hi, thanks for your work. Sorry if this comes off as rude, but please get yourself checked at a hospital. My grandpa recently passed away the day before he was getting checked, from a heart attack. He was rather stubborn about not wanting to go and get himself checked, which caused him to die early. I really hope that you can reassure yourself that your body is fine and doing well. Even though it can seem like everything is fine, sometimes the issues are not visible until it is too late. Thank you again, and hope everything continues to be well!

[@seseragistudio]

Actually, Japan is pretty good at this. At my age, I _do_ get regular checkups, and - because of a previous medical episode - I am looked-over at a major hospital once every three months. Thanks for the concern ...

[@petergraham2788]

Thank you Dave! Best wishes to you and all the Mokuhankan Family from a proud Patreon in Winnipeg!

[@friday19652]

Wonderful video, as always! And the jeans look great! :)

[@powerfrenzy]

My favorite video of the year 😁. I love the data and charts. Too bad (for my tastes) that the 1st series sounds like it'll be all monotone. But it will be interesting to have the option with 2 series simultaneously. I wonder if it won't be the same amount of work doing two at once as it would've been trying to do the just the 1st monthly. Good luck! Anyways, Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays & Happy New Years to you, Ayano-san, and the rest of the team. I have a good feeling about next year ☺️

[@seseragistudio]

The two series will run with separate 'teams': the Kyoto prints will be carved by Kawasaki-san (our carver who lives in Kobe), who wouldn't be able to do them one per month, but can handle a bi-monthly pace. And the other factor is the printing team, who wouldn't have enough work with just the Hokusai prints (which will be two blocks each), but who will have plenty to do given this alternating pattern of production. It has been a bit complicated trying to knit it all together, to keep everybody busy, but not overwhelmed.

[@tonywatson987]

Dave-san, thank you so much for the link to Taran-san's video - what super work for a first video - subbed!

[@GlassesnMouthplates]

I feel really bad for missing out on this video when it was uploaded last year/month but given that things aren't going well with myself now, I'm glad that I get to watch it today and be both cheered up and remotivated by Dave's presentation and the positive updates of Mokuhankan. I know I've been wanting to do it since 2019 but once I become a bit more financially stable again, I'm going to apply for any of the subscription prints.

[@omfgacceptmyname]

oh wow taran-san is for real. that keyblock looks insanely difficult

[@DrMillerfan]

Such a lovely video! So excited about the year ahead. Loved the behind the scenes shots at the end. Best wishes Dave and Co

[@theden0minat0r]

Woohoo! I’m so happy! You are back open.

[@leesponenberg5907]

Great video and good luck next year!!!!!

[@EastWindCommunity1973]

It would be so cool to buy one of those "proof prints" on the cat project! See the difference and discernment in quality. Hope they are saved somewhere! Great job, everyone!

[@shelby6895]

yes!! its my favorite guy!!

[@342Rodry]

glad to see another video!

[@TheJosefin123456]

cant wait to se the lady and the dragon in print

[@missilemiata7593]

Nice 👍

[@pamelasorrells2187]

Great video update Dave!

[@пекельніборошна-т1в]

Oh, I remember those designs from the news when they were discowered! There was a fascinating scatch of cats, hope it will be included 😊

[@joshperry6700]

I once saw a comment that said Mr Bull here carves on the quantum level. As witty as that was, it seems to be pretty accurate. "Amazing" is an accurate descriptor.

[@BMW-sd6nn]

What a treat! Hope to visit in march!

[@RogerG92]

happy to hear !!!

[@andrewserna28]

Thank you for your art

[@scottyigar9009]

Good to c u back my guy. Time to go night night..

[@aidanwalker5019]

Ai will never replace this

[@JMPerona]

Very interesting video! It would be very interesting in hearing all the business travel from the beginning until today with the use of social media to get closer to the fans. It must be fascinating to hear how David resonates about business decisions and how he approaches his shop. As a small business myself, which also has a Japanese audience and product, would be very interesting!

[@futuristica1710]

I thought we would’ve been caught in the pandemic for many years. That wasn’t the case, thank God. But months! That’s optimistic ;) Great to see your projects, Dave, you’re amazing! Happy New Year to you and your employees ❤

[@twistedvoodooful]

Holy shit. ...I uh, I just had a legit moment. This is the first time I have ever seen one of your videos. I got here by clicking on you through another channel's subs, and the first thing that hit me was, "Why do I get Bob Ross vibes from you?" It's very obvious now, 2 mins in. I may not watch another, but just know that you gave me the spooks. .-.

[@greenman5229]

the part of him losing the weight is inspiring, belly gut is so stubborn and I'm still trying to loose my Pandemic weight

[@DrWhom]

You should get a membership with a fitness centre _twenty_ blocks away from the shop.

[@Bergerons_Review]

Hello sir. I hope you are in good health. I wish you a Marry Christmas!

[@skabAroll]

I'm so glad I'm subscribed to the newsletter, youtube unsubbed me somehow, not even clicking the bell frees me from their nefarious tricks!

[@submerse9993]

Hi David, I'm excited to see what the future holds. Maybe showcase some of those submitted designs for the 8 views of cats project. That would be cool to see in a website update.

[@UPandUNDER16]

hi dave!! u rock!!

[@burrito270]

dave uploaded!!

[@bobhopper609]

I want to buy the prints as soon as I have the funds to do so!

[@darekheim30]

I want those crows

[@j.r.bannister]

Hey Dave, hope all has been well with you and the shop! I always love a new video and can't wait for the next - I had a quick question for you: do you happen to have any prints of 'A Bath' by Kajita Hanko available for sale? Have a great evening!

[@seseragistudio]

Not quite sure what design you are referring to ... this one isn't by Hanko, but we get requests all the time. Might this be the one? mokuhankan.com/catalogue/0335.php

[@accountnamewithheld]

It was only natural that after becoming publisher, carver and printmaker, Dave would have to expand to the final part of the quadrifecta... the designer... cleanerupper

[@dadeevad]

😍😍😍

[@wonebul8807]

I am always happy about some new content from you and your work! But I actually miss a lot, as Twitch ist absolutely not my cup of tea. I tried many times but this is absolutely not my platform. Luckely, some of my favorite creators from KZbin with a substential Twich presence started a second KZbin chanel, where there upload their multi hour Twitch streams, so igrnorants like me can enjoy them. And obviously, its not only me. Would this be an option for you? I would really apprechiate it! Thanks a lot for your work, your contend and your way presenting it to us! All the best wishes from around the globe, Germany.

[@seseragistudio]

This is already being done ... not by me, but by some of the fans. I don't have the link(s) handy, but I think somebody else will come along here and let us know where you can find that material!

[@harrygreenfeld4964]

Try here - youtube.com/@str8edgedude19

[@mokuhanga1]

www.youtube.com/@acolytesofthebaren3340

[@carsonj4031]

That jeans story, I can't believe you got the weight loss graph.

[@Jerome...]

Congratulation on the million dollar woodblock printing business David! Are the drawings for the Hokusai series listed somewhere or are they a secret until release? I'm looking at the 103 drawings on the BM website and I'm really curious to know how you selected the 12. Some of the drawing are such great storytelling designs. Anyway, love the videos as always.

[@seseragistudio]

It's not specifically a secret at all, just I haven't got that part done yet. In the next episode of that playlist (about the Hokusai project) we will definitely be talking about this ...

[@Jerome...]

@@seseragistudio Thanks for the answer, can't wait!

[@sanjin86]

Is it just me or is Mr. Bull giving the Japan version of Bob Ross/Mr. Rodgers

[@jordanshaffer4908]

super cool how you used an ipad to help with this! Are you on a pixel layer or a vector layer when you copied the line work?

[@timandrenata]

The Hokusai drawings that I've seen on the British Museum site are amazing. When you print do you add various colors and how do you decide? or do you reproduce it without colors (B/W)?

[@pineapplescuddleduck]

Hello fellow people!

[@chrisd530]

Dave was their any kind of government assistance for small business that had to shutter for 2+ years?

[@Shadamehr100]

No luck at all with Studio Ghibli ?

[@Nickwilsontattoo]

What app is used for these data collection ??

[@seseragistudio]

Our web/shopping/accounting/inventory/shipping/you-name-it is all handled by our in-house custom system. I recently added a graphing/charting module, so that we no longer need to use external spreadsheets to get graphs ...