Satire, spirits and censorship: the Kyōsai case in 19th century Japan

In mid-nineteenth century Japan, while the country was changing rapidly, an unconventional artist spoke about society and power through satirical drawings full of spirits, skeletons and grotesque images.

His name was Kawanabe Kyōsai: a multifaceted artist, capable of moving between classicism and satire without losing identity.

His life was anything but linear: unruly style, great consumption of sake, but also enormous production and widespread recognition during his lifetime. However, his irreverent works also brought him problems with the censors and he was arrested three times.

Among his merits is that of having created and designed Eshinbun Nipponchi, a satirical magazine that told stories through sequential images. A format that, in many respects, anticipates modern manga.