Katsushika Hokusai was an ukiyoe artist active in the late Edo period (1603-1868) who left many works before his death at the age of 90. His talent for painting was recognized at the young age of 19, and he continued to work hard, gaining popularity in his 30s with works that showed his own individuality. After the age of 50, Hokusai began to draw edehon, or manga-style "picture handbooks," for people who were learning to draw. The subject matter of his edehon gradually expanded, and Hokusai also began to draw collections of designs and patterns for craftspeople. These books were compiled into a volume called "Hokusai Manga." Hokusai's drawing ability was so great that he later created as many as 15 sequels. Around the age of 60, Hokusai began to produce colorful illustrated prints. His most famous works include "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" and flower-and-bird prints. Hokusai Katsushika is also highly acclaimed abroad. It is said that many Western painters were inspired by Hokusai's work and reflected it in their own works.