Join us for an engaging exploration of Hokusai’s Daughter by Sunny Seki, a captivating picture book inspired by the life of Katsushika Ōi, the talented daughter of the famed Japanese artist Hokusai. Through vibrant illustrations, the story highlights her artistic journey and her challenges in a male-dominated society. This program is sponsored by the USC U.S.-China Institute and the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia with a special collaboration with the Freeman Book Awards.

Discover an enriching book talk on Hokusai's Daughter: A Young Artist in Old Japan – Bilingual English and Japanese Text, a beautifully illustrated picture book that brings to life the story of O-Ei, the daughter of Japan’s legendary ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai. Perfect for educators, this session will delve into how the book’s themes of creativity, perseverance, and gender roles in historical Japan can inspire cross-cultural understanding and artistic exploration in the classroom. Nancy Hope, Executive Director of the Freeman Book Awards will guide this book talk.

Through evocative artwork and storytelling, Hokusai's Daughter introduces young readers to the vibrant world of Edo-period Japan, where bustling cityscapes, delicate brushstrokes, and artistic ambition collide. As O-Ei navigates her role as both assistant and artist in her father’s workshop, the story explores the often-overlooked contributions of women in art history and the challenges of expressing one’s voice in a male-dominated society. The bilingual presentation—featuring both English and Japanese text—makes this book an ideal resource for language learners and classrooms exploring global perspectives.

Told through the eyes of a young girl determined to master her craft, Hokusai's Daughter paints a portrait of resilience and artistic identity, culminating in a moving reflection on legacy, independence, and the transformative power of creativity. This book provides an engaging platform for discussing Japanese history, traditional art forms, and the evolving role of women in society. Don’t miss this opportunity to enrich your teaching with a story that bridges cultures, languages, and generations through the lens of art.

👉Register here! 

Schedule:

45 minutes - Presentation

25 minutes - Q & A

20 minutes - Teachers' discussion

Benefits:

Certificate of completion by USCI

Contact hours for Los Angeles Unified School District 

Teaching About Asia Resources 

What the talk will cover:  Hokusai’s Daughter offers readers a compelling glimpse into the world of art, family, and tradition in Edo-period Japan. Told through the perspective of Oei, the talented daughter of renowned ukiyo-e master Hokusai, the story follows her journey as an artist determined to find her own voice amidst societal expectations and the towering legacy of her father. Through richly detailed illustrations and dual-language narration, the book brings to life the textures of everyday life in old Japan while celebrating the often-overlooked contributions of women in art history. This narrative not only highlights Japanese culture and aesthetics but also sparks reflection on themes of creativity, gender, and identity.