Hokusai, Hiroshige, Utamaro on display in Milan

All the premises seem to tell us this autumn is gonna be a journey of Japanese culture discovery, thanks to the new exhibition at Palazzo Reale Hokusai, Hiroshige, Utamaro. Places and faces of Japan who won the West – one amongst the many events aimed to celebrate 150 years of friendship between Italy and the Land of the Rising Sun.

For those who aren't familiar with these artists, we need to take a small step back. We are right at the core of the Edo period and Katsushika Hokusai, Utagawa Hiroshige and Utamaro are the greatest exponents of that charming art genre that goes by the name of ukiyo-e – which literally means "pictures of the floating world" and which artistically is reflected in those elegant woodblock prints whose subjects are outlined with extreme lightness, all without shadows and perspective. Usually, it comes to everyday city life scenes, charming geishas in traditional dresses, sumo wrestlers, but also delicate representations of landscapes, with soft colored mountains and cherry blossoms.

Because, after all, the "floating world" isn't something mystical, but just our ever-changing reality; "to contemplate the natural wonders of the moon, the snow, the cherry blossom and maple leaves, the taste of singing songs, drinking sake and pleasure only in the floating along the current of the river like a pumpkin shell dry" to say it in writer Asai Ryoi's words.

So what has the exhibition in store for use? Yes, the most anticipated piece – and probably the first that comes to mind when thinking of Japanese art in general –, Hokusai's The Great Wave off Kanagawa will be there. But the foaming wave with Mount Fuji in the background will be just one of the 200 prints we'll have the chance to admire. There'll also be Hiroshige's amazing group scenes – like the lively street of fabric shops depicted in Narumi – and Utamaro's courtesans and young fashionable women – see, Portrait of Beauty –, along with other scenic views by Hokusai, including the famous Fine Wind, Clear Morning.

The exhibition will be held at Palazzo Reale, Milan, from September 22 to January 29, 2017.