Story perspectives

Opera Explores Hokusai's Journey with Stunning Visuals

2/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Great Wave is a five-act opera by Dai Fujikura about Katsushika Hokusai, with baritone Daisuke Ohyama as Hokusai and an all-Japanese team led by director Satoshi Miyagi.
It features beautiful visuals and a unique soundscape incorporating the shakuhachi flute.
It presents Hokusai's artistic journey but emphasizes vignettes and lacks sustained tension.
The conclusion notes strong performances, especially by Hokusai's daughter Oi, and educational aims, but the production may not fully convey the story.

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Story summary

The Great Wave is a five-act opera by Dai Fujikura about Katsushika Hokusai, with baritone Daisuke Ohyama as Hokusai and an all-Japanese team led by director Satoshi Miyagi.
It features beautiful visuals and a unique soundscape incorporating the shakuhachi flute.
It presents Hokusai's artistic journey but emphasizes vignettes and lacks sustained tension.
The conclusion notes strong performances, especially by Hokusai's daughter Oi, and educational aims, but the production may not fully convey the story.