The Kazusa sea route 

Katsushika Hokusai made this woodblock print known as "The Kazusa sea route." Painted during the Edo period, a time of economic growth, strict social order, and relative peace, it reflects Japan's complex relationship with the outside world. Look closely and notice the bustling maritime activity; these ships symbolize commerce and the movement of people and goods, integral to Japan's societal structure. This work, like much of Hokusai's oeuvre, captures everyday life, but there's also a palpable sense of national identity. The composition shows a panoramic view with Mount Fuji in the background; it stands as a symbol of Japan itself, always present, always watching. Hokusai's work offers a nuanced perspective on a society in transition, one that was both insular and deeply connected to its own unique cultural identity. It invites us to reflect on the intersections of trade, identity, and tradition.