All About Japan

Mario and Luigi Get a Makeover

Art Ukiyo-e Gaming

Mario and Luigi caused a buzz in 2015 when they appeared on a couple of traditional Japanese folding screens, posing in the same powerful stance as Fujin and Raijin, the Japanese gods of wind and thunder.

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They’re making another appearance in godlike form, but this time they’ll be immortalized in a ukiyo-e woodblock print and available to the public for purchase thanks to a Kyoto-based artist specializing in traditional art technique.

The art is based on a national treasure dating back to the 17th century, Fujin-Raijin-zu by Tawaraya Sotatsu, showing Raijin on the left and Fujin on the right.

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In the new woodblock print, Luigi takes on the role of Fujin, one of the eldest Shinto gods, who is traditionally portrayed as a red-haired demon with green skin. Luigi keeps his shoes on for the role and looks a lot less terrifying than the original, while carrying a large bag of wind on his shoulders. Well-known villains Lakitu and Bullet Bill also make an appearance in the background.

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Mario, as the god of lightning, thunder and storms, holds a drumstick in each hand and is surrounded by a ring of stars instead of the usual drums Raijin strikes to create thunder.

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While the images are beautiful and humorous, there’s actually a skilled craftsman behind the project, using centuries-old printing techniques to create the final image, which is limited to a run of 90 prints in total. The end result is a beautiful framed picture priced at ¥194,400 (US$1,734.40). Instead of using traditional Japanese paper known as washi, a layer of gold leaf is used, making this one expensive yet beautiful piece of art.

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