Mokuhankan Japanese Prints - 2023 Update
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- čas přidán 26. 07. 2024
- This is the year-end update from David Bull's Mokuhankan printmaking workshop in Asakusa Tokyo.
We begin with an overview of the subscription prints published over the past year. This is followed by the usual update on finances and staff, and things wrap up with a scattering of other small news items.
***
Mentioned in the video:
The Hokusai Reborn series: mokuhankan.com/subscriptions/...
The Kyoto Journey series:
mokuhankan.com/subscriptions/...
New carver Taran Casey's CZcams channel:
/ @ginkohanga
The charts shown in the video were quite washed out, and difficult to read. If you are interested in the actual data, .pdf files of the graphs are here:
mokuhankan.com/downloads/char...
mokuhankan.com/downloads/char...
mokuhankan.com/downloads/char...
***
Our online catalogue, where our prints can be found: mokuhankan.com/catalogue/thum...
Our Twitch stream: / japaneseprintmaking
Our Patreon page: / mokuhankan
Instagram: / mokuhankan
Thank you for watching!
0:01 Introduction
1:20 Hokusai Reborn
5:30 A Kyoto Journey
8:50 Year-end financial update
19:40 Other small update items ...
Dave Bull: Politely and humbly explaining how his company is making mad bank, fat stacks, big big green
You gotta love him. 😂
his bands are falling outta the windows 😂😂😂
1.1 mil is crazy
He really isn't though, $1.1mil minus 30 salaries, raw materials, building overheads, postage and packaging and insurance. (not to mention including Japan's "let's mess with the European guy" jokes like 24%) all sounds a little close to the bone.
@@assortedbile5381 I know. Ask I did was convert 160-something million yen into USD
In 2016 my girlfriend, now wife, and I stopped in to visit. You were so kind to us and we chatted for over an hour about CZcams. It's still a highlight for us. You're a treasure to the art, no matter what you choose - we respect your decision - and genuinely hope you enjoy the notoriety in your craft. :)
I stopped by last February and chatted with him and his staff as well! So fun
I hope that I get the chance to meet him before it’s too late.
The level of transparency that you give us viewers, Dave, even down to the taxes and issues with the auditing process, is incredibly admirable. None of this is any of our business to know, yet you happily and humbly share this information willingly. It's very interesting to see and also very satisfying to witness the proof of your continued growth as a company. I'm very happy for you and the whole Mokuhankan crew. Congratulations. It's well earned!
Sales/revenue tells the viewers absolutely nothing. Tbh I miss the printmaking/process videos.
@@mokuhanga1 Yeah I miss those videos as well. And agree to disagree with the other half of your comment. It tells me enough information that I find interesting. It tells me and shows me the growth of the company. Not sure how that tells us "nothing."
@@returntoearth2556 I'm sure costs were growing at much the same rate as revenue, lease and wage prices. If wages didn't grow substantially then I would be left with more questions than answers. But again, not really any of my business and far, far less interesting than printmaking.
@@mokuhanga1 I never said this was more interesting than printmaking. Stop watching the videos then. He live streams 3 times a week where you get to see every part of the printmaking process. Complain on the main comment section instead of replying to mine because I said something that doesn't align with your opinion. I'm not sure what you want from me.
@@returntoearth2556 I comment to drive traffic to Dave. He's an excellent printmaker and from my experience isn't thin skinned.
How many years has it been since we started to get the yearly updates? And yet, everytime one pops up I'm like
"Oh snaaap, lets gooOooo!!"
The first I heard of David was in 1989.
Yep, same here! It's so lovely each time, you get to feel along for the ride of the incredible story of mokuhankan.
Shout out to absolutely everyone who helped keep Dave Bull and his staff so incredibly busy these last two years.
Thank you Dave and everyone at Mokuhankan. Wishing you a prosperous and healthy 2024. Happy New Year!
The fact that we have the technology these days that allows Dave to be able to make these prints from the actual original Hokusai drawings, but at the same time keep the works untouched and in their original form, truly is remarkable. A real privilege for all of us.
I do think that you will have to restrict the hours you are available to meet with people- people should understand that the carving work won't get done if you meet with people all day. I found you in 2012 and this year met a local artist here in Rhode Island, USA, who was inspired by your work and began her own block carving here and print making. You ARE reaching the world with what you have done and continue to do and thank you to you and your staff for keeping this artform alive. It IS alive and well around the world today because of the daily work that you do.
I think that Dave's biggest problem is the natural friendliness and politeness of himself and his Japanese and British employees. From my point of view, he needs to hire some unaproachably looking German, who would stand in front of his office and act as his social bodyguard. "Ja, this is Mr. Bull. Nein, you can't speak to him, he's busy with making the prints and videos you like. Please, move along, there are other visitors behind you. Don't knock on the glass, I said that Herr Bull is busy and can't be disturbed. It's for your own good, move along, bitte."
@@janbernad4729 "Dave's biggest problem is (his) natural friendliness and politeness"
You can take the Canadian out of Canada, but you can't take the Canada out of the Canadian.
Seconded, I’d also venture to say that any fan of the channel or stream would be more than understanding of this new system
I do think this is the way to go. Make a clear schedule of when Dave is in the shop available to meet with people like office hours.
I wish you were hiring. This sounds so fascinating to be a part of.
I feel like I'm on the board of directors getting a year end summary 😂 So glad to see you are thriving!
Been watching for 5 years now. I can’t believe it’s already been that long. Always a pleasure to get a video from you, Dave. God bless.
people plan trips months ahead so this isn't a quick fix but you could pick a date several months in the future as the point from which you start working on a schedule, work downstairs on days X,Y,Z and meet with visitors and work upstairs on days A,B,C to focus only on prints. Post it on website, do a short video, mention it in live streams and with the few month heads up people who wish to meet you can prep their travel schedule accordingly.
This is an amazing idea
i concur, this sounds like a good compromise
I think that Mr. Bull is perfectly capable of figuring that out for himself. He's doing fine as the results show. He is in a league of his own.
Always great to hear from you, Dave!
Hello Mr. Bull. So glad my brother and his daughters from Texas were able to visit with you. You were kind enough to take a picture with my brother.
What a great thrill that at least someone in my family could meet you!
I hear they absolutely loved speaking with you.
I am happy my brother showed me the HoKoiSai woodcut/lasercut.
Luckily, it wasn't so crowded, so we had chance to talk for a while (that's sometimes just not possible ...) Nice to have met them, and maybe we'll see you over here one day too!
I was very lucky to be finally able to visit the shop last April! One of my favorite moments of my entire trip. A chat with David and his staff was amazing and the prints I was able to buy are very dear to me. Definitely going back when I can go to Japan again!
I'm always so glad for these year-end updates. Now the year can actually end!
You are by far the most passionate, interesting & engaging human I have ever encountered. Thank you for your content despite how busy you’ve been. I wish you and your team all the very best for 2024 & beyond.
To all the hard workers at Mokuhankan, and David Bull we thank you so much for the twitch streams, the transparency, and the interesting projects. I think what we like the most is that even tho most of us live outside of Japan, and we may never set foot in your workshop, we still feel like we are going on this journey with you. Wether it be watching a block come to life, the colors jump off the paper, or learning more about how prints are made and how they started. For those that can appreciate slowing down in a world of scroll scroll scroll, its so nice to slow down and follow along with you all. Thank you so much for all your hard work.
I’ve been watching your videos for about 5 years now and have a few of your prints. I absolutely love your videos and excited to see what 2024 has in store for you Dave. Thank you for everything!
Dave Bull: declares annual profits with charts to the whole internet. Tax revenue service: not good enough, you owe us 4 million yen.
This man is 72 years old... I hope have as much life and joy as this man does at that age. Should a wonderful man.
im so happy to see the exponential growth chart. this is the positive aspect of the CZcams algorithm that we can actually appreciate, preserving art and promoting business. keep going strong!!!!
You should be so proud with what you've achieved over the past 25 years. From humble beginnings as a one man operation to having a whole team and carving actual Hokusai lines! I'm really looking forward to visiting the shop when I come to Japan for the first time next year. I promise it won't be during cherry blossom season!
I am a huge car enthusiast and I have always wanted to go to Japan so I could see all the awesome JDM cars that we don't get over here in the States but in all honesty after I found your channel in 2017, my main reason for coming to Japan is definitely the shake hands with you and check out the store. I never even knew woodblock printmaking was a thing until I found your channel and I have actually introduced your channel to a couple of loved ones in my life. I truly hope that I get to meet you one day you seem like such genuine awesome and peaceful person.
Not only does Dave have a very calming presence, but his obvious passion for his craft is inspiring. I really like this channel.
Congrats on your success during this year, Dave. it's been amazing to watch your videos, your streams, and see this art being kept alive in such a calm and highly educational manner.
David, What you've bene able to do here is so impressive. Been along on this CZcams ride for over a decade, and to watch you pursue and be successful in your dreams just brings me joy. It's important that you're intentional with your time to be the best leader / customer relations expert you can. You should set specific hours where people can meet and greet. That'll allow tourists to plan ahead, and also allow you the time and space you need to train your carvers, staff, and do strategic planning for your company.
It's been a really fun, and very unexpected, journey that I've gotten to join you on over the last 10 years. Excited to see the next stage of evolution you take with your business and wood block prints.
Best of luck!
how come i only got recommended this guy's video now?! this is so comfy, watching him talk about his shop and craft
SUBBED!
I have been following you and your channel for a decade almost now. The videos are few, but it's always a treat. I have been a chibi Patreon from the day of its inception and the beautiful little prints now cover half the wall in my office already and I get to enjoy them every day. My wife and I finally managed to book a flight to Japan again in three weeks and already booked a place in Asakusa and I can't wait to come by Mokuhankan and buy a print myself in person. Also, I just noticed one thing that makes me really happy: Since I started following you almost 10 years ago, you have not aged a day. Not energy, love and excitement for the craft, nor in your appearance in general. Keep it up and hopefully see you soon! :)
I love you for so many reasons. You love your craft, you love your staff, and were brave enough to start in a whole new country. I watched and enjoyed countless videos and never wrote (I rarely write on YT to be fair)
You are such a wonderful person, please keep your passion for art, we need it
Visiting Dave and the Mokuhankan team is my number one goal when I eventually visit Japan again. :)
I'd like to extend a big congratulations to Dave, The shop team, and Mokuhankan as a whole for their amazing growth and success even if it does turn out to be short term at this level. As someone that has been following since The Great Wave series of videos. Seeing this much success and popularity is such a wonderful thing. I am glad that the print shop is having this boom in a time when Dave can still be here to see it and enjoy the fruits those involved and his own labors.
I think its incredibly humble that this man who has spent his entire life studying this....LONG before the internet.... didnt speak the language... but was so passionate about this art, that he moved across the world.... has lived there for decades.... he is legitimately a master... and yet still feels the need to point out hes a foreigner...
It's been four years since I last saw one of your videos David, but I'm happy to have found you again. I've always thoroughly enjoyed watching your videos!
Recently for me, the passage of time feels like a steep, slippery, slope, and the 'future' is the unavoidable disaster at the bottom. A big part of that feeling is the recent explosion of computer generated plagiarism, otherwise known as A.I. artwork.
In such a world, the work of the artisans at Mokuhankan will become all the more priceless and appealing. There's no way to fake what you do. It's visual art created in a specific way that requires human thoughts, feelings, and hands.
Thank you for protecting such an art form. There's no way you could've known how important your work would be when you began this journey to be a craftsman. But important it will prove to be, as an increasing digital world threatens to, quite rapidly, erase humanity from the arts. Arts that are so necessary to nourish our souls, fuel innovation, provide windows into our past, and build bridges of cross-cultural understanding and empathy.
Thank you, very well expressed!
That's a strange statement to me. We have had the technology to replace woodblock color prints with offset prints for many, many decades. The fact that there is still a strong interest in handmade prints tells me that there is no reason to fear a destruction of human-made art.
@@mju135 I agree, there are many examples of labor intensive arts that are still cherished today. The history and craft takes us to a different time, the same way a good author can take us to a different place. And at the end of the day, artificial intelligence is yet another tool for humans to use, think about the way it could change the way we approach art
@@mju135 I wish that were true, but if it were then the screen actors' and writers' guilds of America wouldn't have had to go on an extended strike at great cost to themselves. Their bosses at the studios drafted a union agreement that exposed just how much AI is capable of doing *without* their involvement. It would have spelled the end of their livelihood.
Artistic AI is not simply a more convenient way for a human to create something. It's a type of logic-based, *rapidly* learning algorithm that can produce new content *without* the input of a human's imagination or any manual manipulation.
After just a year of open access these learning softwares have become adept at generating images, prose, even music, with just a few suggestions from a user. Sure, they're all plagiarized works, but AI is getting better at hiding the evidence of that, seamlessly, instantaneously stealing from and blending so many sources that it's starting to look like original work.
This is not hyperbole. This is not a drill. We're headed towards a world where the concept of documenting the truth will be impossible to prove, and where the human spirit is solely fed with lab-grown media that is devoid of true creativity, inspiration, or joy. I wish that were an alarmist viewpoint, but it's sadly not.
You are charming. Refreshing. Honesty, detail, and beautiful work, too!
This is literally the only company on Earth whose annual earnings report I am invested in.
You've become a cultural icon in Japan Dave! congrats!! Don't be surprised if this continues, despite your expectations!
Please keep making videos! You radiate creativity, positiveness, passion, realness, it is a long list...but we all need that, thank you!!
I'm genuinely so glad I found this channel 😊
I love how passionate you are. A modern day bob ross and I love it
I was thinking about you and the channel just yesterday! How wonderful to see you and yours doing well Dave! Looking forward to 2024! Much love from Nova Scotia
The world goes around because of workers and artists like you, a stable foundation, thank you for your awesome handcraft and telling us about, healthy and happy New Year, Mr. Bull and team, greetings from Germany.
Ever since I watched "Remembering a carver" I have been interested in your story and business David. What's clear to me is that you aren't just an artist but also a competent businessman and leader. You have a lot to share with the world and I enjoy hearing about your business's continued success.
It is a source of enormous joy for me to watch this business, and particularly this art form, grow and flourish. I wish all of you continued success and prosperity and artistic inspiration into the New Year and beyond. ❤
I had the pleasure of visiting Mokuhankan in 2017. Dave and everyone who took the time to speak with us were absolutely fantastic. I enjoy looking at the print I bought every day. I hope that I can come back and buy some more prints soon.
Mokuhankan is a wonderful place.😊
You're such inspiration for me in life. Not only in art, your passion, love and wisdom can be applied in every aspect of life. Thank you and best wishes! ❤
We love you, Dave!
Set aside a couples of hours as open "office hours" e.g. 2-4pm where people can come to visit you. I dream of returning back to Japan just to see your shop and meet you too
Lovely work David! I am that loudspeaker / acoustic engineer who visited your shop back in October if you still remember me. It was very nice to have a chat with you. I would love to come visit again hopefully next year and this time I am definitely gonna get one of these prints!
Good to see you are doing fine and happy to hear from you and your team again. Always a pleasure
DAVID ❤ IM SO GLAD YOURE BACK
Nice new shirt, Dave! Seriously though, I find it very encouraging to see that a traditional craft business such as yours and all the dedication you put into it is getting the appreciation it deserves. I hope that this will continue for many years to come!
As a young family we visited in 2018. David was kind enough to take 10 minutes out of his day and make a simple print with my 5 year old son. It was a highlight of our trip.
Thank you David.
To deal with the CZcams Effect that you mentioned, you could consider setting up scheduled hours for meeting customers/fans... You might find it a bit excessive or self-aggrandizing, but it's also just kind of good communication of what would be effective boundaries to satisfy your other needs in the business.
Just like any teacher, office hours are necessary.
Yes! Happy new year Dave 🎉 Hope 2024 will be a great year for the shop and for your health.
Thank you for your work, much love from Sweden.
I'm genuinely so damn happy to see you guys are doing well. Keep up the strong showing in the coming years!
huge inspiration to start making my own prints,
thank you Dave!
You are a real entrepreneur my friend! I salute you!
You're exactly what Japan needs. Someone with respect for the old school, but the vision to innovate.
Japan tends to be quite stuffy and rigid with their traditions, so it's good that you're pushing the envelope.
Great to see Mokuhankan doing so well and people becoming skilled in an artform that is desperately desired (as your charts show). Time for a bigger location ;)
Congratulations on your success, Dave!
I have been lucky enough to visit the shop in late November. I just wanted to pick up some prints. I never expected to meet you there in person but our interaction was one of the highlights of my trip to Japan. Thanks again for showing me your Genji Emaki prints!
5 years ago I commented on the video ("Beginnings (part 1)") how utterly mesmerizing these prints are. I couldn't get them out of my head in all of the time. And now being in a much better financial situation I'll have to get a set myself - that's my new year's resolution and/or goal for 2024!
Edit: And happy new and successful year for you and everyone at Mokuhankan. I enjoy your prints as much as I enjoy the digital content on CZcams and Twitch. Thanks for embracing the medium!
This is the first video of David's that I've been lucky enough to view in real time at the time it was uploaded, but I've spent the past several months thoroughly enjoying his older videos ever since discovering this channel.
Oh heck yeah! Nice to see you!
I'm so happy to hear of your success.
I love this guys attitude. Look on the bright side: you're keeping busy. I know so many retirees who are just...bored all day lol
lets go! new David Bull video!
Have loved this guy for a long time!
Mr. Bull! Visiting your shop has been a highlight of my visits to Tokyo, and the print I bought hangs proudly in my home. Thank you for your kindness and your time to make conversation with a traveling exchange student!
It's so good to hear this update from you 💖 I'm so happy with how much you and your shop is thriving!!!
Such a powerful and wise introduction
I love your openess and honesty Dave! These end of year videos have become some sort of beautiful and cathartic experience for me, one of my favourite markers that the end of the year is almost here and new one is rushing towards us with great speed! Thank you and all your staff man, I always feel like you guys legitimately care about me/customer and i'm not just another sale to be added to the ledger, Happy New Year!
My BF and I love our Fox Moon Print. I can’t wait to get another! Cheers to another prosperous year 🥂 love and luck to you and the team🍀
It's truly wonderful to see your business thriving!
Hope it continues to do so for the foreseeable future, you deserve it!
OMG ! You're Back!!!! 🥰
I am always baffled at how much I enjoy these yearly updates from the kind and polite Mr Bull
Dave, you are showing that - year after year - a form of art that is slow, expensive, relying on century old tech, is not only alive, but also breaking new ground and gaining new enthusiasts. By documenting your work you are doing the future historians a big favor,. To the rest of us, you open the curtain and we can see magic happenning at your and your team's hands. For this, thank you and i hope i get to listen to many, many yearly updates.
I was lucky enough to make my second visit to the shop in 2023, and it was as hugely enjoyable as the first time, pre-Covid. We discussed self employment, and the nature of our work. It was a real honour for me to take up some of your time, and take home some of your prints, and as always I wish you and your staff another year of fulfilment and success however you decide that looks.
Sounds like you had a great year, hope 2024 finds you well.
Awesome to hear you and your team are doing well and keeping this wonderful art alive. Happy New Year to all of you!
So so happy to hear how well it's going for you all at Mokuhankan, and wish you a very happy New Year Dave and team!
Always a pleasure to hear news from you and your craft , thank you very much kind sir. A delight in my life.
I genuinely don't think I've been happier for someone I don't personally know's success in quite a while. Best of luck!
Thank you, Dave, for the update! I watch your streams on Twitch as often as I can, and I enjoy them so much. I wish you and the Mokuhankan team a wonderful New Year.
Best upload notification ever. So happy to see you David.
Thank you for the uploaded! Love the videos. Can't wait for the next davids choice!!!
Fantastic update. Warms my heart hearing the news. Been following on CZcams for 6 years and have wanted to come visit the shop. Not surprised everyone else is doing the same. Thank you David and the crew for all the amazing work you do.
I am not sure why this video was recommended to me, but boy am I glad it was. You are genuine, well spoken, and clearly have so much care and passion for your craft. Good on you sir!
Ito San would be very proud.
Wood block print-maker Dave Bull is a legend. Every year I love seeing this annual update in my sub box.
Been watching your videos for years, and I'm so happy business is booming for you. You all deserve it, keep it up!
I don't think you realize how much I've been waiting for this
Thanks David. I’m glad you’re doing well. I love the work you and your team does. The quality and the dedication to persevering the ancient craft. Happy New Year and I hope to see you in February 2024.
Much love from Sweden! Thank you for your hard work.
I stumbled across your videos some time ago, Dave, back in the dark times when Mokuhankan was struggling to get by. It's amazing to see this wonderful artistic venture flourishing in such a way. Congratulations to all your hard work and dedication, it's truly inspiring!
I've been waiting so long for an update!! Keep up the great work Dave, you have a forever subscriber
Been following dave since he started this journey,i''m so glad his efforts have come to fruition,may the coming years cement your efforts and that you have many prosperous years to come.
Always nice to see a new upload from you and your soothing voice, love it :D
Beautiful work as always! I'm happy you guys had a good year, and I hope 2024 brings continued success! 😄
It´s great to see you are doing well. Keep up the good work.