Katsushika Hokusai was a Japanese artist, famous for his prints. His output was prodigious, and his talent was quickly recognised. His style combined elements of Western and Eastern schools of art, resulting in unique works that appealed to people both inside and outside of Japan. While he is best known for his print 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa' from his series 'Thirty-Six Views Of Mount Fuji', he produced numerous other pieces.

As well as being a commercial artist, Hokusai was a society favourite. Wealthy poets would hire him to attend their poetry parties and illustrate the poems they produced. This was because Hokusai, instead of painting static scenes, produced works that told stories.

In this collection of short stories, I intend to look at some of Hokusai's pictures and take them as inspiration for my own short stories. I believe it is a fitting homage to a great artist.

- John Nedwill