The mission of the International Mokuhanga Association (IMA) is to foster the community and the expertise of water-based woodblock printmaking (referred to as mokuhanga).
国際木版画協会（IMA）の使命は、水性木版画（「木版画」と称される）のコミュニティと専門性を育成することです。
What is Mokuhanga?
Mokuhanga means woodcut printmaking in Japanese. Moku means wood and hanga translates as printing.
There are three key aspects that make this technique special. Mokuhanga is printed with a hand-held printing disk called baren; it is printed with water-based pigments and sumi ink; and finally, registration is accomplished by lining up paper in kento notches cut directly into the block for accurate multi-color printing. This way of working contrasts with Western printmaking traditions that use oil-based inks and a large metal printing press.
Although it reached its peak use during the 19th century, mokuhanga remains relevant today because of its accessibility and flexibility, its use of nontoxic water-based materials, and its connection to an important period in print history. It is appropriate for beginners as well as advanced students. Contemporary artists can set up a studio in a small space, and the step-by-step processes are useful to structure hands-on classroom practice.
The next International Mokuhanga Conference will be held in 2027 in Lawrence, Kansas, USA.
The International Mokuhanga Association (IMA) is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors whose members serve three-year terms. The Board supports the organization by promoting the practice, study, and appreciation of mokuhanga through educational programming, exhibitions, online resources, and other initiatives that foster international exchange and an engaged global community.
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