This image is commonly known as ‘Red Fuji,’ but the original title is ‘Gaifu Kaisei’; Gaifu means south wind and Kaisei means clear sky. During the early mornings of late summer or early autumn, it sometimes happens that Fuji appears reddish in color, reflecting the light of the morning sun. Hokusai captured this phenomenon in a unique and dramatic manner.

Although the famous title is Red Fuji, the color of Mt. Fuji has varied from dark brown in early versions to a vivid red. For this print, only three colors are used, and the composition is very simple, yet it remains an absolutely marvelous image. Additionally, creating this print demands very high skills from craftsmen such as the carvers and printers.

The unique composition is often compared with another work in this series, as you can see here.