5 Japanese-themed Art Puzzles to Engage Your Mind and Your Art Appreciation

When was the last time you solved yourself a puzzle? When you think about it, puzzles offer a therapeutic escape from the stress of daily life, allowing you to engage your mind while also relaxing.

And what could be better than combining the benefits of puzzles with the beauty of Japanese art?

In this article, we will introduce you to five Japanese-themed art puzzles that will not only engage your mind but also enhance your appreciation for both art and Japanese culture.

These puzzles feature the works of famous Japanese artists like Katsushika Hokusai and Yayoi Kusama and depict iconic Japanese scenes such as sushi and cherry blossoms.

Get ready to experience the calming benefits of puzzle-solving while also immersing yourself in the world of Japanese art.

1. Hokusai Bullfinch and Weeping Cherry 300 piece puzzle

The first puzzle on our list is the Hokusai Bullfinch and Weeping Cherry 300 piece puzzle. This puzzle features a stunning woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusai, a famous Japanese artist who lived during the Edo period. The artwork depicts a vibrant bullfinch perched on a branch of a weeping cherry tree, with intricate details and a vibrant color scheme.

The puzzle itself is made up of 300 pieces and has a moderate difficulty level, making it a great option for both novice and experienced puzzlers. Completing this puzzle may take several hours, depending on the individual's skill level and the amount of time devoted to the task.

2. Hokusai Red Fuji 300 piece puzzle

One of Hokusai's most famous works is the "Red Fuji" print, which depicts Japan's iconic Mount Fuji with a bright red glow at the peak. This image was part of Hokusai's "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" series, which he created during the Edo period in the early 1800s.

"Red Fuji" is widely regarded as one of Hokusai's most impressive works, and it has become an iconic image of Japan.

Hokusai was particularly known for his woodblock prints, which were printed using a technique known as nishiki-e. This technique involved carving the design into a wooden block, applying ink to the block, and then transferring the ink onto paper. Hokusai's prints were famous for their vivid colors, intricate designs, and fine details.

This puzzle, then, is the perfect way to create space for you to relax and unwind, as well as marvel at one of Hokusai's most iconic works.

3. Hokusai Watanabe No Genga Tsuna 300 piece puzzle

Hokusai's artwork is truly timeless, and the third puzzle on our list is no exception. The Hokusai Watanabe No Genga Tsuna 300 piece puzzle features Watanabe no Gengo Tsuna and Inokuma Nyûdô Raiun, two samurai and companions of Minamoto no Yorimitsu who is one of the earliest known samurai that rose in fame due to his military prowess and skills, leaving behind a legacy of tales and legends of his exploits.

The Hokusai Watanabe No Genga Tsuna 300 piece puzzle is rated as a moderate level of difficulty, making it a great option for those who want a bit of a challenge without feeling overwhelmed. It can take several hours to complete, depending on your skill level and how much time you have to devote to the puzzle.

4. A Guide to Japanese Sushi 1000 Piece Puzzle

Are you a fan of Japanese sushi? Because the next puzzle on our list is both educational and mouth-wateringly unique: the A Guide to Japanese Sushi 1000 Piece Puzzle.

This puzzle features over 60 different types of sushi, from nigiri and gunkan to norimaki and temaki. Not only will this puzzle be a fun and challenging activity for the whole family, it will also help you learn about proper sushi terminology and make ordering takeout easier.

The finished puzzle measures 29 x 20 inches (74 x 51 cm) and is made with quality design and easy-to-handle pieces. The names of each sushi type are written in English, Japanese, and romanized form under each photo, making it an excellent learning tool for sushi enthusiasts.

As for the difficulty level, with 1000 pieces, this puzzle may take some time to complete, but the end result will be worth the effort.

5. The World of Yayoi Kusama 1000 Piece Puzzle

This next puzzle isn't so much Japanese as it is a piece that appreciates Japanese artists and culture. In this particular puzzle, we take a glimpse at Yayoi Kusama, a contemporary Japanese artist.

Yayoi Kusama is one of the most important contemporary artists in the world today. Her work is characterized by bold colors, repetition, and patterns, and she is perhaps best known for her use of the polka dot motif.

The World of Yayoi Kusama 1000 Piece Puzzle is a wonderful way to experience her art in a different form. Created by Laura Callaghan, a London-based Irish illustrator, the puzzle features references to Kusama's artwork and her love of polka dots, and tells the story of her life and art from 1960s New York to today's Tokyo.

The puzzle includes 1000 pieces and is a great challenge for puzzle enthusiasts and a wonderful way to learn more about one of the most influential artists of our time.

While it may take some time to complete, the therapeutic benefits of completing a puzzle combined with the joy of experiencing Kusama's art make it a worthwhile endeavor.

Dive Deeper Into Japanese Culture with these Intriguing Art Puzzles

Puzzles offer a perfect escape from daily life's stressors and provide an opportunity to engage your mind while also relaxing.

The five Japanese-themed and influenced art puzzles we introduced in this blog post offer both the benefits of puzzle-solving and the beauty of Japanese art.

Whether you're a novice or an experienced puzzle-solver, these puzzles have varying levels of difficulty and present a great way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture

Purchasing these art puzzles from our store here at Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is an excellent way to support the museum while also enjoying the calming and educational benefits of puzzle-solving.