Artist Draws Disney Princesses And Sailor Moon In A Unique Style That Looks Like Traditional Japanese Prints

There’s a big chance you’ve seen ukiyo-e somewhere before. And no, it’s not the droid character from the Star Wars series. Ukiyo-e is known as one of the most important genres of traditional Japanese art. The name translates to “the pictures of the floating world” and describes the Japanese woodblock prints typical to the 17th-19th centuries.

But traditional art doesn’t have to stand still forever, and that’s why modern remakes are always a feast for the eyes. So this time, ukiyo-e is getting a Disney rendition. You heard me right! The illustrator Ono Tako has created beautiful traditional Japanese prints featuring popular characters like Snow White, Cinderella, and The Little Mermaid all inspired by the unique art technique. Scroll down for Bored Panda's interview with the artist behind these beautiful drawings below. And share your impressions in the comments!

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Ono Tako told Bored Panda that the “Western Fairy Tales” print series came as a result of combining the style of Kitagawa Utamaro, a legendary painter of the famous ukiyo-e woodblock prints, and Disney characters’ original designs. “Many people compared my prints to Yumeji Takehisa and Alphonse Mucha. This is very unexpected and I feel very honored.”

The Tokyo-based illustrator found ukiyo-e art particularly appealing because “not only is it visually beautiful, but it also reflects the author’s individuality and high skill.” Plus, it also served “as a valuable source for learning about the lifestyles, culture, trends, and values of Japanese people at the time.”

Tako has been passionate about drawing since he was 3 years old. But the breakthrough happened after he drew some illustrations for the Japanese online game “Fate/Grand Order." At the moment, “I work with Japanese publishers and game companies,” he told us.

It turns out, these fairytale characters were a request from Ono’s fans. “Snow White, Cinderella, and The Little Mermaid have been my favorites since I was a kid. I chose Frozen because my close friend’s daughter loves the movie.” These famous characters' sense of fashion has also played a role: “I love the designs of their dresses!”