Katsushika Hokusai (1760 - 1849) is perhaps the most famous Japanese artist ever. He was a bit eccentric, having changed his name and residence constantly through out his life.The name we most often associate with him now is Katsushika Hokusai, or simply Hokusai.

He lived for his art, and described himself as an old man crazy about art. When his house burned down in later years when money was scarce, he ran out of the house carrying only his brushes so he could continue drawing and painting. He lived to be eighty nine which was very unusual for Japanese at the time, and planned to live at least until one hundred and ten. On his deathbed, he lamented not having ten or even five more years to continue his art.