Choju-giga: Unrolling Japan’s First Manga
Imagine a world where rabbits hold their breath while diving, frogs wrestle in sumo matches, and monkeys enact solemn Buddhist rituals. This isn’t a scene from a modern Studio Ghibli film, but rather imagery from the 12th century. Welcome to the whimsical and historically significant world of Choju-jinbutsu-giga (鳥獣人物戯画), often shortened to Choju-giga.
Regarded as a National Treasure of Japan, these “Scrolls of Frolicking Animals and Humans” offer a satirical, silent window into the Heian and Kamakura periods. For culture lovers and travelers visiting Kyoto, understanding these scrolls is key to appreciating the roots of Japanese visual storytelling.
The Origins of the Scrolls
The Choju-giga consists of four separate picture scrolls, labeled Ko, Otsu, Hei, and Tei (or A, B, C, and D). They currently belong to Kozan-ji Temple in Kyoto, though the originals are entrusted to the Tokyo and Kyoto National Museums for preservation.
Historically, the scrolls were attributed to the high-ranking monk and artist Toba Sojo (1053–1140). However, modern art historians believe that due to stylistic differences across the four scrolls and the timeline of their creation (spanning from the 12th to the 13th century), they were likely the work of multiple artists over several generations.
Scroll A (the most famous) and Scroll B depict animals, while Scrolls C and D introduce human subjects and satire of courtly life. Despite the mystery surrounding their authorship, their artistic mastery is undeniable. They are painted in hakubyo style—monochromatic ink line painting—which relies heavily on brush control and ink wash without the aid of color.
The Legend and Narrative
What makes Choju-giga so captivating is its lack of text. The narrative is driven entirely by the dynamic movements of the characters.
The Satire of Scroll A
The most iconic imagery comes from the first scroll. Here, animals are anthropomorphized, behaving exactly like the humans of the late Heian period. You will see:
- The Sumo Match: A rabbit famously throws a frog, while other animals cheer. This scene is reproduced on countless souvenirs across Japan.
- The Archery Contest: Rabbits and frogs engage in target practice using lotus leaves and grass.
- Religious Rituals: A monkey, dressed as a monk, chants before a frog seated like the Buddha on a lotus pad.
Scholars argue that this was likely a sharp satire of the Buddhist priesthood and the aristocracy of the time, mocking their rituals and self-importance by replacing them with playful forest creatures.
Influence on Modern Culture
It is no exaggeration to say that Choju-giga is the grandfather of modern Japanese pop culture. It is widely cited as Japan’s first manga.
The artistic techniques used in the scrolls foreshadow modern comic book conventions:
- Motion Lines: The artists used specific brushstrokes to indicate speed and movement (like a rabbit running).
- Sequential Storytelling: The scrolls are meant to be unrolled from right to left, creating a cinematic progression of time, much like flipping the pages of a manga today.
This lineage is celebrated in modern Japan. You can find Choju-giga characters on everything from tea cups and furoshiki (wrapping cloths) to stationery. Even the legendary Studio Ghibli has paid homage to the scrolls, animating them in commercials to highlight their timeless appeal.
Traveler’s Tips: Viewing the Scrolls
If you are planning a trip to Japan to see these masterpieces, here is what you need to know.
Visit Kozan-ji Temple
Located in the mountains of Takao, northwest of central Kyoto, Kozan-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Experience: While the original scrolls are in museums, Kozan-ji displays high-quality replicas in their Sekisui-in hall. The setting itself is magical, surrounded by ancient cedar forests and autumn maples.
- Getting There: It is about an hour by bus from Kyoto Station (JR Bus toward Toganoo). It is a perfect day trip for those looking to escape the crowded city center.
National Museums
To see the original National Treasures, you must check the exhibition schedules of the Tokyo National Museum and the Kyoto National Museum. The originals are fragile and are only displayed during special exhibitions for limited times to prevent light damage.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the cultural context surrounding Choju-giga, consider exploring the following:
- Kozan-ji Temple Records: The official history of the temple provides context on how these scrolls were preserved by the monk Myoe Shonin.
- Nihon Shoki & Kojiki: While these 8th-century texts focus on the creation myths and gods of Japan, they establish the animistic worldview (Shinto) where nature and animals are imbued with spirit. This cultural foundation paved the way for the anthropomorphism seen centuries later in Choju-giga.
- The Tale of Genji Scrolls: Often compared with Choju-giga to contrast the Yamato-e (colorful court painting) style with the monochromatic Suiboku-ga style of the animal scrolls.