Akira Kurosawa’s Paintings
Akira Kurosawa was of course not always a film director. In fact, inspired by his primary school arts teacher, the young Akira Kurosawa first made his mind to become a painter. He was not all that bad, either, for his work was exhibited as early as in September 1928 when the young artist was only just 18.
It was only later on (in 1936), and at least partly due to financial considerations, that Kurosawa applied to become an assistant director. Yet, despite of becoming one of the greatest artists ever to work in cinema, Kurosawa kept painting and drawing throughout his life.
This page showcases some of Kurosawa’s later work kindly made available to me by HoriPro Inc., the company currently licensing the copyrights from Kurosawa Productions. I must apologise for the “sample” text that is written across each image, but it is there to protect these images from being copied and reproduced for financial gain, and it is also the only way that I can display them on this site.
The selection here is in no sense complete. Neither is it really what I would call a selection that perfectly exemplifies Kurosawa’s art in general. However, it should give one an idea of the style that Kurosawa used in his painting.
Whoever wishes to have these and many others in print is encouraged to head to HoriPro Inc.’s official Akira Kurosawa Drawings Shop, or alternatively consider purchasing a book called Akira Kurosawa - Complete Drawings, although the book’s price tag is admittedly quite exceptional.
KAGEMUSHA — “Takatenjin at Twilight”
© Kurosawa Production inc. Licensed exclusively by HoriPro Inc.
Reproductions available for purchase at the Akira Kurosawa Drawings Shop
KAGEMUSHA — “Takatenjin Castle: Headquarters in Distress”
© Kurosawa Production inc. Licensed exclusively by HoriPro Inc.
Reproductions available for purchase at the Akira Kurosawa Drawings Shop
DREAMS — I Fly “My Shadow Calls Me”
© Kurosawa Production inc. Licensed exclusively by HoriPro Inc.
Reproductions available for purchase at the Akira Kurosawa Drawings Shop
DREAMS — I Fly “Starry Sky”
© Kurosawa Production inc. Licensed exclusively by HoriPro Inc.
Reproductions available for purchase at the Akira Kurosawa Drawings Shop
DREAMS — Sunshine Through The Rain “The Field: A Rainbow Goes Away From Me”
© Kurosawa Production inc. Licensed exclusively by HoriPro Inc.
Reproductions available for purchase at the Akira Kurosawa Drawings Shop
RAN — “Green Field: Hidetora on the Hunting”
© Kurosawa Production inc. Licensed exclusively by HoriPro Inc.
Reproductions available for purchase at the Akira Kurosawa Drawings Shop
RAN — “Design of a Soldier”
© Kurosawa Production inc. Licensed exclusively by HoriPro Inc.
Reproductions available for purchase at the Akira Kurosawa Drawings Shop
Armet
© Kurosawa Production inc. Licensed exclusively by HoriPro Inc.
Reproductions available for purchase at the Akira Kurosawa Drawings Shop
RAN — Lady Kaede
© Kurosawa Production inc. Licensed exclusively by HoriPro Inc.
Reproductions available for purchase at the Akira Kurosawa Drawings Shop
Your website isn’t bad, either. Although, why are the pages from the menu most of the time opening to a new window? In any case, interesting films you have there. 
And second hand copies don’t really show up, either.
smooth website dude. i love the paintings. after kurofan went down, the world was in need of a good kurosawa website.
thx