Madoka Magica’s Stunning Debut Ukiyo-e Artwork Releases in North America

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In 2011, anime studio Shaft captivated millions of viewers with Puella Magi Madoka Magica — a uniquely dark take on anime’s magical-girl genre. Now, Akihabara Premium — a high-end producer of themed anime merchandise — is releasing a breathtaking ukiyo-e woodblock portrait of Madoka Magica‘s iconic heroine, Madoka Kaname.

As detailed on Akihabara Premium’s official site, three acclaimed Ukiyo-e woodblock artists have collaborated to create “The Law of Cycles,” which depicts Madoka against a dazzling star-filled backdrop in an ornately carved wooden frame. Additionally, the piece itself features gemstone accents courtesy of Swarovski, a prominent Austria-based jewelry company. “The Law of Cycles” became available starting July 27, 2024, for buyers in Japan, North America and “other parts of the world.” However, the piece is extremely limited, with only 300 total copies having been produced for the worldwide marketplace. As of writing, the estimated retail price (including tax and shipping costs) is a whopping 65,000 yen (or US$422.78). Each print comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Ahikabara Premium and Neo Ukiyo-e.

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Madoka Kaname from Madoka Magic in official ukiyo-e woodblock print artwork

Ukiyo-e woodblock portraits are a traditional Japanese art form that dates back to the Edo period (1615-1868). The process involves carving designs into finely-grained wooden blocks, then painting them and pressing the blocks onto specialized Ukiyo-e paper called Echizen Hosho. Ichibei Iwano IX, one of Japan’s “living national treasures,” produced the carvings. Prominent tattoo artist Kayoko Suga was in charge of the engraving process, finalizing and perfecting Iwano’s designs. Tatsuya Ito, who has showcased their work at multiple venues and events across Japan, was in charge of painting and printing it on Echizen Kizuki Hosho — a special variety of Japanese mulberry paper.

While Ukiyo-e is a very important aspect of Japan’s history, the famous art form is in extreme danger of dying out due to the fact that only a few dozen professional Ukiyo-e craftsmen are still practicing it today. In addition to honoring the Madoka Magica franchise, Akihabara Premium is also attempting to revitalize Ukiyo-e for contemporary audiences. “Together with the artists, carvers and printers, traditional techniques and Puella Magi Madoka Magica, through collaboration [we aim to show] the beauty of Ukiyo-e from a new angle…we will not let this culture that Japan is so proud of die out,” Akihabara Premium’s staff writes.

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The Puella Magi Madoka Magica anime series follows a sweet 14-year-old girl named Madoka Kaname and her close friend, Sayaka Miki. One day, the pair encounter a mysterious creature named Kyube, who offers to give them magical powers. The catch is that they must then use these powers to battle and defeat witches — beings born from disease and despair. While Madoka and Sayaka are initially willing to accept these conditions, they soon come to understand that the life of a magical girl inevitably leads to constant danger and tragedy. The series was written by Gen Urobuchi, who is also known for his work on the Psycho-Pass anime franchise.

“The Law of Cycles” became available on Akihabara Premium starting July 27 at 12 p.m. (JST). Depending on the viewer’s location, Puella Magi Madoka Magica is available to stream via Disney+ and Hulu and/or Crunchyroll.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

A creature named Kyubey offers Madoka and Sayaka a wish if they agree to become ‘magical girls’ and fight abstract beings called ‘witches’. However, a magical girl named Homura is, for uncertain reasons, determined to stop this agreement.

Release Date: January 7, 2011
Creator(s): Akiyuki Shinbo , Gen Urobuchi , Ume Aoki , Shaft
Cast: Christine Marie Cabanos , Cristina Vee , Carrie Keranen , Sarah Anne Williams , Cassandra Lee Morris
Main Genre: Action
Seasons: 1
Studio: Shaft
Writers: Gen Urobuchi
Franchise(s): Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Directors: Akiyuki Shinbo , Yukihiro Miyamoto