Terms of use

Last Updated: January 7, 2026

Summary

In short, you can use the downloaded materials for almost anything as long as you do not redistribute or sell the files as they are.

However, because modern regulations and rights can be complex, especially when delivering work to clients or publishing widely, we recommend reading through these terms at least once.

Terms of Use

All illustrations distributed on this website are created from materials that have been designated as Public Domain (PDM) by public institutions in Japan and overseas.

You may use the materials for personal, commercial, corporate, or non‑commercial purposes.
You are also free to edit or modify them. Please review the following terms before use.

Prohibited Uses

Although the materials originate from PDM sources, moral rights of the original artists have not expired.
While ordinary, reasonable use generally does not cause issues, we prohibit the following uses to respect and protect the moral rights of the original ukiyo‑e artists:

  • Use for purposes that violate public order and morality
    (Use on adult websites is allowed as long as legal age‑restriction rules are properly followed.)
  • Use that damages the reputation or image of the original ukiyo‑e artist
    (For example, sexual, discriminatory, or violent contexts.
    This can be difficult to judge, but the site owner believes that using shunga (traditional erotic ukiyo‑e) in adult‑oriented contexts does not, by itself, constitute a violation of moral rights. However, the site cannot take responsibility if you are penalized or face consequences for such use.)
  • Use related to criminal activities or anti‑social organizations

General Rules

  • There is no limit on the number of materials you may use.
  • Credit and usage reports are not required for any use.
  • Redistribution or sale of the digital files themselves—whether paid or free—is prohibited.
  • Use of the materials for AI model training (machine learning, deep learning, etc.) is prohibited.
  • Please refrain from uses such as trademark registration that would prevent others from using the materials.
  • Distribution or sale of digital data that is unmodified or only minimally modified (e.g., adding text only) is not allowed.
  • Printing the materials onto physical goods for distribution or sale is allowed, even without modification.
  • Use on social media is allowed. You may freely use the materials as icons or profile images.

Examples of Permitted Uses

The following table shows how usage differs between materials that are unmodified or only minimally modified and materials that have been sufficiently edited or transformed.

There is no difference between personal, commercial, corporate, or non‑commercial use.

Use Case Unmodified or Minimally Modified Materials Sufficiently Edited Materials
Printing on physical goods for distribution or sale
(T‑shirts, mugs, sticky notes, etc.)		 Allowed Allowed
Use in digital content where the illustration is not the main element
(presentations, advertisements, etc.)		 Allowed Allowed
Use in digital content where the illustration is the main element
(illustrations, comics, etc.)		 Allowed
(However, because the source is PDM, claiming the work as entirely your own is not recommended.) 		Allowed
Distribution or sale of digital content where the illustration is the main element
(stock images, LINE stickers, etc.)		 Not allowed Allowed

Cases Where Digital Distribution or Sale Is Not Allowed

On this site, actions such as trimming, flipping, or deleting layers—when they allow the original material to be easily restored—are considered “minimal modifications.”

Digital distribution or sale of materials that have undergone only minimal modification is not permitted. Thank you for your understanding.

Disclaimer

Although this site uses only source images that have been designated as Public Domain (PDM) by public institutions in Japan and overseas, the site cannot take responsibility for any issues or disputes that may arise from the use of these materials.

These materials may include expressions that reflect the historical context of their time.
There is absolutely no intention to discriminate against any individual or group based on race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, or similar attributes.

Other Notes

  • The site owner does not claim any secondary copyright over works created using these materials. Users are free to create and publish their own works.
    However, creating the materials—such as tracing from original prints, noise removal, and categorization—requires significant effort. Your support is greatly appreciated.
  • While we convert the original artworks into digital data with as few alterations as possible, some adjustments or corrections may be made to improve usability, depending on the condition or composition of the source documents.
    If you require historically accurate images for research or archival purposes, please obtain the original documents yourself.
  • Regarding the right of integrity (a component of moral rights):
    In the context of public‑domain works, modifications such as trimming or layout changes are often considered reasonable use. However, the final judgment is left to the user.
  • Larger PNG files and vector formats are available for purchase.
    However, the free PNG (M size) is sufficient for printing at approximately 10 cm.