Welcome to Gyotaku Kai Prints
My name is Macyn Nagao and this is my passion project. What initially started as a hobby turned into this small business. I have always had a strong affinity for the ocean, but when I began spearfishing several years ago it grew into an insurmountable adoration. Inevitably, I was introduced to the world of gyotaku. I began printing my own fish from small goatfish to larger prized fish. Then I started printing the fish of my dive buddies, other freinds and coworkers, and now here we are. Thank you for visiting my website and thank you for your interest and support.
“What is Gyotaku?”
Gyotaku translates to "fish rubbing" in Japanese and is a traditional art form that originated in the mid-19th century. Japanese fishermen used it to record their catch by applying ink to one side of the fish, laying a sheet of rice paper over it, and carefully rubbing the paper over the fish, creating a beautiful impression. This practice not only celebrated their achievements but also preserved the intricate details of each fish in a way that allowed the fish to still be processed for eating safely.
The Vision
~~ “Mālama i ke kai,” means to care for the ocean ~~
Perhaps the most attractive aspect of gyotaku is that it unlocks another way for us to cherish our catch and the unforgettable memories that were had with friends and/or family. Secondarily, the art of gyotaku emphasizes the seemingly forgotten value of marine life. Thus, with Gyotaku Kai Prints LLC, my vision is to highlight the importance of caring for our oceans by celebrating the catch of fishermen and spear-fishermen through gyotaku artistry.
Offerings
- Fish Printing Services: I offer custom Gyotaku services to local fishermen and spearos of the Big Island of Hawaii. Bring me your prized catch (or I can come to you), and I can create a lasting memory for you to cherish. See the “services” page for package options.
- Gyotaku Prints: Each fish can be printed more than once. Thus, I maintain a supply of prints from my own catches, those caught by friends, or from previous clients for people who are looking for art as a gift or to hang on their wall. Each print is an original and true to size. As of now, I do not do copies. Each print was lifted off of the original fish and touched up by hand.
- Derived Products: Using past prints I have done, I customize a variety of items such as stickers, clothing, and other merchandise, allowing you to carry a piece of gyotaku art wherever you go.
Again, thank you for visiting Gyotaku Kai Prints online. I look forward to sharing the beauty of Gyotaku with you and celebrating an exciting journey from sea to table.