The exhibit at Japan Foundation, Los Angeles includes manga works, similar to comics. (photo courtesy of Japan Foundation, Los Angeles)

Japan Foundation, Los Angeles is celebrating the global proliferation of Japan’s contemporary comics and an increasing interest in 19th-century Hokusai Manga by hosting an exhibition by ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai running through Saturday, Aug. 3.

Many fans consider Hokusai the father of modern manga. Unlike past exhibitions of the artist’s work, “Manga Hokusai Manga” approaches the Hokusai Manga from the perspective of contemporary Japanese comics, focusing on genre, pictorial storytelling and participatory culture rather than the integration of word and image, or the role of popular characters. The exhibition invites viewers to ponder their own notions about manga by comparing works from different periods while exploring their diversity.

JFLA is located at 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Ste 100. Admission is free. For information, call (323)761-7510, or visit jflalc.org.