[bashauma]

As a native Japanese, I can tell you that is true. There are many types of Japanese paintings, but the most popular is ukiyo-e. And I can't think of a more famous ukiyo-e work than "Great Wave". Therefore this is considered the most famous Japanese painting.

If asked to choose one ukiyo-e as an illustration for a banknote, almost all Japanese would choose this work. (Especially considering that the back of the banknote, i.e., a landscape, is required)

Although less famous than "Great Wave", however there are still works that are comparable to it. "Yakko Edobei" by Sharaku is one of them, and it's the most famous ukiyo-e portrait work.

[IAmLiterallyAB]

I'm an American who has recently fallen in love with ukiyo-e and shin-hanga. Hiroshige is my favorite artist right now. I'm hanging a print on my wall today for the first time. Really cool stuff!

[bashauma]

Hiroshige is so great. 53 stations of Tokaido is comparable work to 36 views of my.Fuji (includes Great Wave).

And you like shin-hanga? You are a very enthusiast! Even in Japan, not many people know shin-hanga.

Check out Hiroshi Yoshida if you like. He is my favorite shin-hanga artist.