Woodblock printing in Japan (木版画, moku-hanga) is a relief printing technique, utilizing a print surface that is raised above areas that are not part of the image. The artist cuts away the unnecessary areas from the wood block, the raised surface takes the ink, and is printed directly onto the paper with a pressing instrument (baren). Separate blocks are usually required for each color.

Although similar to woodcut in Western printmaking in some regards, the moku-hanga technique differs in that it uses water-based inks or pigments—as opposed to western woodcut, which often uses oil-based inks. Also, in Japanese woodblock, the block is cut down the grain, not across the grain as in wood engraving. It is an especially practical medium as it requires no press and can easily be done in a small space at your home or studio.