Kōgyo is best known for his depictions of Nō theatre, a subject he approached with technical precision. In works such as Nō Actor Portraying a Sorcerer, he used woodblock printing to capture the textures of heavy silk robes and the expressions of carved wooden masks. This decorative form balances traditional Japanese aesthetics with influences from his travels in China, placing him at the centre of the Nihonga movement. He focused on the quiet intensity of the stage rather than the loud drama of Kabuki.

Modern collectors value these prints for their clean compositions and historical accuracy. The prints provide a window into the Meiji period interest in preserving traditional arts during a period of rapid change. His use of space and muted colour palettes makes his work suitable for contemporary interiors. Each print remains a factual record of performance art while functioning as a sophisticated piece of graphic design.