His technique relies on the tarashikomi method, where wet ink or paint is dropped into a still-wet layer to create soft, bleeding edges. Hōchū pushed this further than his predecessors. He simplified forms into rounded, almost abstract shapes. His depictions of waves and flowers often look modern because they lack hard outlines. This softness gives his prints a gentle, organic quality. He often added humour to his subjects, giving animals and plants a friendly character.

Modern collectors value Hōchū for his minimalist sensibility. His compositions use negative space effectively, making them suitable for contemporary interiors. The Kōrin Gafu series offers a balance of traditional Japanese motifs and a graphic style that feels surprisingly current. Because his work avoids heavy detail in favour of broad colour washes and simple lines, these prints provide a calm atmosphere. They suit spaces where a sense of quiet and balance is desired.