Processional Tōkaidō, station 23

The "Processional Tōkaidō" refers to a series of woodblock prints inspired by a historical event: the journey of Shogun Iemochi from Edo to Kyoto in February 1863 to pay his respects to the Emperor.

Sixteen artists worked on this series, creating a total of 162 prints, which were published by 24 different publishers. The fact that both artists and publishers participated in the production of this series of prints to depict the Shogun's journey in minute detail had a clear political purpose, as the old Shogunate system was on the verge of collapse. The majority of Japanese people opposed the Shogun's rule, and society desired a new order.

This print by Yoshitsuya depicts Station 23, Hodogaya Street.