By Keio University Library
Keio University
Tokyo as seen in Meiji Ukiyo-e
The scenery of Tokyo and the lifestyles of the people who made their livelihoods there in an era of transformation from the final days of the Tokugawa shogunate through to the Meiji era were greatly transformed by the influence of Occidental culture. Ukiyo-e woodblock prints vividly depict the scenes of this period. Let’s take a stroll together through Meiji Tokyo guided by Ukiyo-e.
Nihonbashi
A riverside fish market could be found in Nihonbashi. This continued to be a mainstay of the food lifestyles of the people of Tokyo until its transfer to the Tsukiji Market was completed in 1935. Meanwhile, banks, the stock exchange, insurance companies, and trading companies assembled, and Japan’s first office district became established in the Nihonbashi neighborhood. Then, as now, it was at the epicenter of finance. Near here, western-style buildings including Mitsui-gumi House (subsequently the First National Bank) were built and became the latest Tokyo sightseeing spot.
Among Musashi 100 Sights: Sight of Nihonbashi From Edobashi (根維持17年 1884 彫藤) by Kobayashi KiyochikaKeio University Library
Nihonbashi Tenchi Fish Market
The fish market which subsequently moved to Tsukiji and is now found in Toyosu was located in Nihonbashi during the Meiji era.
Tokyo Famous Places: Kaiunbashi Bridge, Five Storied Building Sketch (明治5年6月改印 1872) by Utagawa Kuniteru ⅡKeio University Library
Mitsui-gumi House (First National Bank)
Japan's first bank, the First National Bank, was constructed in 1872. Its blending of Japanese and Western styles was the subject of particular acclaim both at home and overseas, but it was demolished in 1898 for rebuilding.
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Nihonbashi Today
While today it is no longer a riverside fish market, Nihonbashi remains an epicenter of finance, with banks and securities companies arrayed throughout.
Ginza/Shimbashi
The brick-paved shopping streets and gaslights lining Ginza made up the premium modern cityscape of Tokyo.The completion of Shimbashi Station in Shiodome and the opening of the railway line in 1872 heralded the arrival of civilization and enlightenment. Many people would make their way to the area to take in this new sightseeing spot of the era.
Tokyo Ginza Brick House Prosperity,Picture (明治6年2月改印 1873) by Utagawa Kunisada ⅢKeio University Library
Ginza Townscape
Ginza’s brick-paved shopping streets and gaslights are depicted.
Tokyo Famous Places: Shinbashi Station Steam Car on Rails by Utagawa Hiroshige ⅢKeio University Library
Shimbashi Station
Shimbashi Station was then in Shiodome, at a location somewhat closer to the sea than it is found today.
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Ginza Today
Department stores and boutiques line the streets of this downtown area bustling with people, which is one of the most famous faces of the city.
Among Tokyo Famous Places: Ueno Park Overview (明治10年9月10日 1877) by Kawanabe KyosaiKeio University Library
Ueno Park
We are given a panorama of the hills of Ueno centered on the venue of the National Industrial Exhibition. A Toshogu shrine and Shinobazu Pond are also depicted.
Tokyo Famous Places: Ueno Park Domestic Industrial Exhibition No.2, Art Museum (明治14年3月 1881) by Utagawa Hiroshige ⅢKeio University Library
National Industrial Exhibition
The young and old, men and women, wonder at the novel site of the magnificent art galleries made of brick and at the fountains in front of these.
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Ueno Today
Today, Ueno remains a launching point for culture and the arts and has an array of galleries and museums.
Tokyo Noted Places: Sight of Asakusa Kannon by Utagawa Kunisada ⅢKeio University Library
Sensoji Temple
Many pilgrims can be seen thronging the area.
Tokyo Asakusa-Temple and Tower of Ryounkaku in the Park and Azumabashi Bridge in the Distance View (明治24年 1891) by Nagashima ShungyoKeio University Library
Sensoji Temple/Asakusa Park/Ryounkaku
The scenery of Asakusa is vividly depicted. In the distance we can see the Sumida River. Ryounkaku, opened in 1890, containing Japan’s first elevator, a source of wonder for all and sundry.
Forty-Eight Famous Views of Tokyo : Tori no Ichi Fair in Asakusa (1871) by Shosai IkkeiKeio University Library
Asakusa Tori no Ichi Fair
A scene bustling with people making the rounds of Tori no Ichi Fair. We also see a figure in an Okame-men (a mask of a plump-faced woman) clutching a large rake.
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Asakusa Today
Asakusa is now a popular sightseeing destination which bustles with tourists including many from overseas.
Ukiyo-e paintings in this exhibition will be included in the "George S.Bonn Collection of Ukiyo-e in the Meiji period".
About George S.Bonn Collection of Ukiyo-e in the Meiji period
