Utagawa Hiroshige’s “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo” is a captivating collection that transports us to the streets of Edo, the former name for Tokyo. This series, known as Meisho Edo hyakkei in Japanese, showcases the beauty of Edo through the lens of Hiroshige’s artistry. His masterful use of bold compositions, bird’s-eye-view perspectives, and vivid colors captivated audiences worldwide, even inspiring renowned Western artists like Van Gogh and Monet.
Kichiya, the “Ukiyo Photographer”, has undertaken the extraordinary task of recreating Hiroshige’s iconic views, capturing the same scenes from the same vantage points and in the same season. This unique project offers us a fascinating journey through time, bridging the gap between Edo’s past and modern Tokyo.
Stepping Back in Time: “View of Nihonbashi Tōri-itchōme”
The 44th print in Hiroshige’s series, “View of Nihonbashi Tōri-itchōme”, depicts a bustling street scene outside Shirokiya, a renowned clothing store in Edo. The print captures the vibrant energy of the city during a sweltering summer day, showcasing a diverse crowd of pedestrians, dancers, musicians, and even a vendor delivering a steaming bowl of soba noodles.
This particular scene, however, holds a special significance for Kichiya. The spot once occupied by Shirokiya is now home to the Coredo Nihonbashi, a modern office building and shopping center. As Kichiya stepped into this location, he was struck by the palpable difference between the bustling scene depicted in Hiroshige’s artwork and the modern-day cityscape.
A Touch of Edo in Modern Tokyo
One of the most intriguing aspects of Hiroshige’s print is that not a single face is visible. Every individual is shielded from the sun’s glare by a parasol or a wide-brimmed hat. Kichiya realized that this was Hiroshige’s clever way of illustrating the scorching summer heat. As he photographed the same spot, he observed that modern-day pedestrians were also seeking refuge from the sun’s harsh rays, using umbrellas, hats, and sunglasses. This striking resemblance to Hiroshige’s depiction demonstrates the enduring power of the summer heat in Tokyo, a phenomenon that transcends the passage of time.
A Street Steeped in History: Chūō-dōri
Chūō-dōri, the main thoroughfare through Tokyo’s city center, connects the vibrant districts of Nihonbashi, Kanda, Akihabara, Ueno, Kyōbashi, Ginza, and Shinbashi. These areas have thrived since the Edo era, evolving into prominent commercial and entertainment hubs. However, the road itself is a more recent creation.
The first continuous connection between Shinbashi and Ueno was a horse-drawn trolley line inaugurated in 1882. This initial transportation network gradually transformed into the modern Chūō-dōri we know today. This blend of history and modernity gives Chūō-dōri a distinctive character, especially around Nihonbashi, where Edo-era sensibilities are carefully preserved within the urban landscape.
A Journey Through Time: Exploring the “Famous Views” of Edo
Kichiya’s project invites us to embark on a captivating journey through time, exploring the “famous views” of Edo and comparing them to the contemporary cityscape. Through his photographs, we can witness the remarkable transformation of Tokyo, from the vibrant streets of Edo to the bustling metropolis of today. These “famous views” provide a unique window into the city’s past, offering a glimpse into the lives and experiences of Edo’s inhabitants.
