Centuries ago, Tokyo was known as Edo. More than a million people enjoyed life in this small but abundant city. They live on in ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Each episode is a deep dive into a single print, and an exploration of the soul of Old Tokyo. We examine works by artists like Hokusai and Hiroshige not just for their aesthetic and historical value, but for the stories they tell of everyday life. That is how the people of Edo themselves enjoyed this mass-produced medium.
5 episodes
1. The Great Wave Off Kanagawa by Katsushika HokusaiDiscover story behind the "36 Views of Mt. Fuji" woodprint series; "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" by Hokusai. It is not just a huge wave and Mt. Fuji, the boat caught in the wave have a reason.CC5minMar 29, 2018
2. Reproduction of Nihonbashi: Morning Scene by Utagawa HiroshigeMornings begin early for fishmongers and vegetable peddlers at Nihonbashi Bridge, and here is a reason. They are not going to bow to the lord's procession. The bustling scene from everyday Edo life.CC5minMar 29, 2018
3. The Series Summer Outfits by Kitagawa UtamaroAt dusk in summer, a woman is absorbed in reading a letter. This chic lady is actually an advertisement model for Mitsui Echigoya, one of the top kimono fabric stores in Edo.CC5minMar 30, 2018
4. Plum Estate Kameido by Utagawa HiroshigeWith its splendid branches and white plum blossoms, this famous painting is known for captivating Van Gogh. Discover why people were able to tell this was a specific tree at Kameido Umeyashiki.CC5minMar 30, 2018
5. Three Beauties of the Present Day by Kitagawa UtamaroThe top 3 female celebrities in Edo: Tomimoto Toyohina, Takashima Ohisa and Naniwaya Kita. See how Utamaro, the master of female beauty has illustrated them so differently.CC5minMar 31, 2018
Viewers also watched
Ukiyoe EDO-LIFE
Centuries ago, Tokyo was known as Edo. More than a million people enjoyed life in this small but abundant city. They live on in ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Each episode is a deep dive into a single print, and an exploration of the soul of Old Tokyo. We examine works by artists like Hokusai and Hiroshige not just for their aesthetic and historical value, but for the stories they tell of everyday life. That is how the people of Edo themselves enjoyed this mass-produced medium.
Creators and cast
- Studio
- NHK, NHK Educational
Maturity rating
Not yet rated.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service.
Details and artwork from TMDB. Availability from JustWatch and can change without notice.
