"100 Views of Great Tokyo in the Shōwa Era" by Koizumi Kishio / kk009_1931_w099_snowshrine |
During the 1930s, the cult of the Emperor Meiji—who set in motion Japan's transformation from xenophobic
island to world power—grew in tandem with Japan's military and political aspirations. The Meiji Shrine, the Meiji
Memorial Picture Gallery, and numerous sports facilities were all situated on land known as the Meiji Inner
Gardens and Meiji Outer Gardens. The site became an important signifier of imperial authority. Koizumi depicts
citizens of the empire—some in Western dress, others in tan and red uniforms—paying respect
to the emperor during the new year holiday.
Snow Covered Meiji Shrine Bridge at Dawn (#9), c. January 1931
The Wolfsonian–FIU, Miami Beach, FL, The Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. Collection |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology © 2009 Visualizing Cultures Creative Commons License
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