Ukiyoe, Japanese woodblock prints, have been highly valued as a popular art in early modern times internationally. There are three major, well-known subjects of ukiyoe: beautiful women, Kabuki actors and landscapes, however, they are only a portion of the rich culture of publishing that took place in Edo (modern day Tokyo). This exhibition spotlights the sense of humor found in ukiyoe by organizing them into several types, such as yosee (patch-worked images), hanjie (picture puzzles) and kumiagee (pop-up dioramas), and provides a comprehensive perspective of the various expressions and creativity of the popular art.
At the venue, visitors are encouraged to be involved in deciphering the images to recognize hidden words and meanings, which are the cues for understanding the lifestyles of the commoners in Edo, fashions and trends, news and incidents, and sometimes even criticism for the government. There is also a location where everyone can actually experience different types of play, such as shadow pictures and puzzles. This is a great opportunity for people of all age groups to find a new way to appreciate ukiyoe; read, touch and play with them just like people in Edo did.