During the 19th century, ukiyo-e woodblock prints contributed to the modernization of Japan by helping record events and spread ideas. The Printing Museum, located in Tokyo, the home of most of Japan's printing industry, is focusing on works from 1860 to 1890, a time when the nation experienced a major political transition following the collapse of the Edo Shogunate. This was also the period when Japan began to embrace Western influences, including its printing innovations.
On show are 130 works plus written documents related to the modernization of Japan; from Oct. 20-Jan. 14.
The Printing Museum; (03) 5840-2300; Toppan Koishikawa Building 1-3-3 Suido, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; Edogawabashi Station, Yurakucho Line. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥500. Closed Mon. (except Dec. 24, Jan. 14), Dec. 25, Dec.29-Jan. 3. www.printing-museum.org.
