The 32nd Culture Seminar Was Held
September 13th (Sat) “Edo Publishing Culture”
Mr. Yoichi Yamamoto (Emeritus Professor at Yamagata University, Director of Yamagata Learning Center, The Open University of Japan) was invited as a lecturer to speak about the vibrant publishing culture of the Edo period, when Basho was active, from “Basho's Haiku Books to Tsutaya Jūzaburō's Kyōka Books.” Topics included the high literacy rate in the Edo period and what kind of books people read. Attendees were also able to touch actual woodblocks from that time, marveling at the craftsmanship and delicate detail. It was a very lively and engaging session.
The next session will be held on September 27th (Sat).
September 27th (Sat) “Yamadera and Matsushima in the Edo Period”
Mr. Shishin Araki (Professor at Yamagata University) was invited as a lecturer to speak about the appearance of sacred sites around the time Basho visited them. We heard an interesting talk about deciphering history from material artifacts, touching on Yamadera as a site of popular faith and newly discovered wooden plaques. The next session is on October 4th.
October 4th (Sat) “The History and Interpretation of Ukiyo-e”
Ms. Koto Sato (Professor at Yamagata University) was invited as a lecturer to give a clear explanation of the evolution of ukiyo-e and the historical background of the time, from its birth to the era of Tsutaya Jūzaburō. This was likely helpful for those watching the Taiga drama “Berabō.”