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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.

  • Monday, April 7
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    The top 3 geisha idol celebrities in Edo: Tomimoto Toyohina, Takashima Ohisa, and Naniwaya Kita. See how Kitagawa Utamaro, the master of female beauty has illustrated them so differently.
  • Monday, April 7
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    The top 3 geisha idol celebrities in Edo: Tomimoto Toyohina, Takashima Ohisa, and Naniwaya Kita. See how Kitagawa Utamaro, the master of female beauty has illustrated them so differently.
  • Tuesday, April 8
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Tuesday, April 8
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Wednesday, April 9
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    With 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.
  • Wednesday, April 9
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    With 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.
  • Thursday, April 10
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    Mornings 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.
  • Thursday, April 10
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    Mornings 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.
  • The Piercing Gaze
    Friday, April 11
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    A series of poetic videos by Koichi Hozan, a videographer living in Nara, in collaboration with a pianist, Mine Kawakami, for which she plays exclusive pieces, makes you experience each seasons.
  • Monday, April 14
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Monday, April 14
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Tuesday, April 15
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Tuesday, April 15
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Wednesday, April 16
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Wednesday, April 16
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Thursday, April 17
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Thursday, April 17
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Friday, April 18
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Monday, April 21
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Monday, April 21
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Tuesday, April 22
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Tuesday, April 22
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Wednesday, April 23
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Wednesday, April 23
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Thursday, April 24
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Thursday, April 24
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Friday, April 25
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Monday, April 28
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Monday, April 28
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Tuesday, April 29
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Tuesday, April 29
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Wednesday, April 30
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    At 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.
  • Wednesday, April 30
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    At 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.

 

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  • Off to Go Bathing
    Friday, April 4
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    A mother and daughter brave the rain to visit their local bathhouse, exchanging words with a young girl along the way. We learn that regular bathing was an essential part of life for the townspeople.
  • Airing Laundry
    Thursday, April 3
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    It's summer, and a group of women have gathered at the local well to do laundry in the shade. We learn about the different techniques and tools they used to wash and dry different types of kimonos.
  • Airing Laundry
    Thursday, April 3
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    It's summer, and a group of women have gathered at the local well to do laundry in the shade. We learn about the different techniques and tools they used to wash and dry different types of kimonos.
  • Takinogawa River
    Wednesday, April 2
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    We travel to a well-known tourist resort just outside of Edo, where day-trippers are enjoying river recreation and forest walks, praying at local shrines, and sitting down for riverside picnics.
  • Takinogawa River
    Wednesday, April 2
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    We travel to a well-known tourist resort just outside of Edo, where day-trippers are enjoying river recreation and forest walks, praying at local shrines, and sitting down for riverside picnics.
  • Clam-Digging
    Tuesday, April 1
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    It's spring, and a group of young men and women have come to the beach for some recreational clam-digging. The sea breeze mixes with the smell of freshly-cooked seafood. There's also love in the air.
  • Clam-Digging
    Tuesday, April 1
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    It's spring, and a group of young men and women have come to the beach for some recreational clam-digging. The sea breeze mixes with the smell of freshly-cooked seafood. There's also love in the air.
  • Niwaka Festival
    Monday, March 31
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    In Yoshiwara, a high-ranking courtesan tends to a patron, while a jester attempts to entertain with an eccentric costume, hinting at the Edo townspeople's affinity for cosplay.
  • Niwaka Festival
    Monday, March 31
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    In Yoshiwara, a high-ranking courtesan tends to a patron, while a jester attempts to entertain with an eccentric costume, hinting at the Edo townspeople's affinity for cosplay.
  • At Roben Falls
    Friday, March 28
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    We journey to a sacred mountain where pilgrims are purifying themselves in a waterfall before moving on. Some of them have even brought along offerings. And it turns out they have something to prove.
  • At Roben Falls
    Friday, March 28
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    We journey to a sacred mountain where pilgrims are purifying themselves in a waterfall before moving on. Some of them have even brought along offerings. And it turns out they have something to prove.
  • A Napping Boy
    Thursday, March 27
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    When a little boy's nap is disturbed by a bad dream, his mother comes to his rescue. What was terrorizing him? We examine a print that shows how much the Edo townspeople cherished their kids.
  • A Napping Boy
    Thursday, March 27
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    When a little boy's nap is disturbed by a bad dream, his mother comes to his rescue. What was terrorizing him? We examine a print that shows how much the Edo townspeople cherished their kids.
  • Unruly Catfish
    Wednesday, March 26
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    Japan is a seismically active land; the Edo period was no exception. In the aftermath of a major 1855 earthquake, an angry guardian deity set off on a quest to capture those considered responsible.
  • Two Scenic Views
    Tuesday, March 25
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    We break down a print that warps space to allow the viewer to be in two places at once: Shinobazu Pond, known for its lotus flowers, and the Sumida River, one of Edo's busiest waterways.
  • Two Scenic Views
    Tuesday, March 25
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    We break down a print that warps space to allow the viewer to be in two places at once: Shinobazu Pond, known for its lotus flowers, and the Sumida River, one of Edo's busiest waterways.
  • The Star Festival
    Monday, March 24
    5:15 pm on NHK 9.4
    For the annual Tanabata Star Festival, families across Edo flew bamboo stalks adorned with strips of paper and ornaments representing wishes. We examine what their wishes tell us about their lives.
  • The Star Festival
    Monday, March 24
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    For the annual Tanabata Star Festival, families across Edo flew bamboo stalks adorned with strips of paper and ornaments representing wishes. We examine what their wishes tell us about their lives.
  • The Star Festival
    Monday, March 24
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    For the annual Tanabata Star Festival, families across Edo flew bamboo stalks adorned with strips of paper and ornaments representing wishes. We examine what their wishes tell us about their lives.
  • Will Sparks Fly?
    Saturday, March 22
    5:25 pm on NHK 9.4
    A dapper young man sits in a teahouse with his older companion when a young woman catches his eye. From the way they're looking at each other, it's clear that there's something going on between them.
  • Will Sparks Fly?
    Friday, March 21
    10:25 pm on NHK 9.4
    A dapper young man sits in a teahouse with his older companion when a young woman catches his eye. From the way they're looking at each other, it's clear that there's something going on between them.
  • A Kitty's Dreams
    Friday, March 21
    5:15 pm on NHK 9.4
    In the pleasure quarters of Edo, a precious house cat stares longingly out the window at a crowd of people going to and fro. Telltale signs scattered about the room reveal why it appears to be upset.
  • A Kitty's Dreams
    Friday, March 21
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    In the pleasure quarters of Edo, a precious house cat stares longingly out the window at a crowd of people going to and fro. Telltale signs scattered about the room reveal why it appears to be upset.
  • A Kitty's Dreams
    Friday, March 21
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    In the pleasure quarters of Edo, a precious house cat stares longingly out the window at a crowd of people going to and fro. Telltale signs scattered about the room reveal why it appears to be upset.
  • Late Summer Fun
    Thursday, March 20
    5:15 pm on NHK 9.4
    Summer is winding down, and tonight down by Edo Bay the streets are filled with professional entertainers, food sellers, and revelers. It's getting late, but this party is just getting started.
  • Late Summer Fun
    Thursday, March 20
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    Summer is winding down, and tonight down by Edo Bay the streets are filled with professional entertainers, food sellers, and revelers. It's getting late, but this party is just getting started.
  • Late Summer Fun
    Thursday, March 20
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    Summer is winding down, and tonight down by Edo Bay the streets are filled with professional entertainers, food sellers, and revelers. It's getting late, but this party is just getting started.
  • Edo Aquatics
    Wednesday, March 19
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    We go out onto a river where pleasure seekers take in an aquatics show. At first glance a display of rag-tag theatricality, the perform-ers are actually practicing a centuries-old form of swimming.
  • The Great Race
    Tuesday, March 18
    5:15 pm on NHK 9.4
    It's edge-of-your-seat excitement as a high-speed transport boat departs for Edo carrying a rich cargo. Find out what's on the line for the stalwart crew as we break down their strategy.
  • The Great Race
    Tuesday, March 18
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    It's edge-of-your-seat excitement as a high-speed transport boat departs for Edo carrying a rich cargo. Find out what's on the line for the stalwart crew as we break down their strategy.
  • The Great Race
    Tuesday, March 18
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    It's edge-of-your-seat excitement as a high-speed transport boat departs for Edo carrying a rich cargo. Find out what's on the line for the stalwart crew as we break down their strategy.
  • A Stylish Concert
    Monday, March 17
    5:15 pm on NHK 9.4
    We attend a New Year's concert at a samurai residence, where a master koto player delights a crowd of gorgeously dressed celebrity-types. Lounging in the best seat in the house is no ordinary V.I.P.
  • A Stylish Concert
    Monday, March 17
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    We attend a New Year's concert at a samurai residence, where a master koto player delights a crowd of gorgeously dressed celebrity-types. Lounging in the best seat in the house is no ordinary V.I.P.
  • A Stylish Concert
    Monday, March 17
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    We attend a New Year's concert at a samurai residence, where a master koto player delights a crowd of gorgeously dressed celebrity-types. Lounging in the best seat in the house is no ordinary V.I.P.
  • The Bird Cafe
    Saturday, March 15
    5:25 pm on NHK 9.4
    We visit an Edo-style open-air teahouse, where the townspeople enjoyed refreshments, conversation, and the company of exotic birds. For them, these outings were about more than a good time.
  • The Bird Cafe
    Friday, March 14
    10:25 pm on NHK 9.4
    We visit an Edo-style open-air teahouse, where the townspeople enjoyed refreshments, conversation, and the company of exotic birds. For them, these outings were about more than a good time.
  • Edo's Rush Hour
    Friday, March 14
    5:15 pm on NHK 9.4
    Edo was a city of waterways. The Yoroi Ferry transported people across the Nihonbashi River, one of its main commercial arteries. For the captain, it was a high-pressure job requiring skill and guts.
  • Edo's Rush Hour
    Friday, March 14
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    Edo was a city of waterways. The Yoroi Ferry transported people across the Nihonbashi River, one of its main commercial arteries. For the captain, it was a high-pressure job requiring skill and guts.
  • Edo's Rush Hour
    Friday, March 14
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    Edo was a city of waterways. The Yoroi Ferry transported people across the Nihonbashi River, one of its main commercial arteries. For the captain, it was a high-pressure job requiring skill and guts.
  • A Fashion Night
    Thursday, March 13
    5:15 pm on NHK 9.4
    For a time during the Edo period, fireworks lit up the skies practically every night in the summer. It was a chance for women to dress up and let loose ... and grab the attention of male suitors.
  • A Fashion Night
    Thursday, March 13
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    For a time during the Edo period, fireworks lit up the skies practically every night in the summer. It was a chance for women to dress up and let loose ... and grab the attention of male suitors.
  • A Fashion Night
    Thursday, March 13
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    For a time during the Edo period, fireworks lit up the skies practically every night in the summer. It was a chance for women to dress up and let loose ... and grab the attention of male suitors.
  • Summer Delicacy
    Wednesday, March 12
    5:15 pm on NHK 9.4
    A group of anglers stand in a fast-moving, undulating river at the foot of a rugged cliff. They use "drifting mosquito hooks" to fish for a summer delicacy that was a favorite of the Edo townspeople.
  • Summer Delicacy
    Wednesday, March 12
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    A group of anglers stand in a fast-moving, undulating river at the foot of a rugged cliff. They use "drifting mosquito hooks" to fish for a summer delicacy that was a favorite of the Edo townspeople.
  • Summer Delicacy
    Wednesday, March 12
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    A group of anglers stand in a fast-moving, undulating river at the foot of a rugged cliff. They use "drifting mosquito hooks" to fish for a summer delicacy that was a favorite of the Edo townspeople.
  • First Childbirth
    Tuesday, March 11
    5:15 pm on NHK 9.4
    In the Edo period, childbirth was a community affair, with the mother-to-be attended by a midwife and the women in her life. It was also characterized by unique customs and superstitions.
  • First Childbirth
    Tuesday, March 11
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    In the Edo period, childbirth was a community affair, with the mother-to-be attended by a midwife and the women in her life. It was also characterized by unique customs and superstitions.
  • First Childbirth
    Tuesday, March 11
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    In the Edo period, childbirth was a community affair, with the mother-to-be attended by a midwife and the women in her life. It was also characterized by unique customs and superstitions.
  • Riverside Sawmill
    Monday, March 10
    5:15 pm on NHK 9.4
    Workers at a sawmill use the latest tools and their honed skills to prepare the building blocks of Edo life: long, narrow beams, bamboo stems and leftover wood stacked as high as buildings.
  • Riverside Sawmill
    Monday, March 10
    12:55 pm on NHK 9.4
    Workers at a sawmill use the latest tools and their honed skills to prepare the building blocks of Edo life: long, narrow beams, bamboo stems and leftover wood stacked as high as buildings.
  • Riverside Sawmill
    Monday, March 10
    5:55 am on NHK 9.4
    Workers at a sawmill use the latest tools and their honed skills to prepare the building blocks of Edo life: long, narrow beams, bamboo stems and leftover wood stacked as high as buildings.
  • Summer Light Show
    Friday, March 7
    4:15 pm on NHK 9.4
    We venture to the outskirts of Edo just after sunset, where a group of women and children have come to a stream to enjoy a popular summer activity. What could they be looking for among the weeds?
  • Summer Light Show
    Friday, March 7
    11:55 am on NHK 9.4
    We venture to the outskirts of Edo just after sunset, where a group of women and children have come to a stream to enjoy a popular summer activity. What could they be looking for among the weeds?
  • Summer Light Show
    Friday, March 7
    4:55 am on NHK 9.4
    We venture to the outskirts of Edo just after sunset, where a group of women and children have come to a stream to enjoy a popular summer activity. What could they be looking for among the weeds?
  • Doodles Or Ukiyoe
    Thursday, March 6
    4:15 pm on NHK 9.4
    A series of doodles by the famous artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi turn out to be carefully considered depictions of the kabuki actors of the day. What kind of artistic statement was he trying to make?
  • Doodles Or Ukiyoe
    Thursday, March 6
    11:55 am on NHK 9.4
    A series of doodles by the famous artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi turn out to be carefully considered depictions of the kabuki actors of the day. What kind of artistic statement was he trying to make?
  • Doodles Or Ukiyoe
    Thursday, March 6
    4:55 am on NHK 9.4
    A series of doodles by the famous artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi turn out to be carefully considered depictions of the kabuki actors of the day. What kind of artistic statement was he trying to make?
  • A Spring Party
    Wednesday, March 5
    11:55 am on NHK 9.4
    We visit one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Edo. Flower viewing parties were for eating, drinking and making merry. It was also an opportunity for young men and women to mingle.
  • A Secret Date
    Tuesday, March 4
    4:15 pm on NHK 9.4
    It's late at night, when all are fast asleep. A young man and woman huddle together along the veranda outside of a house, attending to a . .. rooster. What could the pair be up to?
  • A Secret Date
    Tuesday, March 4
    11:55 am on NHK 9.4
    It's late at night, when all are fast asleep. A young man and woman huddle together along the veranda outside of a house, attending to a . .. rooster. What could the pair be up to?
  • A Secret Date
    Tuesday, March 4
    4:55 am on NHK 9.4
    It's late at night, when all are fast asleep. A young man and woman huddle together along the veranda outside of a house, attending to a . .. rooster. What could the pair be up to?
  • Good Or Evil Soul
    Monday, March 3
    4:15 pm on NHK 9.4
    We visit the Yoshiwara district, Edo's most prominent pleasure quarters. Among the lavish spenders, courtesans and apprentices, small humanoid creatures scurry about - what could they be up to?
  • Good Or Evil Soul
    Monday, March 3
    11:55 am on NHK 9.4
    We visit the Yoshiwara district, Edo's most prominent pleasure quarters. Among the lavish spenders, courtesans and apprentices, small humanoid creatures scurry about - what could they be up to?
  • Good Or Evil Soul
    Monday, March 3
    4:55 am on NHK 9.4
    We visit the Yoshiwara district, Edo's most prominent pleasure quarters. Among the lavish spenders, courtesans and apprentices, small humanoid creatures scurry about - what could they be up to?