Podcasts about meiji era

This week on the Revised Introduction to Japanese History Footnotes: what was it like to live in the Meiji Era? Join us on a journey through a day in 1900, as we discuss breakfast foods, education, and factory jobs in the "new Japan." Show notes here.

In this episode of The Unfinished Print, I speak with Henry Smith, Professor Emeritus in the Dept. of East Asian Languages & Cultures at Columbia University.  Together we delve into the scientific aspects of Meiji woodblock prints, exploring the trajectory of Nishiki-e during the late Edo and Meiji eras. Additionally, we examine the significance of cochineal and naphthol dyes, and scrutinize particle sizes. Henry's scholarly contributions include groundbreaking articles on subjects such as Hokusai and the Blue Revolution, with the introduction of Prussian Blue to the Japanese woodblock aesthetic during the mid to late Edo Period.  Join me in discovering how Henry's passion drew him into the enchanting world of Meiji woodblock prints, as we navigate the influence of Western collectors in Meiji Japan, exemplified by figures like English s urgeon William Anderson. Henry helps me in understanding the rich palette and the science behind Meiji prints, shaped by the infusion of imported dyes and pigments. Please follow The Unfinished Print and my own mokuhanga work on Instagram @andrezadoroznyprints or email me at theunfinishedprint@gmail.com  Notes: may contain a hyperlink. Simply click on the highlighted word or phrase. Artists works follow after the note if available. Pieces are mokuhanga unless otherwise noted. Dimensions are given if known. Publishers are given if known. The funeral procession of Meiji Emperor at Nijubashi designed by Yasuda Hanpo (1889-1947) Columbia Academic Commons  Professor Henry Smith's article on the Japanese Student movement, here. Peter Gluck - is an American architect who has won multiple awards and has designed buildings all over the world. He is the principal of GLUCK+, an architecture firm based in New York City.  Professor Carol Gluck - is a Special Research Scholar and George Sansom Professor Emerita of History, Department of History at Columbia University. She has written multiple books and articles on Japanese history.  Jane Jacobs (1916-2006) - an American-Canadian journalist, activist who had written extensively on the life and death of North American cities such as New York City, and Toronto. Her book The Death And Life Of Great American Cities, is considered a classic in urban planning for the modern city and its subsequent decline.  Robert Venturi (1925-2018) -  was an American architect and theorist known for his contributions to postmodern architecture. He, along with his partner and wife Denise Scott Brown, played a key role in shaping architectural discourse in the late 20th century. Venturi challenged the modernist principles that dominated architecture at the time, advocating for a more inclusive and eclectic approach. His book, Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture (1966) was where he critiqued the rigidity of modernist architecture and championed a more diverse and contextual approach to architecture.  Metabolism (Japan) - The Metabolism movement was characterized by a group of young Japanese architects and designers who sought to address the challenges of rapid urbanization and rebuilding after World War II. Key principles and concepts of Metabolism in Japanese architecture are megastructures, prefabrication and modularity, biology and organic growth, and technological innovation. One special notable example of Metabolist architecture was the now demolished Kisho Kurokawa's Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tōkyō. Shinjuku: The Phenomenal City - was the exhibition Henry Smith discussed in this episode. It was exhibited December 16, 1975 to March 7, 1976 at the Museum of Modern Art, New York City. More info, here. a+u magazine - also known as architecture and urbanism magazine, is a Japanese/English architecture magazine first published in 1971. More info, here.  Kōji Taki (1928-2011) - was a Japanese author, architectural critic, editor, and key figure in the Metabolist movement. He played a significant role in shaping the discourse of contemporary architecture in Japan and was instrumental in promoting the ideas of the Metabolists. Kappabashi - located in Tōkyō's Asakusa district, is a renowned destination for kitchenware and restaurant supplies. The street is lined with stores offering a diverse range of products, including traditional Japanese knives, sushi-making equipment, and unique culinary gadgets. Kappabashi is especially popular for its sampuru shops, where visitors can buy realistic food replicas commonly displayed outside restaurants. The area features a mix of large retailers and specialty stores, creating a charming atmosphere with its traditional Japanese architecture. It's easily accessible from Tawaramachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. fūkei hanga - are landscape images. These paintings and prints represent the natural world such as mountains, rivers, waterfalls. You can find these types of prints from the golden age of nishiki-e to shin-hanga, to today.  Sunset at Tomonotsu (1940, 9"x14") by Tsuchiya Koitsu (1879-1942) and published by Watanabe.  Mitaka - is a city located in the western part of Tōkyō, Japan. A very pretty and quiet part of the city it is famous for the Ghibli Museum, and Inokashira Park. 100 Views of Edo (名所江戸百景) - is a series of nishiki-e prints designed by Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858). It was published between 1856 and 1859 and consists of 118 or 119 prints, each depicting various scenes of Edo (Tōkyō). The prints show the beauty, diversity, and everyday life of Edo, capturing different seasons, landscapes, landmarks, and activities. Hiroshige's use of color, composition, and atmospheric effects contributes to the series' enduring popularity. The scenes range from bustling urban areas and landscapes to rural views, often incorporating elements of nature and traditional Japanese culture. Suruga-chō (1885) Thirty Six Views of Mount Fuji - one of Hokusai's most iconic series, known for its various depictions of Mount Fuji in different seasons, weather conditions, and different vantage points. The series includes "The Great Wave off Kanagawa." Published between 1830-1832 the series portrays Mount Fuji in different perspectives, everyday life, as well as the special importance of Mount Fuji in Edo culture. The series had a large impact on Western artists and thinkers, including the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. Umezawa Hamlet-fields in Sagami Province (1830-31) Santa Barbara Museum of Art - is an art museum located in Santa Barbara, California, USA. Its collection contains art works from all over the world, focusing on paintings, sculpture, and paper works. More info, here.  Kobayashi Kiyochika (1847-1915) - was a painter and woodblock print designer famous for his war prints on the First Sino-Japanese War (July 25, 1894- April 17, 1895). Kiyochika captured the transitional period in Japanese history as the country underwent rapid modernization and Westernization during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Onoguchi Tokuji Destroying The Gate at Jinzhoucheng (1895 14 3/4" x 28 9/16") published by Daikokuya. Utagawa School - was a school of print designers starting with Utagawa Toyoharu (1735-1814). He employed one point perspective (vanishing point) in his print designs, being influenced by Western perspective. The influence of the Utagawa school goes far in Japanese print history and one of its most successful. This schools print designs of kabuki portraits, beautiful women (bijin-ga), and landscapes are excellent. Some famous names attributed to the Utagawa school are Utamaro (1753-1806), Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865), and Ando Hiroshige (1797-1858). A fine description of this school can be found, here at Artelino.  Newly Published Picture of the Battle of Jiuzan-shan in China (9 3/16" x 13 1/8") attributed to Utagawa Toyoharu Okumura Masanobu (1686-1784) - was a Japanese nishiki-e artist and print designer who lived during the Edo period. He is credited with pioneering the use of full-color printing and is considered one of the early masters of the art form. Okumura Masanobu was known for his contributions to bijin-ga and yakusha-e (actor prints). He played a role in the development of nishiki-e as a popular art form. More information can be found at Viewing Japanese Prints, here.  Large Perspective Picture of Evening Cool by Ryōgoku Bridge (ca. 1748) hand coloured Sumida River - is a major river that flows through Tōkyō, Japan. It plays a significant role in the history, culture, and landscape of the city. The Sumida River flows for approximately 27 kilometers (about 17 miles) through Tokyo, originating from Kita City and flowing into Tōkyō Bay. It passes through several wards, including Kita, Adachi, Sumida, Taito, Koto, and Chuo. The river has been portrayed in nishiki-e prints for generations, along with its bridges.  Kobayashi Kiyochika the Sumida River at Night (9.76"x14" - est. 1881) Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861) - is considered one of the last “masters” of the ukiyo-e genre of Japanese woodblock printmaking. His designs range from landscapes, samurai and Chinese military heroes, as well as using various formats for his designs such as diptychs and triptychs. Yamayoshi Genba no jō Chikafusa (14 5/16" x 9 15/16" - 1848/49) published by Sumiyoshiya Ike no Taiga (1723-1776) - was a Japanese painter of the mid-Edo period, known for his skill in the Nanga style, which was influenced by Chinese literati painting. He is best remembered for his role in promoting a cross-cultural exchange of ideas between Japan and China in the realm of art and aesthetics during the Edo Period. Landscape with Pavilion (1750) Akita ranga painting - a style of Japanese painting that emerged in the late Edo period, particularly during the 19th century, in the region of Akita in northern Japan. The term "ranga" literally translates to "Dutch painting" and reflects the influence of European painting styles, particularly Dutch and Western techniques, which were introduced to Japan through trade with the Dutch during the Edo Period. More info, here.  Satake Shozan (1748-1785) - Pine Tree and Parakeet (68.11" x 22.83") est 1700's, painting. Shinobazu Pond - is a large pond located within Ueno Park in Tōkyō, Japan. Ueno Park is a spacious public park that is home to several museums, a zoo, temples, and beautiful green spaces. Shinobazu Pond is one of the central features of Ueno Park, and it is renowned for its scenic beauty and historical significance. hanmoto system - is the Edo Period (1603-1868) collaboration system of making woodblock prints in Japan. The system was about using, carvers, printers, and craftsmen by various print publishers in order to produce woodblock prints. The system consisted of the following professions; publisher, artist, carver, and printer. William Anderson (1842–1900) was an English surgeon and collector with a significant impact on the appreciation and understanding of Japanese art in the late 19th century. Anderson became a passionate collector of Japanese art, amassing a vast and diverse collection that included nishiki-e, ceramics, textiles, and other traditional artworks. His collection grew to be one of the most significant and comprehensive of its time. His bequest laid the foundation for the development of Japanese art studies in the West, influencing subsequent generations of scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts. ezōshiya - is a type of Japanese bookstore that specializes in selling "ehon" or picture books. Ehon are valued not only for their storytelling but also for the quality of illustrations. These books played a role in promoting visual literacy and appreciation of art in Japan. Nishiki-e had been sold at these book stores during the Edo Period.  Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1865) is widely regarded as one of the most significant woodblock print designers in Japanese history. His diverse portfolio includes prints ranging from landscapes and books to erotica and sumo. Kunisada worked during the vibrant era of nishiki-e alongside notable artists such as Andō Hiroshige (1797-1858), Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849), and the aforementioned Kuniyoshi. This period represents a rich and abundant chapter in Japanese woodblock print history. Ichikawa Danjurō VIII as Hanzaemon published by Tamaya Sōsuke (1852) 13 9/16" x 9 3/16" cochineal - known as yōko in Japanese, is a red dye taken from the dried bodies of female cochineal insects. These insects are native to Central and South America, where they feed on the sap of prickly pear cacti. Cochineal has been used for centuries as a natural dye, valued for its vibrant red color. An article about synthetic pigments and cochineal in Japanese woodblock prints and co-written by Henry Smith can be found, here.  William Sturgis Bigelow (1850-1926) - was an avid collector of Japanese art. His extensive travels to Japan from 1882 to 1889, coupled with a close friendship with Ernest Fenollosa, enabled him to amass a remarkable collection. Bigelow's acquisitions played a pivotal role in promoting Japanese art in the Western world. World Of The Meiji Print - is a book published by Weatherhill in 1991 and written by Julia Meech-Pekarik. It describes how nishiki-e developed and evolved during the Meiji period.  Roger Keyes (1942-2020) - was a distinguished scholar of Japanese woodblock prints. His expertise was showcased in his 1982 dissertation, a comprehensive study of Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892). Additionally, Keyes authored the book 'Ehon: The Artists and the Book in Japan' in 2006, further solidifying his significant contributions to the understanding of Japanese printmaking. Amy Reigle Newland - is a Japanese print scholar who has written various articles and books upon the subject. One of my favourite books by Newland is her book about Toyohara Kunichika, Time Present and Past: Images of A Forgotten Master (1999).  Bruce Coats - is Professor of Art History and the Humanities at Scripps College, Claremont, California. He has contributed to several books on Japanese woodblock prints, one of my favourites is Chikanobu: Modernity and Nostalgia in Japanese Prints (2006).  James A Michener (1907-1997) - was a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer, scholar, and esteemed academic known for his extensive contributions to various literary genres. Beyond his celebrated literary achievements, Michener also delved into the world of Japanese prints, demonstrating a multifaceted curiosity and intellectual versatility. His exploration of Japanese prints added another layer to his diverse body of work, reflecting a deep appreciation for Japanese art and culture. Honolulu Academy of Arts - founded in 1922 by Anna Rice Cooke, evolved into the Honolulu Museum of Art (HoMA) in 2012. Rice-Cooke's vision for a multicultural art space led to its creation, with an endowment and land donated by the Cooke family. The museum's architectural style blends Hawaiian, Chinese, and Spanish influences. Over the years, HoMA expanded, adding educational wings, a cafe, and more, while its permanent collection grew to over 50,000 pieces. In 2011, The Contemporary Museum merged with HoMA, unifying as the Honolulu Museum of Art. More info, here.  shinbun nishiki-e - the Meiji Restoration of 1868 marked a pivotal moment in Japan's history, prompting significant societal upheavals. Tōkyō, formerly Edo, became the new centre of Imperial Japan, and by 1871, the traditional feudal class system had been abolished, accompanied by compulsory education laws. This era of profound change spurred creative responses to economic challenges. Starting in the summer of 1874, innovative individuals introduced shimbun nishikie, vibrant single-sheet woodblock prints that served as colorful souvenirs. These prints, produced until 1876, were not just visually striking but also narratively engaging, recounting news articles in a format ideal for oral storytelling. Renowned artists like Ochiai Yoshiiku and Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, both students of the celebrated Utagawa Kuniyoshi, played a key role in illustrating these captivating snapshots of an evolving Japan. An excellent article on shinbun nishiki-e can be found here, from All About Japan.  Fighting Off A Wolf by Sadanobu II (1848-1940) from the Nichinichi Shinbun (9 1/2" x 6 3/4")  Satsuma Rebellion -  occurring in 1877, was a last stand against the modernization policies of the Meiji government by disaffected samurai from the Satsuma domain. Led by Saigō Takamori (1828-1877), a key figure in the Meiji Restoration. The rebellion sought to restore imperial power and resist the centralization efforts of the government. The conflict ended in a decisive government victory at the Battle of Shiroyama, where Saigō met his end, marking one of the final samurai-led uprisings in Japan's history. Suzuki Harunobu (1725-1770) -pioneered the art of nishiki-e, becoming the first to craft multi-color woodblock prints. Renowned for his exquisite designs, Harunobu's subjects often revolved around the portrayal of beautiful women, shunga (erotic art), and classical poetry. His innovative techniques and thematic choices significantly influenced the genre during the Edo period in Japan. Lovers Walking In The Snow (1764-1772) (11 1/4"x8 1/8") Emperor Meiji born Mutsuhito (1852 – 1912), was the 122nd Emperor of Japan, reigning from 1867 until his death in 1912. His reign, known as the Meiji Era, marked a transformative period in Japanese history. The Meiji Restoration of 1868 saw the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration of imperial rule, with Emperor Meiji playing a central role in Japan's modernization and westernization efforts. During his era, Japan underwent significant political, social, and economic reforms, propelling the country into the ranks of major world powers. Emperor Meiji's reign is often associated with Japan's rapid modernization and emergence onto the global stage. sōsaku-hanga -  also known as creative prints, is a printmaking style primarily, though not exclusively, characterized by prints created by a single artist. Originating in early twentieth-century Japan, alongside the shin-hanga movement, this style emphasizes the artist's direct involvement in the entire printmaking process — from design and carving to printing. While the designs, especially in the early stages, may appear rudimentary, the concept of artists producing their own prints marked a significant departure from the traditional model where a select group of carvers, printers, and publishers collaborated in the creation of woodblock prints. shin hanga - is a style of Japanese woodblock printmaking that emerged in the early 20th century, marking the end of the nishiki-e period. Originating around 1915 under the direction of Watanabe Shōzaburō (1885-1962), the art form responded to the foreign demand for "traditional" Japanese imagery. Shin hanga artists focused on motifs like castles, bridges, famous landscapes, and bamboo forests. The style was initiated when Watanabe discovered Austrian artist Fritz Capelari (1884-1950) and commissioned him to design prints for Watanabe's budding printing house. This collaboration led to the evolution of shin hanga into a distinctive new style of Japanese woodblock printing. The shin hanga movement thrived until its inevitable decline after the Second World War (1939-1945). fan print (uchiwa-e) - are crafted in the form of flat, oval fans using materials such as rice paper or silk. These prints are designed to be functional fans, allowing for practical use while showcasing artistic designs. Amy Poster - is the curator emerita of Asian Art at the Brooklyn Museum. aizuri-e - are woodblock prints made entirely with shades of blue. This style gained popularity during the Edo Period.  Keisai Eisen (1790-1848) - was a nishiki-e print designer and author during the Edo Period. His print designs are famous for beautiful women and large head prints (ōkubi-e).   surimono (date unknown - Edo Period) Hiraga Gennai (1729-1779/80) - was a versatile Japanese polymath and rōnin during the Edo period. His diverse talents spanned pharmacology, rangaku (Dutch learning), medicine, literature, painting, and invention. Notable creations include the erekiteru (electrostatic generator), kankanpu (asbestos cloth). Gennai authored satirical works such as Fūryū Shidōken den (1763) and Nenashigusa (1763), along with essays like On Farting and A Lousy Journey of Love. He also wrote guidebooks on male prostitutes, including the Kiku no en (1764) and San no asa (1768). Employing various pen names like Kyūkei and Fūrai Sanjin, he is most recognized by the name Hiraga Gennai. Yokohama-e -refers to a genre of Japanese woodblock prints depicting scenes from Yokohama, a pivotal port city during the late Edo and Meiji periods. These prints showcase the influx of international influences, featuring foreign ships, traders, and cultural exchanges. Yokohama-e captures the dynamic transformation of Japan as it opened to the world, portraying a vivid visual narrative of the city's bustling trade and encounters between Japanese and Western cultures. View of Foreigners' Houses on the Beach Street Seen From Yokohama Port (ca. 1873) by Hiroshige III (1842-1894) Sadahide Utagawa (1807-1878/79) - was a designer of nishiki-e during the late Edo and early Meiji Periods. He trained under Utagawa Kunisada and depicted medieval Japanese scenes, collaborating on the 53 Stations of the Tōkaidō, and prints related to Yokohama-e.   Battle of Ōei (ca.1848) Sir William Henry Perkin (1838–1907) was a British chemist who is renowned for his accidental discovery of the first synthetic dye, known as mauveine or mauve. This significant breakthrough occurred in 1856 when Perkin was attempting to synthesize quinine, a treatment for malaria, from coal tar derivatives. Instead, he obtained a purple-colored substance while working with aniline, leading to the creation of the vibrant purple dye. napthols - are special dyes used in making colourful fabrics on handlooms. They get their name from a specific part in their makeup called an azo group. These dyes are known for making colors really bright and long-lasting on fabrics. They help create fabrics in lots of different colors, like orange, brown, yellow, scarlet, golden yellow, black, red, violet, and more.  orpiment -  sekiō in Japanese, is a bright yellow to orange-yellow mineral composed of arsenic trisulfide (As2S3). It has been historically used as a pigment in painting and for other decorative purposes due to its vibrant color. Often found in association with realgar, another arsenic sulfide mineral, orpiment has also been employed in traditional medicine and alchemy. However, its toxic nature limits such applications, and it's crucial to note that handling orpiment, especially in powdered form, poses health risks due to the presence of arsenic. Marco Leona PhD - is the David H. Koch Scientist at Large at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He has written several articles on Spectroscopy and art.  Estée Lauder (1906-2004) - was a pioneering American businesswoman and the co-founder of the renowned cosmetics company Estée Lauder Companies. Alongside her husband Joseph Lauder, she established the company in 1946, starting with a few skincare products she developed herself. Estée Lauder's hands-on approach to marketing and emphasis on quality turned her brand into a symbol of luxury. Initially selling to friends, she built a global beauty empire with a diverse product line including skincare, makeup, and fragrances. Today, the Estée Lauder Companies remain influential in the beauty industry, with a portfolio of well-known brands. Estée Lauder's legacy is marked by her significant contributions to the cosmetics world and her establishment of an enduring and iconic beauty brand. The Adachi Institute of Woodblock Prints - is a print studio located in Tōkyō. Established in 1994 in order to promote and preserve the colour woodblock print of Japan. More information, in English and in Japanese.  The 47 Rōnin of Akō - were a group of samurai who sought revenge for the unjust death of their master, Lord Asano Naganori, in 1701. After Asano was forced to commit seppuku (a form of ritual suicide), his loyal retainers, the 47 Ronin, meticulously planned and executed the revenge, successfully avenging their lord's honor. The story is a celebrated example of bushido (samurai code) and loyalty in Japanese history and folklore. smalt - is a deep blue pigment that has been historically used in art and ceramics. It is composed of finely powdered glass, often colored with cobalt oxide to achieve its distinctive blue hue. Smalt was popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods as a substitute for expensive blue pigments like lapis lazuli. Artists would mix smalt with binders to create blue paint for their artworks. Smalt has some drawbacks, including a tendency to fade over time and a vulnerability to darkening when exposed to certain environmental conditions. Keiji Shinohara - is a Japanese mokuhanga printmaker who apprenticed under Uesugi Keiichiro in Ōsaka. He is the artist-in-residence at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. More info about Keiji can be found here, and here. Yamado-ike from the series Eight Views of Hirakata (2006) 11"x15": gum arabic - is a sap from two types of Acacia tree. In art it is used as a binder for pigments which creates viscosity (depending on how much or little is applied to your pigments) for your watercolours and oils. Rachel Levitas has a fine description on how she uses gum arabic in her work, here.  Bakumatsu Period -  refers to the final years of the Edo period, specifically from the mid-19th century to the early 1860s. The term "Bakumatsu" can be translated as "end of the shogunate." This era was characterized by significant political, social, and economic changes that eventually led to the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration of imperial rule in the Meiji period. Bunsei Period - was a period in Japanese history which lasted from April 1818 - December 1830 CE © Popular Wheat Productions opening and closing musical credit - The Shadow of Your Smile by Dominic Farinacci, G@ Records (2023)  logo designed and produced by Douglas Batchelor and André Zadorozny  Disclaimer: Please do not reproduce or use anything from this podcast without shooting me an email and getting my express written or verbal consent. I'm friendly :) Слава Українi If you find any issue with something in the show notes please let me know. ***The opinions expressed by guests in The Unfinished Print podcast are not necessarily those of André Zadorozny and of Popular Wheat Productions.***                                          

Today I'm going to do something a little different, again. I'm going to give you some real yōkai and paranormal news. Not current news, but stories that were actually published in newspapers during the late 1800s — and not in tabloids either, but in regular ol' papers. And they are absolutely delightful to read. [This description contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.] Uncanny Japan is author Thersa Matsuura. Her other shows are Uncanny Robot Podcast and The Soothing Stories Podcast. Check out her books including The Carp-Faced Boy by clicking on the Amazon link.  If you'd like to help support the podcast and have a bedtime story read to you monthly, please visit Patreon. Discord: https://discord.gg/XdMZTzmyUb Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thersamatsuura Website: https://www.uncannyjapan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UncannyJapan Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/uncannyjapan.bsky.social Mastodon: https://famichiki.jp/@UncannyJapan Twitter: https://twitter.com/UncannyJapan Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncannyjapan/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncannyjapan/ Buy Me a Coffee (one-time contribution): https://buymeacoffee.com/uncannyjapan Credits Intro music by Julyan Ray Matsuura

Today, I revisit a story that I wrote back in 2019 when I was still an English teacher in Kyoto. Disgruntled by the ugly school buildings that defined my day-to-day work life, I wanted to get to the bottom of the question: Why do all Japanese public schools look the same?I give a little backstory and read the script, which you can also follow along in full below (To see the photos, subscribe to the Local Japan email:The click-clack of wooden sandals rings through the bamboo grove as an elder Buddhist monk leads me to the remains of a Meiji Era elementary school. The school building has been transported to this Buddhist temple from its original location three kilometers away.“We now use the old lecture hall as a place of meditation,” the monk says. He turns to me, “Not many people know of this place.”“I did some research,” I reply. “I heard that Chikkan Elementary is one of the only Meiji Era schools that still stands in Kyoto today.”The clay-tiled roof and the wood craftsmanship come into view. Chikkan Elementary's school emblem — 竹間 — flourishes the upper ridge of the structure. When I slide my hand across the wooden gateway, I think of the many Meiji Era (1868–1912) children who once walked beneath it.As an English teacher who has been working in Kyoto for three years, I see students throughout the city commute to gray, modern buildings and study in concrete classrooms. During the course of my time in Kyoto, I have also visited the 959-year-old Ujigami Shrine and I have enjoyed the ancient music of Gion Festival. “Where — in this land of such deep history — did the schools of Kyoto go?” I think to myself.“Chikkan Elementary was almost destroyed, but the monks had the building transferred here in 1929,” says the old man.This temple in Kyoto, known as Shinnyo-do, is a private entity that managed to purchase and preserve such priceless works of historic architecture. Classic Japanese-tiled lecture halls and wooden entry gates once defined Japan's schools. Nearly all of this workmanship has since disappeared, at the hands of a nationwide wave of demolishment during the Showa period (1926–1989).“It's beautiful,” I say to the monk as I snap a photo from my camera.So many in our modern world thirst for beauty as they live in the concrete jungles. The Japanese also feel this dearth, but they have also been able to rely on their repositories of ancestral culture for an answer: Wandering the quiet stone pathways, I observe a young monk tediously rake the Zen rock garden. An elderly woman wearing garden boots cleans the fields of moss, picking up one maple leaf at a time. As I have experienced time and again, Japanese cities give me the opportunity to escape from their noise and rush — if only I look close enough.The schools of today, however, have blended in with the hubbub of urban life. They have shed away their clay roof tiles and wooden gateways. In the call by the centralized government of the early 1900s to prepare its people for militarization and factory work, elementary schools, junior high schools, and high schools in every ward of every city of every prefecture of Japan took on uniform shape.Four-story gray cement blocks, exposing their off-white piping and random ventilation ducts protruding off the walls, shine their fluorescent lighting through rows of plastic windows. A single clock raised above the schoolyard ticks away with a watchful eye.To learn more about why these buildings today look the way they do, I take a visit to the Kyoto Municipal Museum of School History. The museum is housed in a modern school building, but its entrance flaunts an antique gateway. Framed by two smooth pillars, this wooden structure is holding onto the way things once were.“School designs are made by a government agency,” a curator at the museum explains to me. “All plans are based on a general model.”“When did this transition take place?” I ask.“Japan started building these modern-style schools around the time of World War One,” he replies. “Government centralization became so prevalent everywhere by 1941 that every elementary school in Japan became public.”I immediately thought of the very elementary school that I teach at, which celebrated its centennial birthday in 2018. It was built in 1918 — just as the Empire of Japan was stepping onto the world stage.“In fact, the government became so desperate by 1943 that they even took bronze statues from the schools and melted them to collect metal for the war effort,” the curator adds.The museum displays a rare bronze statue of Masashige Kusunoki, a famous 14th-century samurai, charging to battle on his horse. It is one of the few that survive.The tragic melting of statues on behalf of the war machine seems a fitting image to describe the demolition of historic architecture for the sake of economic output. Like in the United States, Japanese school clocks ring in 50-minute intervals. Neat rows of chairs face blackboards in the name of “practicality” so that students retain in their heads the fact that a²+b²=c² and in 1492 Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue.Passing below the wooden gateway, I exit the museum and make my way back onto the city streets. Returning to my apartment, I decide to head to my roof to catch a view of Kyoto's cityscape. As I clutch the roof railing, I gaze forward to the high-rise next door. Through windows, I see office workers penning paper, typing on keyboards, and generating vitamin D from computer screens.My eyes move up the walls to the roof. There stands a small, wooden Shinto shrine. Throughout the year, it bakes in the summer heat, tastes the autumn rain, freezes in the winter chill, and smells the spring breeze. A salaryman has made his way to the roof for a smoke break and some sunlight. He takes one last drag and puts the cigarette out. His necktie swaying with the wind, he claps his hands and gives a bow before the shrine.In the dense cities of our modern world, beauty hangs on quietly in the small things.Links to Resources:* Udon Making Experience* Mythographers* Kyoto Municipal Museum of School History* Shinnyo-do - The True Temple of the Autumn ParadisePlease subscribe to the Local Japan Substack as a free or paid member starting at just $5 a month! Your contributions help me with production costs and the time required to record and edit podcasts and organize interviews. For this, I thank you always.Local Japan Podcast is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Local Japan Podcast at localjapan.substack.com/subscribe

'Does my Forward Stance Look a Little Fascist? On Meiji-Era Karate and Embodied Politics', with Dr Peter Katz

The Sengoku Period, or Warring States Era, of Japan began in 1467 with the Onin War. Feudal Japan was characterized by violence between warring states, where kinsmen cut each other down in bids for territorial superiority. Independent warlords among the domains unleashed their samurai and fighting men on each other in anarchic attempts to gain dominance. Rivalries ebbed and flowed. Alliances formed and were shattered. Allegiance among warlords was only to self, cooperation existed only when it benefitted the warlords. For the peasant class life was hell, which resulted in regular instances of ikki, or peasant class uprisings. Power began to consolidate in the mid-16th century when a group of warlords had singled themselves out as primary dominators in their regions, having bested their rivals. These “great power” warlords boasted superior militant groups, greater territorial expansion, and grew their base through the exploitation of their weaker neighbors. But when great powers exist, great conflict arises. From the conflicts of these superior warlords came the unification campaigns of Sengoku Japan. Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu were the three great warlords at the center of Japan's unification. Nobunaga died in 1582 before Japan could be truly unified and the rogue warlords brought to heel. His successor Hideyoshi accomplished unification in 1590, though resistance had not been entirely eradicated. It was Tokugawa Ieyasu, after Hideyoshi's death in 1598, that made Japan whole in 1600 after the Battle of Sekigahara. A battle which brought about Japan's final Shogunate, and in which this episode's subject participated at the age of only sixteen. Miyamoto Musashi, born Miyamoto Bennosuke, met with difficulty at a young age and some details of the legendary swordsman remain unclear. However, one defining theme is evident even in his earliest years: that Miyamoto's life was to be one characterized by violence. The Book of Five Rings: Link You can find the Hardtack socials, website, and Patreon via ⁠linktree⁠. If you have any feedback on Hardtack episodes or suggestions for future episodes, please send an email to hardtackpod@gmail.com Don't forget to rate and subscribe! Make your Own Hardtack! Hardtack Recipe (Survival Bread) - ⁠Bread Dad  Sources: BRINKLEY, Frank, and Dairoku KIKUCHI. A History of the Japanese People from the Earliest Times to the End of the Meiji Era ... By Capt. F. Brinkley ... with the Collaboration of Baron Kikuchi ... With 150 Illustrations ... and Maps. New York & London, 1915. Miyamoto, Musashi, and William Scott Wilson. The Book of Five Rings. Boston: Shambhala Publications, 2012. Miyamoto, Musashi, Lawrence A. Kane, and Kris Wilder. Musashis Dokkodo (The Way of Walking Alone): Half Crazy, Half Genius, Finding Modern Meaning in the Sword Saints Last Words. Burien, WA: Stickman Publications, 2015. TC 2-91.4 Intelligence Support to Urban Operations, TC 2-91.4 Intelligence Support to Urban Operations § (2015). https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/tc2_91x4 FINAL.pdf. Wilson, William Scott. The Lone Samurai: the Life of Miyamoto Musashi. Boston: Shambhala, 2013. Yoshikawa, Eiji, Charles S. Terry, Edwin O. Reischauer, and Eiji Yoshikawa. Musashi. New York: Kodansha, 2012. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hardtackpod/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hardtackpod/support

The Imperial Japanese Army was born of, and found its conclusion in, violent conflict. Westernization had come to Japan during the mid to late nineteenth century and divided the nation, for a time reversing the unification efforts of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Consisting of warring clans and provinces governed by a militarily ordered form of government, feudal Japan was a nation designed from warfare, and warfare had long been an essential thread in the weave of Japanese society. You can find the Hardtack Community on all of our socials via our linktree. If you have any feedback on our episodes or suggestions for future episodes, please send us an email: hardtackpod@gmail.com Don't forget to rate us and subscribe! Make your Own Hardtack! Hardtack Recipe (Survival Bread) - Bread Dad Civil War Recipe: Hardtack (1861) – The American Table Sources: Barker, A. J. Japanese Army Handbook 1939-1945. London: Ian Allan Ltd., 1979. Brinkley, Frank and Kikuchi, Dairoku A History of the Japanese People From the Earliest Times to the End of the Meiji Era. Andesite Press, 2015. Clancey, Patrick, ed., TM-3 30-480 Technical Manual Handbook on Japanese Military Forces §. Accessed February 10, 2022. https://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/Japan/IJA/HB/HB-7.html?fbclid=IwAR0u_LliAyyGUjGIvNLMTVIBQCiD8LvHzSQ_hUF4eF5yQLNPbxSW4ZPAVas. Drea, Edward J. “In the Army Barracks of Imperial Japan.” Armed Forces & Society 15, no. 3 (1989): 329–48. https://doi.org/10.1177/0095327x8901500301. Drea, Edward J. Japan's Imperial Army: Its Rise and Fall 1853-1945. Read.amazon.com. Kansas City, KS: University Press Kansas, 2009. https://read.amazon.com/?asin=B01EBBK. Paine, S. C. M. The Japanese Empire: Grand Strategy from the Meiji Restoration to the Pacific War. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2017. Smith, Richard J. “Meiji Japan and Late Qing China: Some Comparisons.” Charter Oath IWSM Preface. Accessed January 29, 2022. http://www.ruf.rice.edu/~asia/CharterOathIWSMPreface.html. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/hardtackpod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/hardtackpod/support

The podcast may be on hiatus this week, but that doesn't mean you have to go without content! Enjoy this cross-post from my other podcast, Criminal Records, on one of the most unusual civil cases of the Meiji Era. 

In this episode we discuss the career of Meiji era Japanese artist Uemura Shōen (1875 –1949) born in Kyoto she pursued artistic training from the age of 12, partly due to the support of her mother. From there she would have a highly successful career and became known for her paintings of beautiful women and her illustrations of scenes from Noh Plays. However, Uemura lived an unconventional life and did not adhere to the strict gender roles of Japanese society, even causing a stir when she had two children out of wedlock, the father of which was suspected to be her teacher. This is an interesting story about how one incredibly driven and creative woman was able to overcome social stigma to achieve immense respect in her chosen field, which equalled that of her male counterparts. I hope you enjoy this episode and apologise for my ropey voice, which is still not quite back to normal after recent thyroid surgery.ImagesInstagram @themuseumoffemininty Sourceshttps://artsandculture.google.com/story/the-inspiring-story-of-uemura-sh%C5%8Den/mwXxZujHMzKwGw?hl=enhttps://www.domestika.org/en/blog/8672-uemura-shoen-the-inspiring-story-of-japan-s-first-female-professional-painterJapanese art by Joan Stanley-Bakerhttps://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2019/05/28/arts/openings-outside-tokyo/bijin-ga-world-fine-feminine-beauty/https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/829412

In this episode, we're looking at the Meiji Era of Japanese history and its literature.The shogunate is replaced.Japan looks outward to the West and inward toward itself.And a man named Natsume Sōseki chronicles it all from the perspective of a stray cat.Notes and sources are available on the podcast episode webpage.

The first time the age of adulthood has been changed since the Meiji Era of the late 1800s.

Hilaria Baldwin is pregnant with her 7th baby with Alec Baldwin, ‘The Flash' actor Ezra Miller arrested at Hawaii karaoke bar, John Travolta and his son adopt the puppy from Betty White's Oscars tribute, ‘It' prequel series in the works at HBO Max, Japan to change age of adulthood for the first time since the Meiji Era of the late 1800s, the average Californian is prepared to gain 14 pounds in order to drink, a study in China says that women have smelly feet compared to men but the study was just trying to sell product, and a best man stole his best friends bride at his wedding! 

Today we look into the life of Higuchi Ichiyo. Her fascinating life, its hardships, and how she turned herself towards a career of writing; creating exceptional pieces which are now considered great examples of writing from the Meiji Era. ~~ Review us over on: Podchaser. Check out our growing database on Japanese History over at historyofjapan.co.uk Twitter: @japanarchives Instagram: @nexus_travels Facebook: @japanarchives ~~ Intro and Outro music Ocha by Harris Heller. ~~ Written by Thomas and Heather.

Molly Des Jardin is a language and computer nerd who came to study Japanese, and later book and media history of modern Japan. She quickly got sucked into both for the long term and enjoyed the 'B-kyu' adventures she got to have while working or studying in Fukuoka, Yokohama, and the least cool wards of Tokyo. Feel free to reach out with any questions or 悩み事 to howtojapanese@gmail.com. You can also follow How to Japanese on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Substack, and Facebook.

It's finally here! This month listen to Michelle's lungs lose control as Stephanie and her recap all we know about The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles before it released 7/27/2021. This is a no spoilers episode as we talk about characters, case names, gameplay, and what we know about the story.   -If you would like to hear about Meiji Era with our friend Komal check out Episode 46: The Meiji Era Lowdown -While the Investigations 2 stream has come to an end, you can watch our entire playthrough over here on YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ngTU_yUNH0O7lAtVGks3w

This week the ladies talk about the importance of spelling and rage against the technology! First, Emily covers Ichiyo Higuchi a Meiji Era writer who wasn't afraid to call out how Japan's rapid modernization was leaving a lot of people in the dust (particularly poor women.) Then, Kelley tells the story of Andrée de Jongh AKA  Dédée who, after being inspired by another woman's sacrifice in WWI, worked with the Belgian Resistance in WWII to smuggle Allied soldiers out of occupied territory. Grab your favorite heroine (WITH AN E) and lace up your walking shoes, because it's time to wine about herstory!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/winingaboutherstory/overview)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday visited the ruins of structures in Tokyo of a railway system that opened in the early part of the country's Meiji era ()削除.

Today we continue our journey through the story of the Japanese islandsThere are several specific topics that I would like to take a deeper dive into but I want to make sure that we have some basic ground covered before we get too deep into it.Throughout these 13 episodes, We will cover the entire span of Japanese history, from the early hunter-gatherers of the Jomon to the Newest Era, Reiwa. This will introduce the general outline of Japanese  history for those who are not familiar and will begin to contextualize famous events and people Music Credits: Opening: The Wind by Komiku Closing: Escaping_like_Indiana_Jones by Komiku

It's just another normal month with a spot of news. Join Stephanie and Michelle as we talk about the TEPPEN Ace Attorney cards, and oh right The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. We also summarize the 5th and final case of Investigations 2. Come join us and hear these great talking points:  they all have swords, covered in mustard, Lotta never left, boy in the boy box, and crimes per minute. -Link to the great tweet from @enemies2lawyers https://twitter.com/enemies2lawyers/status/1383926764498350081 -If you would like to hear about Meiji Era with our friend Komal check out Episode 46: The Meiji Era Lowdown -While the Investigations 2 stream has come to an end, you can watch our entire playthrough over here on YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ngTU_yUNH0O7lAtVGks3w  

[#175] Hold on to your Meiji Era's Mask as we talk about the Pokémon Diamond and Pearl remakes, Breath of the Pokémon Legends, the Grand Supreme Arceus of the West, more journeys through the world of Big Finish, and an update on the oft-prophesised Harry Potter D&D! Patreon: https://patreon.com/invisibletower YouTube: https://youtube.com/invisibletower Twitter: https://twitter.com/InvisibleTower Email: contact@invisibletower.net

The death of the Meiji Emperor, Mutsuhito, in 1912, officially ended the Meiji Era. His long reign oversaw Japan overthrow the Shogunate form of government, cast off the feudal system, and fend off foreign aggressors. Then began Japan's incredible, impressive, and quick rise to a world power with major implications in the first half of the 20th century.Japan's relationship with Korea perfectly exemplifies the Meiji's geo-political history and goals. It is important to grasp that if the Meiji Restoration is to be fully understood.A comparison is made between Japan's and China's response to foreign nation aggression toward them in the 19th century. The comparison provides a compelling story of these two great nations.

Tokugawa Japan underwent a isolationist period known as "Sakoku" (closed country) for 214 years. Yet how "isolated" was it truly? Here you will learn about when and how the first Europeans made contact with Japan. What the Shimbara Rebellion was, how the Tokugawa Shogunate operated and traded at Dejima with the Portuguese and Dutch. Which European nations tried to open up Japan. How Commodore Matthew C Perry eventually was the one to open Japan up and how Japan viewed the world during its Sakoku period.  What would occur after is the Meiji Revolution, the rapid modernization of Tokugawa Japan into the Meiji Era.

Welcome to the second season of my podcast. This season I want to delve into and answer the question that I have long wondered. Why did Japan respond and fare better than China to relentless, aggressive assaults in the 19th century from foreign (particularly Western) nations?To get there I talk about the Japanese Meiji Restoration including the Era that preceded it and greatly influenced the Meiji Era. I will also compare and contrast Japan's experience with modernization and foreign nation aggression to that of China's. I designed the podcast series to also be a stand alone history of the Meiji Restoration.The first few episodes I discuss the Edo Era (or Tokugawa Shogunate) that immediately preceded the Meiji Restoration.

An imaginary episode of Nan-In a Japanese Master during the Meiji Era, who receiveda University professor who had come to inquire about Zen with thoughts of how wisdom is a judicious study and application of several knowledge. The Podcast throws light...

When Japan faced Western colonization, its survival hinged on rapidly modernizing. A revolution on all fronts propelled the land of the rising sun into a completely different age. Say kon'nichiwa to the new empire on the block. Tip Jar Patreon: www.patreon.com/historynachos PayPal account: historynachos@gmail.com Social Media Parler: https://parler.com/profile/Historynachos/posts BitChute: https://www.bitchute.com/channel/oXAOyhIxsDRO/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/historynachos Twitter: twitter.com/historynachos Email: historynachos@gmail.com Music Credits Main Theme Song: The Storm (TheFatRat & Maisy Kay, produced by The Arcadium) Video Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDyElcvZ_Q0 Licensed Use Japan Overview Theme Song: Origin (TheFatRat) Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZIDNZh9U14 Licensed Use Meiji Revolution Theme Song: Envolope (TheFatRat) Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1AgdpwdGkk Licensed Use Samurai Rebellion Theme Song: Agni Kai - Epic Version (Samuel Kim) Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYX1XEVvvXU Licensed Use Transformation Theme Song: Envelope VIP (TheFatRat) Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOugsmFAeBE Licensed Use

In this episode I discuss the abolishment of the Samurai during Japan’s Meiji Era, including some of the events that led up to it.

Daisy Ye (19') interviews special guest, Mao Matsuo (19') about how events in the Meiji Era changed Japan's economy, society and politics. 

Peter Bemis joins us to talk about Way of the Samurai, a strange and forward-looking game from the early days of the PS2 era. As a wayward ronin in the Meiji Era, you stumble across a town that's in the middle of a power struggle. Two families are working against each other, unmindful of the bigger threat headed their way. This action/fighting game features multiple paths and endings, and it's meant to be played over and over again. Hear us work out the story and the structure, and talk about how it all comes together.

Michelle and Stephanie are joined by Komal who teaches us everything you ever wanted to know about the Meiji Era in Japan. Now we are all prepped for Dai Gyakuten Saiban. Hooray Context!!! Originally Published June 16, 2015

Eleni Psaltis presents Japan in Focus, a weekly program that takes a close look at significant political and social developments out of Japan and the region.

Eleni Psaltis presents Japan in Focus, a weekly program that takes a close look at significant political and social developments out of Japan and the region.

Author Janice Nimura joins us on today’s episode of Modern Notion Daily to talk about her latest book, Daughters of the Samurai: A Journey from East to West and Back (W. W. Norton & Co., May 2015). In the 1870s, Japan was in the midst of the Meiji Era—a time of great change, when the…

This week we'll be going through the basics of daily life for children, women, and men during the Meiji Period. How did the tremendous changes of the Meiji Era change the way people lived and worked? This week, we'll try to sketch an outline of an answer for that question, as we cover themes as varied as compulsory educations and fistfights over the rights of prostitutes! 

入学の季節にちなみ、今回は大学生活に欠かせない「図書館」の話題です。新入生の皆さんは、図書館での研究文献（research materials）の探し方や、オンライン図書目録（the online library catalogue）の使い方に、できるだけ早く慣れておきましょう。 なお、番組の最後では、広島大学の図書館にある英語学習用フロアの話が登場します。広島大学の皆さんは、西図書館３階にある「マルチメディアフロア外国語学習ブース」をぜひ活用してくださいね。 Download MP3 （14:28　8.3MB　初級～中級）*** Script *** F: Hey, James! Whatcha up to? M: Hey, Misato, not much. Just came to the library to do some research for a project. F: Really? What’s it on? M: We had to choose a time period from Japanese history to do research on, so I’m doing mine on the Meiji Era. F: Oh wow, sounds good. Have you found some good research materials? M: Not really, I tried looking at the online library catalogue, but couldn’t really find what I needed. It’s hard finding the right book, you know, plus I need to find a book that’s in English. F: Oh, if you like, I can help you search for some books. I’ve had to do a lot of reports for my classes, so I’m used to coming to the library to look up information. M: Really? Thanks! That’d be really helpful. F: No problem. When I went to America and tried to do research in a library there, I had a hard time. The library at the campus I was studying at was huge, and it probably would have taken me hours to find one book if someone hadn’t been there to help me. M: It’s a good thing there was somebody to help you. F: About how many books do you need? M: The teacher suggested having about four book sources, but I’d like to get six, just in case. F: OK, sounds good. I’ll start looking them up. Do you come to the library often? Or is this your first time? M: I’ve come here a few times before, but just to study. The library has a lot of nice quiet places to sit, so I can usually get a lot of studying done here. F: That’s true, I usually go to a cafe to study, but coming to the library is probably a better idea. Oh! Look here. I found some books that you can use for your report. They’re all specifically about the Meiji Era, so they should be perfect. M: Really!? Thank you so much! F: No problem. Hey, I’ll help you go find the right shelves as well. (Written by Kimberly Cantrell)

入学の季節にちなみ、今回は大学生活に欠かせない「図書館」の話題です。新入生の皆さんは、図書館での研究文献（research materials）の探し方や、オンライン図書目録（the online library catalogue）の使い方に、できるだけ早く慣れておきましょう。 なお、番組の最後では、広島大学の図書館にある英語学習用フロアの話が登場します。広島大学の皆さんは、西図書館３階にある「マルチメディアフロア外国語学習ブース」をぜひ活用してくださいね。 Download MP3 （14:28　8.3MB　初級～中級）*** Script *** F: Hey, James! Whatcha up to? M: Hey, Misato, not much. Just came to the library to do some research for a project. F: Really? What’s it on? M: We had to choose a time period from Japanese history to do research on, so I’m doing mine on the Meiji Era. F: Oh wow, sounds good. Have you found some good research materials? M: Not really, I tried looking at the online library catalogue, but couldn’t really find what I needed. It’s hard finding the right book, you know, plus I need to find a book that’s in English. F: Oh, if you like, I can help you search for some books. I’ve had to do a lot of reports for my classes, so I’m used to coming to the library to look up information. M: Really? Thanks! That’d be really helpful. F: No problem. When I went to America and tried to do research in a library there, I had a hard time. The library at the campus I was studying at was huge, and it probably would have taken me hours to find one book if someone hadn’t been there to help me. M: It’s a good thing there was somebody to help you. F: About how many books do you need? M: The teacher suggested having about four book sources, but I’d like to get six, just in case. F: OK, sounds good. I’ll start looking them up. Do you come to the library often? Or is this your first time? M: I’ve come here a few times before, but just to study. The library has a lot of nice quiet places to sit, so I can usually get a lot of studying done here. F: That’s true, I usually go to a cafe to study, but coming to the library is probably a better idea. Oh! Look here. I found some books that you can use for your report. They’re all specifically about the Meiji Era, so they should be perfect. M: Really!? Thank you so much! F: No problem. Hey, I’ll help you go find the right shelves as well. (Written by Kimberly Cantrell)