When Tokugawa Iemochi’s fiancé died in 1861, the shogunate needed another member of the Imperial Court to be the heir apparent’s lawfully wedded wife. Princess Kazu was selected. However she was already betrothed to another prince, and declined the proposal. Under immense pressure, her father, the emperor, said he would give his daughter’s hand if the shogunate ended relations with the US and return to Japan’s isolationist policy. Kazu was still reticent. In return, the shogunate threatened to force abdication upon the emperor and the nunnery upon Kazu. So she got married.
Her relationship with her mother-in-law, Tensho-in, was frigid to say the least. Against all odds, the marriage was a happy one, however brief. Both Kazu and Tensho-in found themselves widows at a young age, and joined forces as the voices of reason within the walls of Edo Castle. With the last shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu in voluntary confinement, it was these two strong women who negotiated the peaceful surrender of Edo Castle that ushered in the Meiji Restoration. Accessories and artifacts of both Princess Kazu and Tensho-in are among the treasures now on display at the Edo-Tokyo Museum.
Celebrating Spring: The Grace of the Tokugawa Shoguns
Japan’s original samurai clan celebrated the arrival of spring just like we did – drinking underneath the nearest cherry tree. In addition to an original portrait of Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa shogun, this rare exhibit includes the family’s hina dolls, delicate silverwork, illustrated song cards, kimono, embroidery and more.
Hokusai Updated
Japan’s legendary woodblock print artist Katsushika Hokusai moved from apartment to apartment within Tokyo 93 times. Every time his abode filled with trash, rather than clean, he simply found a new home. Marie Kondo would have a breakdown. The illustrious hoarder also produced thousands and thousands of prints, and this is the last chance to see this massive (and pristine) collection in Tokyo before it packs up and moves to Shimane Prefecture.
Super Skytree Disco
This is the real reason they built the Skytree. Every Friday night through March, the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck 350 becomes everything you wanted – a sparkling disco revival in the sky.
Psycho-Pass x Joypolis
The cyberpunk crime and mystery anime series Psycho-Pass takes over the Odaiba amusement park to celebrate the release of the latest movie installment, Psycho-Pass: Sinners of the System.
Far East Indies Presents… La Musica 3
Discover Tokyo’s up-and-coming artists, including SUKISHA, a Hachioji-based electro pop producer and noted songwriter.
Cyber Duchamp
Inspired by the works of French artist Marcel Duchamp, artist Louis Terai investigates the idea of authorship, ownership and art production in the digital age in his new series of paintings.
Perfect Liars Club Tokyo – New Year Cheer Edition
The Tokyo edition of the smash hit comedy storytelling-interrogation show continues to deliver a hilarious and wildly entertaining monthly show at Good Heavens Bar.
Live From The Kitchen Disco Volume 56
The Kitchen Disco comes kicking and screaming into 2019 with a five eclectic musical experiences wrapped up in one thrilling show.
