Spring Night, Ginza (Haru no yoru, Ginza), 1934
(printed between 1946-1957)

Color woodblock print

15 3/16 x 10 5/16 inches (38.6 x 26.2 cm)

Philadelphia Museum of Art, Bequest of
Warren H. and Mary I. Watanabe, 2001  

2001-138-18

Kasamatsu Shirō’s print presents a spring night in the Ginza district in 1930s Tokyo. Depicting its high-rise buildings and clientele wearing Western-style clothing, Kasamatsu captured the neighborhood’s modern atmosphere. The large sign at the center reads “Azuma Odori,” advertising the traditional geisha dance being performed nearby. At the same time, the artist lends the scene a poetic air, setting it against the blue night sky, with budding willow trees beside a quiet sushi stall.

Haeyoon Chang