April 2013 Archives

Dear Sir/Madame,

Hello from Akiko Yamada of Shukado.

First of all, there is a holideay notice.
In Japan there are national holidays in the end of April and in the beginning of May.
We are afraid that we are closing from 28th April to 6th May.
For those who inquire by e-mail or phone, we will give you a reply after 7th May.
Thank you for your understanding.

By the way, we call the holidays "golden week" and one of the best chances of enjoying travel.
Today I introduce good place for one day trip from Tokyo, Japan.
That is Hakone where it takes 1 hour and a half by train.
It is famous for its' beautiful view and hot springs.
You can enjoy gorges and mountains clothed in verdure from cable car.
Please check this site.
http://www.hakone.or.jp/english/index.html

There is a local specialty in Hakone.
They are boiled eggs but they are not just boiled eggs.
They are black boiled eggs!
http://www.owakudani.com/kurotamago/secret.html
Black boiled eggs are made by chemical reaction of hot spring.

Hakone also is famous for its' view of Mt. Fuji.
The views were depicted as many Ukiyo-e.
http://www.hakone.or.jp/english/alacarte/ukiyoe.html

If you have a chance, please visit Hakone!

Sincerely yours,
Akiko Yamada

Hello from Akiko Yamada of Shukado.

Today I will write about the Grand Opening of the Kabukiza Theatre on April 2.
Have you ever seen Kabuki?
Kabuki is Japanese traditional play featuring gorgeous costumes, exaggerate movements and outstanding makeup.
You can check the makeup in those Ukiyo-e,

http://www.japanese-finearts.com/item/list2/A1-88-019-06/Toyokuni-III-/-Kunisada/Famous-Views-of-Edo--Shibuya?
http://jp.japanese-finearts.com/item/list2/A1-88-019-08/Toyokuni-III-/-Kunisada/Famous-Views-of-Edo--Shirogane

It originated in early Edo period.
Kabuki has the tradition of male actors playing female roles.
Here is Ukiyo-e depicting male actors playing female roles.
http://www.japanese-finearts.com/item/list2/A1-88-019-04/Toyokuni-III-/-Kunisada/Famous-Views-of-Edo-Oshichi?
http://www.japanese-finearts.com/item/list2/A1-87-260/Kunichika/Kunichika--Sumidagawa-Hana-no-Gosyozome-

If you are interested in Kabuki, please check this Kabukiza web site.
http://www.kabuki-bito.jp/eng/top.html

The main theater of Kabuki is the Kabukiza Theater is located in Ginza Area in Tokyo.
It has been under reconstruction from 2010 April because of its aging.
At last the rebuilt and reborn Kabukiza Theatre in Tokyo's Ginza district will be unveiled to public tomorrow.

In conjunction with the renewal of the Kabukiza Theatre, we, Shukado will hold the exhibition of Yakusha-e.
In Edo period, Kabuki actors were a kind of celebrities,
And Yakusha-e (Ukiyo-e depicting Kabuki actors) were very popular as magazines or posters featuring Kabuki actors.

The exhibition of Yakusha-e 

DATE: April 2 to April 9
Venue: Gallery Shukado 
Monday to Saturday:10:00-18:00
Sunday:11:00-18:00
Sone bld.7F, 6-4-8 Ginza Chuo-ku Tokyo, Japan 104-0061
TEL:+81-3-3569-3620
Free of Charge

We are looking forward to your visit!

Sincerely yours,
Akiko Yamada