Odawara 1855

This woodblock print, titled "Odawara," was created by Utagawa Hiroshige, who died in 1858. It's part of a larger series of prints depicting scenes along the Tokaido Road. This road was the main route connecting Edo, modern Tokyo, with Kyoto. Hiroshige’s images are interesting for their depiction of everyday life and travel in Japan. This print shows a coastal view of Odawara, a post station along the route, with travelers pulling a rope stretched between two trees. These figures are an interesting comment on social structure of the time. What could pulling a rope between two trees mean? Is it a game or some sort of activity? The boats on the water and thatched-roof buildings create a peaceful scene. As a historian, I’m interested in how this image reflects the social conditions of the time. Archival research into travel logs and government records would help understand the economic importance of the Tokaido Road, the social dynamics of travel, and the cultural values associated with nature and landscape.