Kuwana 

Utagawa Hiroshige’s ‘Kuwana’ is a woodblock print from the series ‘Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō’, and it offers a glimpse into the social and economic life of 19th-century Japan. The image depicts the port town of Kuwana, a key stop on the Tōkaidō road connecting Edo, now Tokyo, with Kyoto. The road was not only a physical route, but also a vital artery for the flow of commerce, culture, and political power in Japan. Hiroshige’s focus on the boats hints at the economic importance of Kuwana as a maritime hub. The presence of what looks to be Kuwana Castle looming in the background, suggests the role of powerful feudal lords in controlling these trading routes. This print, therefore, reflects the complex interplay between geography, commerce, and social hierarchy in shaping everyday life in Japan. By studying travel guides, government records, and local histories, we can further understand how prints like this served as both records and representations of a rapidly changing society.