Exploring the Glimpse into the World: Edo Period Knowledge Exhibition

The National Archives of Japan, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, is currently hosting the second exhibition of the fiscal year 2023, titled "A Glimpse into the World: Foreign Knowledge during the Edo Period." This exciting exhibit runs from October 11 to December 7, 2023. It sheds light on how international relationships were managed during the Edo period, limiting foreign contacts to just four locations: Nagasaki, Tsushima, Satsuma, and Matsumae.

Under the leadership of the 8th shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune, restrictions on imported books were relaxed, allowing a flood of new knowledge from overseas to permeate Japan. So, how did the people of the Edo period embrace this foreign knowledge? The exhibition showcases various materials from the Cabinet Library, focusing on foreign envoys and imported literature that arrived in Japan in the 18th century, along with works from prominent cultural figures of the era who engaged in overseas study.

Event Highlights

Exhibition Commentary Session

On November 17, 2023, the exhibition's curator will conduct a commentary session. This popular event has consistently garnered positive feedback in the past, with attendees discovering new insights into the displays after hearing the curator's explanations. Due to limited capacity, early registration is recommended.

Educational Learning Sheets

Visitors can also pick up Learning Sheets at the entrance of the exhibition. These sheets include engaging activities designed to highlight key points of the exhibition while solving problems. With helpful indicators provided for reference materials, families are encouraged to pick up a Learning Sheet to enhance their experience together.

Display Rotation

To preserve historical materials, certain items will undergo display rotations throughout the exhibition. Notable pieces include the important cultural property, "Hōei Nanen Tora Jūichi Gatsu Jūhachi Nichi Ryūkyū Nakayama Ō Kō no Shikan no Kiri", depicting the procession of Ryukyu envoys visiting Edo Castle, and "Kita-iki Bunkai Yawa", a work based on the investigations of Kiki Mamiya concerning Karafuto, which is also designated as an important cultural property.

Make sure to visit the exhibition multiple times to witness the changing scenes depicted in these historical documents.

Video Presentation on "Kita-iki Bunkai Yawa"

In the central monitor of the exhibition hall, a video presentation introduces "Kita-iki Bunkai Yawa." This informative video covers all aspects of the exhibition, so those who might have missed earlier displays can catch up through this resource.

Participation in Tokyo Cultural Asset Week 2025

This exhibition is also part of the Tokyo Cultural Asset Week 2025, sponsored by the Tokyo Metropolitan Education Committee. Throughout the venue, visitors can obtain cultural asset cards for the nationally designated important cultural properties, including "Kita-iki Bunkai Yawa" and "Goshomokata Nikki," the archival records managed by the Book Commissioner responsible for the library at Kōzankai, the shogun's library.

Additionally, the National Archives will serve as a location for the Tokyo Cultural Asset Digital Stamp Rally, encouraging patrons to visit associated institutions. Please note that the Digital Stamp Rally runs until November 30, 2023.

Exhibition Details

- Title: "A Glimpse into the World: Foreign Knowledge during the Edo Period"
- Cooperation: Chiyoda Ku Tourism Association
- Exhibition Period: October 11 – December 7, 2023
- Closed on: November 16, 23, 24
- Location: 1st Floor Exhibition Hall, National Archives of Japan, 3-2 Kitano-Maru Park, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-0091
- Access: 5-minute walk from Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line (Exit 1b)
- Operating Hours: 9:15 AM – 5:00 PM
- Official Website: National Archives of Japan
- Tokyo Cultural Asset Week Info: Tokyo Metropolitan Government