GALLERY 5

This gallery, which focuses on the period from the beginning of modernization in the second half of the nineteenth century to 1920, treats three themes: "Promotion of Civilization", "Industrialization and Development", and "the Age of Urban Masses". Displays show how the concept of "civilization and enlightenment" was advanced by both the Meiji government and the common populace, and how silk reeling industries and steel manufacturing increased production and industrialization. They also present such topics as wealth and military strength, the reclamation of Hokkaido, and the life of Ainu people. Other displays examine the horrors of the Great Kanto Earthquake (September 1, 1923), and consumerism as seen from a woman's point of view. Silent movies can be viewed at the mini theatre.

The reform movement for "civilization and enlightenment" which called for adoption of Western civilization was the government's ambitious attempt to transform Japan into a modern society. One unexpected outcome of this movement was that it awakened in commoners a desire to obtain freedom and rights for themselves.


Blossoming kaleidoscope	A Yamaba organ made in Japan in 1890 (Meiji 23)
This installation uses twenty-four television monitors to show how aspects of commoners' lives greatly changed by the adoption of Western civilization and how some aspects hardly changed at all.	The tradition of singing songs at school developed hand-in-hand with the popularization of the organ. Visitors can hear recorded organ music in this section of the gallery.

The Meiji government adopted a number of modernization policies. This display introduces the development of government policies for transportation maintenance, silk production and international trade, the beginning of steel manufacturing, the development of Hokkaido, and the suffering this development caused the Ainu people.

	Silk and international trade
	The silk industry was the main industry earning foreign currencies during the period between the Meiji era (1868-1911) and pre-World War years. This installation presents the various stages of silk production from silkworm farming to the export of finished products as viewed from the eye of a female employee.

Urbanization and commercial activity increased after the Meiji government's promotion of rapid modernization. During the 1920s, the population of Tokyo reached over 3 million. The Great Kanto Earthquake which flattened Tokyo and its suburbs in 1923 exposed long neglected needs in the areas of population, housing and transportation administration. At this corner, one can learn about the problems created by the Great Earthquake, as well as the consumerism and popular entertainment generated by the new capitalist economy.


Cultural residences	Life-size reproductions of streets in Asakusa (downtown Tokyo)	Cafe Ultra
This display recreates a kitchen and living room from the Dojunkai apartment houses which were built for the middle class population after the Great Kanto Earthquake.	Popular entertainment during the Taisho period (1912-1925) was dominated by the silent movie. The movie theater on the left side of the street features four movies.	This cabaret which was located on a narrow street corner of Asakusa facing the movie theater is thought to be where modern Japanese popular entertainment all began.