Kanaya c. 1840 - 1842

Utagawa Hiroshige created this woodblock print, Kanaya, as part of the series Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō. This work captures a bustling scene of laborers and travelers crossing the Ōi River, one of the most treacherous crossings along the Tōkaidō road. The print provides insight into the socio-economic dynamics of 19th-century Japan. The bare-chested laborers, contrasted with the clothed travelers, highlight class distinctions and the physical demands placed on the working class. The print depicts a moment in time that emphasizes the labor necessary to facilitate travel and commerce. The travelers are carried on litters and the print underscores the dependence on human labor. The composition invites us to reflect on themes of movement and transition. It reminds us of the interconnectedness of people and places. The dynamic energy of the scene evokes a sense of shared experience, despite the inherent social divisions.