Tsukuba Mountain Seen from Sakura River at Hitachi 1897

Kobayashi Kiyochika created this woodblock print, "Tsukuba Mountain Seen from Sakura River at Hitachi," during the Meiji era, a period of rapid modernization and Westernization in Japan. Kiyochika, often called "the last ukiyo-e master," uniquely captured the changing Japanese landscape. The print depicts a serene scene with Tsukuba Mountain in the background, a humble bridge over the Sakura River, and figures traversing the path. Kiyochika’s work reflects the tensions between tradition and modernity. The bare feet of the figure in the foreground serve as a reminder of older ways of being, in contrast to the increasing mechanization of Japan. Kiyochika, reflecting on his work, once stated, "I do not paint old things, but the new Japan." This image captures not just a landscape, but a moment of cultural transition. It invites us to contemplate how progress impacts our connection to the land. This print serves as a reflection on identity, heritage, and the emotional weight of change.