Procession of a RyÅ«kyÅ«an Ambassador 

Curator: Looking at this print, "Procession of a Ryukyuan Ambassador" by Hokusai, you can practically feel the weight of history. Editor: Yes, but more than history, it feels like a slightly awkward street play. Everyone seems so earnest but also a little uncomfortable, don't you think? Curator: That "awkwardness" might stem from the highly structured political theatre of such processions. Ryukyu, as a tributary state, had to perform this role of ambassadorial visit. Editor: Perform is the perfect word. It's the formality, the staged quality that strikes me. They’re caught between worlds, and it shows. I feel for them. Curator: Hokusai, whether intentionally or not, captures that liminal space beautifully. It's not just a record, it’s a nuanced social commentary on power dynamics. Editor: Absolutely, it gives me a lot to think about, how we put on these shows, still to this day. Curator: Precisely, and that enduring relevance is what makes Hokusai's work so fascinating. Editor: A beautiful dance of cultures caught in a moment.