Actor Nakamura Kumetaro II as Minato, the Wife of Yura Hyogonosuke 1795

This woodblock print of Actor Nakamura Kumetaro II as Minato, the Wife of Yura Hyogonosuke, was created by Tōshūsai Sharaku in Japan. Sharaku emerged during the Kansei era, when the merchant classes were asserting themselves through the theater and pleasure districts of Edo. Prints like these were affordable and widely circulated, fueling a celebrity culture around Kabuki actors. This particular print exemplifies Sharaku’s signature style, capturing the actor in a moment of heightened emotion. But beyond the surface, these prints offer insight into the rigid social hierarchy of Japan. Actors, despite their popularity, were considered outcasts. Sharaku's prints, with their unflinching realism, reflect this tension, challenging idealized portrayals. To fully appreciate Sharaku, we can delve into the cultural landscape of Edo Japan, examining playbills, censorship records, and the writings of contemporary critics. These sources reveal the complex interplay between art, commerce, and social commentary.