Actor Sakata Hangorō AS A WRESTLER 

Editor: This is "Actor Sakata Hangorō as a Wrestler" by Katsukawa Shunko. I’m really struck by how this print captures the intensity of Kabuki theater. What can you tell me about the role of Kabuki actors in Japanese society at the time? Curator: Kabuki was often a space for expressing social commentary and challenging authority, despite restrictions imposed by the ruling class. Prints like this one served as a vital form of publicity and even a form of celebrity endorsement, reflecting the immense popularity of Kabuki actors. Editor: That makes sense. So, it's more than just documentation; it's participating in a cultural moment. Curator: Exactly. These images helped shape public perception and fueled the actors' fame, which, in turn, could translate into social influence. Editor: That gives me a whole new perspective on these prints. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Seeing art in its historical and social context always adds another layer of appreciation.