Glossary

10.1 Taishō democracy and its impact on the arts

3 min read•july 24, 2024

The Taishō period brought major changes to Japan's political and social landscape. Democracy expanded, urbanization accelerated, and Western influences grew stronger. These shifts sparked new artistic movements and styles, from painting to the Mingei folk art revival.

Artists played a crucial role in shaping Taishō-era discourse. Literary circles, art societies, and café culture fostered intellectual exchange. New art forms emerged, blending Japanese traditions with Western techniques. This period of experimentation laid the groundwork for modern Japanese art and architecture.

Political and Social Changes in Taishō Japan

Political and social changes in Taishō period

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  • (1912-1926) ushered in more democratic governance expanded suffrage and fostered growth of political parties (Rikken Seiyūkai, Kenseikai)
  • Urbanization and industrialization spurred rural to urban migration led to rise of middle class and birthed new consumer culture (department stores, cafes)
  • Westernization and cultural exchange increased exposure to Western ideas and art prompted adoption of Western fashion and lifestyle (suits, ballroom dancing)
  • Social movements gained momentum with labor rights activism and women's rights movement (Universal Male Suffrage Law 1925, New Women movement)
  • Impact on artistic expression granted greater freedom allowed exploration of individual identity in art and enabled critique of social issues through artwork

New artistic styles of Taishō democracy

  • Yōga (Western-style painting) adopted oil painting techniques featured realistic portraiture and landscapes (, )
  • (Japanese-style painting) modernized traditional techniques incorporated Western elements (, )
  • (New Prints) revived ukiyo-e with modern sensibilities fostered collaboration between artists, carvers, and printers (, )
  • (Creative Prints) emphasized artist as sole creator of prints focused on individual expression (, )
  • Mingei (Folk Art) Movement appreciated everyday crafts promoted traditional Japanese aesthetics (, )

Artistic and Intellectual Developments

Artists' role in Taishō discourse

  • Literary circles and magazines like Shirakaba (White Birch) group promoted individualism and humanism (, )
  • Art societies and exhibitions such as Nika-kai (Second Section Society) provided platform for avant-garde artists (, )
  • Café culture created gathering spaces for intellectuals and artists facilitated exchange of ideas and political discussions (Café Paulista, Café Lion)
  • Social critique through art depicted urban life and social issues commented on industrialization and modernization (, )
  • Cross-cultural exchange saw Japanese artists studying abroad and foreign artists and intellectuals in Japan ( in Paris, in Japan)

Impact of democracy on Japanese art

  • Architectural innovations synthesized Japanese and Western styles developed modern urban planning (, )
  • New art institutions established art schools and museums increased government support for arts education (, )
  • Experimentation in traditional arts modernized ceramics and textiles innovated theatrical forms like Kabuki (Kitaōji Rosanjin, Ichikawa Sadanji II)
  • Emergence of avant-garde movements adapted Futurism and Expressionism to Japanese context developed abstract art (, Yorozu Tetsugorō)
  • Democratization of art increased accessibility to public fostered rise of art criticism and art journalism (, )

Key Terms to Review (31)

Bruno Taut: Bruno Taut was a prominent German architect and a leading figure in the early 20th-century modern architecture movement, known for his innovative designs and theories that emphasized light, color, and social housing. His work is closely associated with the principles of expressionism and the pursuit of functional beauty during the Taishō period in Japan, which saw a democratization of art and architecture reflecting broader societal changes.
Foujita tsuguharu: Foujita Tsuguharu was a prominent Japanese painter and printmaker active in the early to mid-20th century, renowned for his unique fusion of traditional Japanese and Western artistic styles. His work embodies the spirit of the Taishō era, which was marked by a wave of democratization and cultural exchange, leading to the rise of new artistic movements and greater freedom of expression in the arts.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Imperial Hotel: Frank Lloyd Wright's Imperial Hotel, built between 1919 and 1923 in Tokyo, was a groundbreaking architectural marvel that blended traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design principles. This hotel became a symbol of the Taishō era's embrace of new ideas in art and architecture, reflecting the changing cultural landscape in Japan during a time of political and social transformation.
Fujishima Takeji: Fujishima Takeji was a prominent Japanese painter known for his contributions to the Yōga movement, which embraced Western painting techniques and styles during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work exemplified the blending of traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western artistic practices, playing a crucial role in the ongoing debate between Nihonga and Yōga. Fujishima's artistry reflects a pivotal moment in Japanese art history as the country sought to modernize while preserving its cultural identity.
Hamada shōji: Hamada Shōji was a prominent Japanese ceramic artist known for his innovative contributions to the Mingei (folk art) movement during the Taishō period. His work emphasized the beauty of traditional crafts while integrating modern artistic sensibilities, reflecting the broader social and political changes occurring in Japan at the time. Hamada's ceramics were celebrated for their aesthetic qualities, craftsmanship, and ability to connect with everyday life, making him a key figure in the transformation of Japanese art during this era.
Itō shinsui: Itō Shinsui was a prominent Japanese ukiyo-e artist known for his innovative approaches to printmaking during the early 20th century. He played a significant role in the shin-hanga movement, which aimed to revive traditional woodblock printing techniques while incorporating modern themes and styles, reflecting the social and political changes of the Taishō era.
Kawase hasui: Kawase Hasui was a prominent Japanese printmaker known for his landscape woodblock prints during the early 20th century, particularly within the shin-hanga movement. His works beautifully blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western artistic influences, capturing serene and evocative scenes of Japan's natural beauty, architecture, and seasonal changes. Hasui’s prints reflect the cultural and artistic developments of the Taishō period, showcasing the increased appreciation for individual expression in art during a time of political and social transformation.
Kinoshita mokutarō: Kinoshita Mokutarō was a prominent Japanese novelist and playwright during the Taishō era, known for his modernist approach and exploration of social issues through his works. His literary contributions reflect the changes in Japanese society, especially regarding individualism and democracy, aligning with the cultural shifts of the Taishō period, which encouraged artistic experimentation and expression.
Kishida ryūsei: Kishida Ryūsei was a prominent Japanese painter and printmaker, known for his unique blending of Western styles and traditional Japanese techniques during the early 20th century. His work reflects the cultural and artistic shifts of the Taishō era, a time characterized by increased democratic movements and a flourishing of the arts in Japan.
Kuroda seiki: Kuroda Seiki was a pivotal figure in the transition of Japanese art during the Meiji period, known for his role in introducing Western-style painting (Yōga) into Japan. His work blended traditional Japanese aesthetics with Western techniques, leading to a new art movement that sought to modernize Japanese art while retaining its cultural identity. Kuroda is often seen as a bridge between the traditional Nihonga style and the Western influences that permeated Japan's artistic landscape.
Mavo Group: The Mavo Group was an avant-garde collective of artists and intellectuals active during the Taishō era in Japan, primarily known for their radical approach to art that emphasized modernity and social issues. This group sought to break away from traditional artistic conventions and explored new forms of expression, reflecting the democratic and liberal currents that characterized the Taishō period.
Mingei movement: The mingei movement, or 'people's crafts' movement, emerged in Japan during the early 20th century, promoting the appreciation and preservation of traditional folk arts and crafts. It sought to elevate everyday objects made by unknown artisans, highlighting their beauty and functional quality as a response to the rapid industrialization and Western influence of the time. The movement emphasized the importance of craftsmanship, simplicity, and a connection to Japanese culture and rural life.
Munakata shikō: Munakata shikō is a Japanese woodblock printing technique developed by the artist Munakata Shiko in the 20th century, characterized by its bold colors, dynamic compositions, and integration of traditional and modern elements. This technique emerged during a time when artists sought to express their individuality and respond to the changing political and cultural landscape of Japan, particularly during the Taishō era, which was marked by a push for democracy and modernization.
Mushanokōji saneatsu: Mushanokōji Saneatsu was a prominent Japanese novelist and playwright active during the Taishō period, known for his advocacy of individualism and social reform in literature. His work reflects the shifting cultural landscape of Japan during this era, highlighting themes of personal freedom and the exploration of human emotions, which resonated deeply with the ideals of Taishō democracy. He is often associated with the 'Shirakaba' literary movement that sought to create art that emphasized personal expression and self-exploration.
Nakamura fusetsu: Nakamura Fusetsu was a prominent Japanese painter known for his contributions to the Nihonga style during the Taishō period. He blended traditional Japanese painting techniques with Western influences, creating works that captured the essence of modernity while still respecting classical themes and aesthetics. His work reflects the broader cultural shifts of the time, emphasizing individual expression and innovation in the arts.
Nihonga: Nihonga is a traditional Japanese painting style that emerged in the late 19th century, characterized by the use of natural materials and techniques derived from classical Japanese art. This style seeks to preserve and celebrate Japanese cultural identity while incorporating some Western influences, setting it apart from other forms of painting.
Onchi kōshirō: Onchi Kōshirō was a prominent Japanese printmaker and painter known for his innovative contributions to the Shin-hanga movement, which sought to modernize traditional ukiyo-e woodblock printing techniques. He played a vital role in bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary art in Japan during the early 20th century, especially during the Taishō period when democracy and liberalism began to influence various aspects of society, including the arts.
Shiga Naoya: Shiga Naoya was a prominent Japanese author and critic, known for his influence in literature during the Taishō period. His works often reflected the themes of individualism and existential struggle, resonating with the cultural shifts and democratic ideals of the time. Shiga's unique narrative style and deep psychological insight contributed significantly to modern Japanese literature, making him a key figure in understanding the impact of Taishō democracy on the arts.
Shin-hanga: Shin-hanga, meaning 'new prints', is a Japanese art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, blending traditional ukiyo-e techniques with Western artistic influences. This movement sought to revitalize the art of woodblock printing and focused on modern themes, representing landscapes, beautiful women, and scenes of daily life, while emphasizing the artist's vision and individual style.
Sōsaku-hanga: Sōsaku-hanga, or 'creative prints,' is a Japanese art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by artists taking full control of the printmaking process, from conception to execution. This movement represents a significant departure from traditional ukiyo-e prints, which relied on a division of labor among multiple artisans. Sōsaku-hanga artists sought to express their individual artistic vision and emphasized personal creativity over commercial production.
Taishō Democracy: Taishō Democracy refers to the period of Japanese history between 1912 and 1926 when there was a significant push towards democratization and political liberalization. This era was characterized by the rise of political parties, increased civil liberties, and greater participation of citizens in politics, which in turn had a profound impact on the arts, fostering creativity and new cultural expressions that reflected contemporary social issues.
Takamura Kōtarō: Takamura Kōtarō was a prominent Japanese poet and sculptor active during the Taishō era, known for his unique blend of Western artistic influences and traditional Japanese aesthetics. His work is often characterized by an exploration of personal themes and a deep engagement with nature, reflecting the broader cultural shifts of the time. As a leading figure in the arts, he played a significant role in the development of modern Japanese art, connecting it with the principles of Taishō democracy.
Takehisa Yumeji: Takehisa Yumeji was a prominent Japanese artist and illustrator known for his unique blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and modern influences during the Taishō period. His work is characterized by its romantic themes and the depiction of beautiful women, often set against dreamy backgrounds, reflecting the cultural shifts of the time. Yumeji played a significant role in the development of modern art in Japan, intertwining Western and Japanese styles in a way that resonated with the emerging sense of identity during this transformative era.
Tange Kenzō: Tange Kenzō was a prominent Japanese architect known for his innovative designs that blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern architectural practices. His work reflects a unique fusion of cultural heritage and contemporary thought, particularly during the post-war era in Japan, where he contributed significantly to the development of modern architecture in a rapidly changing society.
Tokyo National Museum: The Tokyo National Museum is Japan's oldest and largest museum, established in 1872, showcasing an extensive collection of art and artifacts that represent the country's rich cultural heritage. It plays a significant role in preserving and exhibiting traditional Japanese art, including Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, while also engaging with contemporary discussions around Nihonga and Yōga styles amidst the broader context of Taishō democracy.
Tokyo School of Fine Arts: The Tokyo School of Fine Arts, established in 1889, was a pivotal institution in shaping modern Japanese art by merging traditional Japanese techniques with Western artistic methods. This school played a significant role in the development of Yōga (Western-style painting) while also influencing the ongoing debate between Nihonga (traditional Japanese painting) and Yōga, reflecting broader cultural shifts in Japan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Uemura shōen: Uemura Shōen was a prominent Japanese artist known for her contributions to the Nihonga style, which blends traditional Japanese painting techniques with modern themes. She was celebrated for her depictions of women, particularly in the context of Japan's shifting cultural landscape during the Taishō period, a time marked by increased individualism and democratic ideals. Shōen's work reflects both her artistic skill and the broader social changes occurring in Japan as women began to gain more visibility and agency in society.
Yanagi sōetsu: Yanagi Sōetsu was a Japanese philosopher, folk art critic, and the founder of the Mingei movement in the early 20th century, which sought to promote the appreciation of traditional crafts and the beauty of everyday objects. His work emerged during the Taishō democracy period, a time when Japan experienced significant social and political changes that influenced artistic expression. Sōetsu emphasized the importance of craftsmanship, simplicity, and the connection between art and life, advocating for a return to traditional Japanese aesthetics amidst the rapid modernization of society.
Yōga: Yōga refers to Western-style painting that was introduced to Japan during the Meiji period, characterized by the use of oil paints and perspective techniques derived from European art traditions. This movement represented a significant shift in Japanese art, blending traditional aesthetics with modern Western influences, and sparking debates about the direction of Japanese artistic identity.
Yokoyama Taikan: Yokoyama Taikan was a prominent Japanese painter who played a key role in the development of Nihonga, a traditional style of Japanese painting that incorporates modern techniques while retaining classical themes. He is known for his innovative approach to combining Western oil painting techniques with traditional Japanese aesthetics, making significant contributions to the evolution of Japanese art during the Meiji and Taishō periods.
Yorozu tetsugorō: Yorozu tetsugorō refers to a prominent Japanese artist and sculptor active during the Taishō era, known for his innovative approaches to art and his engagement with the themes of modernity and social issues. His work reflects the spirit of Taishō democracy, which encouraged artistic freedom and experimentation, allowing artists like him to express individual thoughts and critiques on society through their art. As a result, yorozu tetsugorō played a significant role in the evolution of modern Japanese art.
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