On July 5, 2026, the Kan’ei Culture Lecture, “The Kan’ei Gyoko (Imperial Visit by the Emperor) as Seen by the Dutch,” was held by the Kan’ei Gyoko 400th Anniversary Executive Committee, in cooperation with Living History KYOTO. The venue was the Main Hall of the Kyoto Institute, Library and Archives (Rekisaikan), Kyoto Prefectural Library and Archives for Education and Culture.
The lecture was delivered by Professor Frederik Cryns of the International Research Center for Japanese Studies (Nichibunken). Drawing on the diary of Conrad Cramer, Senior Merchant of the Dutch East India Company, Professor Cryns explored Cramer’s observations of the Kan’ei Gyoko and discussed the relationship between Japan and the Netherlands during the early Edo period.
The lecture began by examining historical sources such as the Kan’ei Gyoko-ki (Chronicle of the Kan’ei Gyoko) to explore the nature and significance of the Kan’ei Gyoko. It then traced, through the diary of the Dutch merchant Conrad Cramer, why he came to stay in Kyoto and how he came to witness the Kan’ei Gyoko. Finally, the lecture explained how his account of the event was subsequently conveyed to audiences in Europe.
As participants examined the folding screens and illustrated handscrolls depicting the event, they were invited to imagine the grandeur of the Kan’ei Gyoko procession and the scenes that unfolded nearly four centuries ago.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Professor Frederik Cryns for his insightful lecture, and to everyone who attended the event.
Photograph: Masaki Hashimoto
