Event Report: Opening Commemorative Lecture for the 400th Anniversary of the Kan’ei Gyoko — “Forms of Beauty and Space: The Era of Kan’ei” Held Successfully

On April 19, 2026, the Opening Commemorative Lecture for the 400th Anniversary of the Kan’ei Gyoko, titled “Forms of Beauty and Space: The Era of Kan’ei,” was held. The event was organized by the Executive Committee for the 400th Anniversary of the Kan’ei Gyoko and co-hosted by Living History KYOTO.

The speakers were Mr. Shibahashi Daisuke, Chief Curator of the Suntory Museum of Art, and Mr. Shima Mitsuru, a model reconstruction artist.

he first session featured a lecture by Mr. Shibahashi, titled “Elegance of the Kan’ei Era: The Emergence and Development of the Aesthetic Sense of ‘Kirei’ (Refined Beauty).” In 2018, the Suntory Museum of Art held a special exhibition entitled “Elegance of the Kan’ei Era: Court Culture of Edo and Enshū, Ninsei, and Tanyū.”

In this lecture as well, Mr. Shibahashi referred to discussions from that exhibition and spoke about the aesthetic values of Kan’ei culture, using the pictorial expressions of Kano Tanyū as a representative example. A key concept highlighted in his talk was “tsumaranai” (literally “uninteresting,” “plain,” or “restrained”). His lecture offered numerous insights into what this term signified and why such a “restrained” form of beauty was sought after, providing valuable clues for understanding the Kan’ei period.

In the second session, Mr. Shima delivered a lecture titled “The Splendid Stage of the Kan’ei Gyoko: Revealing the True Image of the Kan’ei-era Tenshu of Nijo Castle through Model Reconstruction.”

While carefully presenting the appearance of Nijo Castle as it was transformed through renovations during the Kan’ei period, he provided a detailed explanation, particularly of the tenshu (castle keep), which can no longer be seen today. His lecture drew on architectural drawings and reconstructed visual materials to illuminate its form.

A finely crafted reconstruction model produced by Mr. Shima was also displayed at the venue. Participants were thus able to appreciate the event while imagining the appearance of Nijo Castle during the Kan’ei era and reflecting on its historical atmosphere.

A tea break was held between the two lectures. With the cooperation of ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Kyoto, drinks and light refreshments were provided at the venue. We would like to express our sincere gratitude.

In order to welcome a larger number of participants, this lecture was held with an increased capacity compared to previous cultural programs. More than 200 people attended, making it a highly successful event that helped build momentum for the opening in April.。