Gesaku and the renegotiation of ‘civilization and enlightenment’ through illustrated news

Abstract

The Meiji Restoration of 1868 set in train a major reconfiguration of not only the political structure of government but also the world of letters, affecting not just academic elites but also the demimonde literati and artists who had enjoyed various forms of patronage under the Tokugawa regime. This article examines the initiatives of early Meiji gesakusha who, in collaboration with nishikie artists such as Ochiai Yoshiiku and Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, spearheaded the development of distinctive genres of illustrated news. Following the initial success of shinbun nishikie (新聞錦絵) there was the continued adaptation of this collaboration in the minor newspaper format, as seen in the Tokyo Eiri Shinbun (東京絵入新聞) established in 1875. This article explores how these early illustrated newspapers, while exemplifying proclivities with gesaku, nonetheless engaged with the government’s program of ‘civilization and enlightenment’ to provide timely commentary on contemporary social issues, as well as a critical response to the movement. Furthermore, through their serious reportage on events of national significance, they demonstrated a capacity to fulfill in great part the government’s aspirations for the functions of the press in a ‘civilized’ nation.