Edo researcher and picture book author Zenyoji Susumu's solo exhibition "Zenyoji: From Edo to Picture Books" opened on April 1st at the Global Closet Gallery on the second floor of the main building of Isetan Shinjuku. It runs through the 22nd.

The exhibition focuses on Zenyoji's research into "Edo Mashiko," a style of Japanese thinking that developed during the Edo period, and features illustrations showcasing Edo-period culture and fashion, as well as merchandise for which Zenyoji was responsible for character branding.

The cute illustrations of Edo life, such as the illustrations from his book "Illustrated Guide to Edo Town and Life" depicting the working lives of Edo-period commoners, scenes from Ginza Street (Chuo Street) stretching from Nihonbashi to Kanda, and illustrations of tenement houses from "A Journey Through Edo with Chestnut-Grained Yajima on the Tokaido," also feature on display, conveying the world of Edo-period beauty and fashion. Also on display are illustrations from "Casual Kimono Book" and a remake of a beautiful woman painting by Kitagawa Utamaro, which will be used in his next work. "In recent years, Japanese content has begun to be recognized around the world, and Edo culture is one example of this. I believe that by experiencing and re-examining Edo period culture, such as kimonos and occupations, visitors will make new discoveries. When creating my works, I place importance on the balance between Western and Japanese, and Edo and modern, as well as the storyline. I hope that people will enjoy looking at the works freely," said Zenyoji Susumu.

Also on display are stuffed animals that were sold at Afternoon Tea Living last year, and a Santa Matryoshka doll that was sold at House of Lotus, a select shop produced by Kirishima Karen that opened last year. The matryoshka dolls are scheduled to be sold at the French department store Bon Marché this autumn.