During the Jomon era, Asakusa was under the sea. They say it came
over the sea in the Yayoi era.
By the way, what is the place name"Asakusa" based
on? According to the historical materials of Tokyo-fu, "the
name Asakusa came from little grass, meaning that there were little
grass in the area in Musashino region where weeds overrun, This
is the common theory. |
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Birth of Asakusa-Kannon
(Wood block print by unknown author, from Asakusa Imahan Collection)
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| When we are requested to tell some story about Asakusa, we
will tell about "Sensouji temple". It is said
that Sensouji temple is originated from the donated golden Buddha
statue of 5.5 cm tall which was caught in casting net operated by
famous fisher brothers at Sumida River and brought in by an intelligent
priest of the area for pray in 628 A.D. After long time has passed
since then, Sensouji temple has been gradually popular and famous
as a central religious symbol of public. So if Sensouji temple were
not here in Asakusa, it should have been so uncivilized site for
us...? |
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Actor's portraits-Watching balloon-riding personages
from highperched observatory
(Wood block print by unknown author, 1891, from Asakusa Imahan Collection)
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| As you know when entering in the Edo era. Asakusa had powerful
growth in both culture and economy. At that period in Asakusa, people
enjoyed so much with such entertainments as Kabuki, street entertainers
and show tent. Time left the Edo era and passed through the Meiji
era, the Taisho era and the Syowa era to the Heisei era. During those
time, culture from abroad has magically changed its feature to such
as Japanese Opera, Japanese revues, croquette, pork cutlet, all of
which have been modified Asakusa-like culture. In those days, people
would think it was fashionable to eat Gyunabe (old name for Sukiyaki)
in Asakusa. |
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Playing about in Asakusa Park
(Wood block print by unknown author, from Asakusa Imahan Collection)
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| Asakusa has experienced disasters such as Kanto Big Earthquake
and Tokyo Big Air-raid. However, through the experience, Asakusa
keeps on going as the hometown of Japanese now and in the future. |
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2-17-4, NISHI-ASAKUSA, TAITO-KU, TOKYO 111-0035 JAPAN
TEL:+81-3-3842-8656
FAX:+81-3-3842-8718
MAIL:info@asakusaimahan.co.jp |
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