The Sumida Hokusai Museum (Sumida City, Tokyo) will present the exhibition “Let’s Decode Calendars by Hokusai and Others!” from December 18, 2024, to March 2, 2025.

Until Japan adopted the solar Gregorian calendar in 1873, it used a lunar-solar calendar (commonly called “the old calendar”) that was different from the calendar we use today. The months had 30 or 29 days (long or short months), and the number of days in each month changed each year.  Since it was important, in everyday life, to know which months were long or short that year, small privately commissioned calendars, woodblock prints that concealed the designations of long or short months amidst their witty, humorous designs, were produced. Known as picture calendars (egoyomi) or long-shorts (daishō), these calendars were vastly popular in the Edo period. This exhibition presents the daishō in our collection, introducing one aspect of the flourishing Edo-period calendar culture. Please decipher where the long and short months are hidden and enjoy the clever ideas and techniques applied in what were, after all, quite small works.

Let’s Decode Calendars by Hokusai and Others!

Term: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 – Sunday, March 2, 2025

1st term: December 18, 2024 – January 26, 2025

2nd term: January 28, 2025 – March 2, 2025

Some exhibits will be changed during the period.

Closed: Mondays

*Except January 13 (holiday); February 24 (holiday)

Additional closure dates: December 29, 2024 – January 2, 2025; Tuesdays, January 7, 14, and February 25

Organizers: Sumida City, The Sumida Hokusai Museum

Venue: 3rd Floor Exhibition Room, The Sumida Hokusai Museum

Hours: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (last entry at 5:00 pm)

Admission:

・Adults: ¥1,000

・Students (high school and college): ¥700

・Seniors (65 and over): ¥700

・Students (junior high): ¥300

・Disabled visitors: ¥300

・Children in primary school and younger: Free

Additional Information:

Admission includes access to AURORA (Permanent Exhibition Room) and Permanent Exhibition Plus on the same day.

A valid ID is required for discount tickets.

Discounted admission for disabled visitors applies to one accompanying caregiver as well.

Please check our website for details regarding ticket sales, including start dates, same-day tickets, and other discount options.

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