NHK's educational program "Ukiyo-e EDO-LIFE" features ukiyo-e prints linked to the story every week to help viewers enjoy the station's historical drama "UNBOUND (Berabou)" (General TV, Sundays at 8pm and other times) even more. On November 28th, "The World of UNBOUND: Sharaku's Shocking Debut, Masterpiece Edobei" will be broadcast on BS Premium 4K from 6pm and on NHK Educational TV from 11:50pm.
We will be looking at Toshusai Sharaku's "Edobei, the Third Generation Otani Oniji," which is also a hot topic in the main story of "UNBOUND."
Sharaku made a sensational debut with Tsutaju. One of his masterpieces is "Otani Oniji III's Edobei." Many people have seen this painting, with its hand peeking out from its pocket, its tightly closed mouth, and its sharp gaze. It depicts a kabuki actor, arguably "the most famous man in the history of ukiyo-e."
However, not much is known about who he really was. In fact, this captured moment captures the man's determination and the moment of decisive action, risking his life. What thoughts did Tsutaju and Sharaku put into this painting? What was it about this man that attracted the people of Edo?
