The First Kyoto Exposition (1870s)

First Kyoto Exposition School girls admire samurai armor displayed in front of banners bearing the crest of the Tokugawa Shogunate at the Exhibition of Arts and Manufactures in Kyoto, better known as the Kyoto Exposition. School girls admire samurai armor displayed in front of banners bearing the crest of the Tokugawa Shogunate at the Exhibition of Arts and Manufactures in Kyoto, better known as the Kyoto Exposition. The two Japanese men in Western clothes in front are involved with the organization of the exposition. The exhibition was held from March 10 through May 30, 1872 (Meiji 5) at the Buddhist temples Nishi Honganji, Kennin-ji and Chion-in (Nishi Honganji, Kennin-ji and Chion-in) and The exposition was held almost every year though 1928 (Showa 3) The exposition was held almost every year though 1928 (Showa 3). The famed Miyako Odori (Miyako Odori), dances performed by a large number of Kyoto geisha, were launched during the 1872 exhibition. From the following year, the dances were made a bit coquettish in order to appeal to a foreign audience. From the following year, the dances were held at Kaburenjo (Gion Koubu Utamai Nerijo), which was specifically built for Miyako Odori. Although considered traditional today, compared with Japanese stage performances of the time, Miyako Odori was new and original. Published in the Illustrated London News on October 19, 1872 (Meiji 5). Original text: "Exhibition of arts and manifactures at Kioto, Japan. (Original text: "Exhibition of arts and manifactures at Kioto, Japan.)