A Study of the Structure and Ritual of the Edo Castle Palace: Authority and Order Expressed In Space

The Edo Castle Palace was a huge government building where the Shogun and his family lived and where the Shogunate and various officials worked. Where and how were the numerous ceremonies, such as the proclamation of Shogun and New Year's and monthly thanksgivings, carried out? Utilizing records such as drawings and diaries, the spatial structure and function of the Honmaru Palace are recreated. Focusing on the words spoken by the Shogun and the relative positions of those in audience, the program explores the formal society of Edo through the hierarchy of daimyo and Shogunate retainers, with the Shogun at the top.