Gallery 5

*The 5th Exhibition Room (Modern) is closed due to renovation work. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
The museum exhibits the era from when Perry arrived on the black ship to the beginning of the Showa era. Diplomatic relations were established with the United States and European countries, modernization progressed rapidly, and life changed dramatically. A school was built around this time.

①Civilization and enlightenment

Civilization and Enlightenment is a major change that attempted to transform society into a modern society by incorporating Western civilization. This was enforced by the Meiji government, but it also encouraged common people to want to win their freedom and rights.

② Industry and development

In order for Japan to be reborn as a modern nation, the Meiji government implemented various modernization policies. Among these policies, we will focus on the development of transportation and transportation networks, raw silk production and overseas trade, the start of modern steel manufacturing, the development of Hokkaido, and the Ainu people who suffered during that "exploitation."

③The era of the urban masses

Urbanization and consumer lifestyle brought about by civilization and enlightenment. In the 1920s, Tokyo's population exceeded 3 million. The Great Kanto Earthquake that struck in 1923 forced Japan to respond to the problems of population, housing, and transportation caused by such urbanization. In this corner, we will focus on the issues surrounding the disaster, as well as the consumer lifestyle and entertainment of the masses brought about by the capitalist economy.