Modernology Map

In the Nihonbashi/Bakurocho and Yaesu/Kyobashi areas, Modernology Maps read the traces of everyday life from Edo to the present.

In contrast to archaeology, Modernology (Kogengaku) is the study and research of people’s current lifestyles and culture. It was proposed by architect and folklorist Wajiro Kon (1888–1973). Kogengaku investigates and analyzes subjects through observation, writing, sketching, photography, and other methods, and also contributed to the later development of lifestyle studies, folklore studies, and sociology. It further influenced the activities of the “Street Observation Society” led by artist Genpei Akasegawa.

This project, led by Modernology researcher Izumi Kuroishi (Professor at Fukushima Gakuin University) together with the local community, produced multiple digital Modernology maps, also on view at Etoile Kaito Living Building. Observing the city’s details and people’s movements helps bring out new layers of urban life.

» Exhibition Information

» “A Map Tells Stories of the Places = Sanpo Art Map” by Izumi Kuroishi