Edo-Tokyo: History & Culture

Edo-Sakariba and Ginza/Asakusa: A comparison of similarities and differences

Instead of an economic or sociologic determination, [Seidensticker] focuses on the effect upon society of the disappearance of this theater building, that cafe, those geisha houses, markets, and other landmarks, and their replacement stores, subways, and so on... Packed with original material and insights, [this book is] invaluable to scholars, students, and Tokyophiles."

-- Kirkus Reviews

http://www.hup.harvard.edu/reviews/SEITOX_R.html

Are Ginza and Asakusa representative at all of Edo sakariba? If so, how? The two are certainly related to one another. Each boasts many "seething" crowds; nightlife and entertainment for would be passers by. Edo sakariba was a romantic and social community, one where people would gather in the streets a hundred years ago to socialize and discuss the goings on. The streets themselves were alive with vendors and entertainers, a welcome site for community members. Public baths and communal...
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