WoodyJOE, a model manufacturer based in Shizuoka, Japan, primarily known for producing various ship, vehicle, and architectural diorama models, recently released two diorama models themed after Japan's famous Edo period post road stations, "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō": "Shinagawa-shuku" and "Seki-shuku".
The term "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō" sounds a bit interesting, and of course, it doesn't literally mean doing something 53 times on the Tōkaidō. In fact, "Tōkaidō" refers to a post road during Japan's Edo period (i.e., the Tokugawa Shogunate era), extending from Nihonbashi in Edo (present-day Tokyo) to Sanjo Ohashi in Kyoto. "Fifty-three Stations" refers to the 53 post stations (shukuba) along this road. The ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige's ukiyo-e series of the same name, based on this theme, depicts scenes of people's lives at the time, imbued with the artist's own imagination.
▼One of the "The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō" ukiyo-e works by ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige: "Shinagawa: Sunrise"
The two diorama models released by WoodyJOE are physical representations of "Shinagawa-shuku" and "Seki-shuku," two of the fifty-three post stations. Shinagawa-shuku was the first post station on this road, located in Tokyo. Its proximity to the sea meant a thriving fishing industry, which is why the diorama model also includes the shoreline and small boats.
WoodyJOE The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō Shinagawa-shuku
Reference Price: 6,600 Japanese Yen
Dimensions: Approximately L200mm x W140mm x H60mm
Seki-shuku, on the other hand, is located in Kameyama City, Mie Prefecture, and is near the end of the post road. This area was a crucial transportation hub and a strategically important military location in ancient Japan. The name "Seki" originates from "Suzuka-no-Seki" (one of Japan's three major checkpoints). Therefore, the model features the honjin (main inn) flag, conveying a strong sense of a fortified position.
WoodyJOE The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō Seki-shuku
Reference Price: 6,600 Japanese Yen
Dimensions: Approximately L200mm x W140mm x H65mm
via： WoodyJOE