About This Print

The little steam train from Shinagawa in Tokyo to Yokohama started running in the summer of 1872.  This print, however, was issued sometime in 1871 and was likely based on the artist's imagination of a steam train, culled from American and/or European illustrations.  Plans for the rail line between Yokohama and Tokyo were announced in 1870 and it immediately became "an emblem of civilization and enlightenment [bumei kaika]."¹ Publishers rushed to represent this modern conveyance and dozens of prints ensued, several of which are shown below, including two by the artist Utagawa Kuniteru II (1830-1874) which present an almost identical view as in this collection's print, but with a slightly more sophisticated looking train.

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839-1892) Scenic Spots in Tokyo: Steam Locomotive Train Tracks at Takanawa September/October 1871 Tōkyō meishō Takanawa-jōki kikansha no zen zu

Shōsai Ikkei (fl. c. 1870s) A Steam Engine on the Railroad at Takanawa, 1872 Takanawa tetsudô jôkisha no zenzu

Photograph of Steam Train at Shimbashi Station ca. 1872

When I went to Takanawa I used to enjoy looking at the sea and the steam train going along the coast. Having been brought up in the countryside I found such things fascinating. I’d gaze entranced at the sailboats and steamboats as they passed by under big white clouds that hovered like birds’ wings. I’d be enchanted by the sight of the little steam train threading its way along the coast from the direction of Shinagawa, spilling out its grimy smoke. In those days there was only one railway line in Japan, and that was between Tokyo and Yokohama. And there were songs in fashion like the one that went: The train’s setting off – sai, sai,  Leaving its smoke – sai, sai:  Isn’t it horrid, all this smoke! – sai, sai. The train was still a novelty even for city dwellers. It was around this time [summer of 1885] that the Frenchman Pierre Loti came to Japan, and he really insulted the Tokyo-Yokohama train – or rather, looked upon it with pity – and said, “A train, in Japan! A tiny little train! A rickety-rackety, bone-jarring little train!” But nevertheless, pathetic little train that it was, it did represent the first major enterprise of the Japanese government. I used to stand about twenty yards back from it, as though it were some sort of monster, and stare as it went on its way surrounded by smoke and noise.