The Hearse: A Masterpiece Born from Japanese Ingenuity

A photo and critical essay collection by Shoichi Inoue and Shinobu Machida, focusing on the uniquely Japanese "Miyagata Reikyusha" (palace-style hearse). Published by Shodensha in 1992, it was the first book in Japan to exclusively feature hearses.

Miyagata reikyusha, adorned with decorations reminiscent of elaborate temple architecture, are a unique cultural phenomenon rarely seen outside Japan. This book showcases miyagata reikyusha from various regions across Japan with abundant photographs, while examining their designs, history, regional characteristics, manufacturing techniques, and their connection to the Japanese view of life and death and aesthetic sensibilities.

"Why did the Japanese create such luxurious hearses?" Shoichi Inoue discusses this from the perspectives of architectural history and cultural history, while Shinobu Machida, known for his research on popular culture, provides photographs recorded throughout the country. The book traces multiple elements that shaped the miyagata reikyusha, including temple architecture, the techniques of temple carpenters, festival culture, and automobile culture.

Today, opportunities to see miyagata reikyusha are decreasing nationwide, and funerals are shifting towards smaller, family-centered affairs. In the past, floral wreaths would line the front of homes or funeral halls, and neighbors would gather to bid farewell to the deceased, but such scenes are now rarely seen.

This book is not only a record of the intricate decorations and techniques condensed within the vehicles, but also a document that conveys the atmosphere of a time when Japanese funerals were connected to local communities and neighbors. It is a book that deciphers the miyagata reikyusha, which are gradually disappearing nationwide, and the funerary culture that lay behind them, through photographs and text.

[Title] The Hearse: A Masterpiece Born from Japanese Creativity
[Publisher] Shodensha
[Publication Date] July 10, 1992 (First Edition, First Printing)
[Page Count] 104 pages
[Size] Approx. 210 x 148 x 8mm / 267g
[Format] Softcover
[Language] Japanese
[Title Reading] ZA REIKYUSHA
[Author/Editor, etc.] Shoichi Inoue / Author, Shinobu Machida / Author & Photographer
[Printing] Hagiwara Printing / Printing, Meisen-do / Binding
[ISBN] 9784396620257
[Condition] Used [5] Good (Obi: slightly torn, Book: top edge slightly stained)
[Accessories] Obi
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Shoichi Inoue (1955-)

Born in Osaka Prefecture. Architectural historian, cultural historian.

Completed his master's degree at Kyoto University's Graduate School of Engineering. Starting from architectural history, he conducts research and writing that spans Japanese aesthetics, cities, customs, body, sexuality, and death. He has served as a professor and director at the International Research Center for Japanese Studies, among other positions.

His major works include "The Myth of Katsura Imperial Villa," "The Birth of the Hearse," "On Beauty," "Southern Barbarian Fantasy," and "I Can See Your Pants."

Shinobu Machida (1950-)

Born in Tokyo. Researcher of popular culture.

For many years, he has researched, collected, and photographed familiar aspects of daily life such as public baths, enamel signs, packaging, beverages, vending machines, tobacco shops, and hearses. He documents scenes and objects that are disappearing from cities and introduces the social and lifestyle changes behind them.

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Shoichi Inoue