Room Use and Furnishings in Upper-Class Residences in the Imperial Visit of Emperor Meiji as Seen in “Kōkeiroku” and “Fusetsuroku”

Using “Kōkeiroku” and “Fusetsuroku” as the historical material, this paper examines the use of rooms and the setting up of the throne during Emperor Meiji visits to upper-class residences. The program consisted of rituals, feasts, and entertainment, with each throne set up in separate rooms. The room arrangements during Imperial visit followed the house’s zoning during ordinary times, with the throne set up with tables and chairs. Further, shoe wipes were set up in the Japanese-style buildings, and inside the houses, footwear was kept on. The furnishings and throne arrangement were common, suggesting that a standard format may have existed.