The series illustrates how Japanese people in the Edo period saw the Western world

The series of paintings you are about to see below are from the book Osanaetoki Bankokubanashi from 1861 (children's stories and illustrations from 10,000 countries), written by Kanagaki Robun , illustrated by Utagawa Yoshitora - 8 years after Commodore Perry asked Japan to expand its borders and trade with Western nations.

The Edo period in Japan lasted from 1603 to 1868, the period when the Land of Cherry Blossoms had many differences compared to the rest of the world. Poetry, literature and painting of this period deeply reflect the thinking, way of life and customs of Japanese people hundreds of years ago.

The story book Osanaetoki Bankokubanashi.

However, at the end of the Edo period, Japanese people were interested in Western culture . Recently, Nick Kapur, a Japanese and East Asian historian, tweeted a series of illustrations in an ancient book from the Edo period, showing how Japan sees the outside world, especially Western countries. .

Painting illustrates George Washington is practicing arrow archery, next to "Goddess of America".

In this picture, George Washington is called "father of America" , his name is in kanji which means "story", "holy spirit" or "east".

The series of paintings you are about to see below are from the book Osanaetoki Bankokubanashi from 1861 (children's stories and illustrations from 10,000 countries), written by Kanagaki Robun, illustrated by Utagawa Yoshitora - 8 years after Commodore Perry asked Japan to expand its borders and trade with Western nations.

George Washington stamped his feet on the tiger's head, fighting his hands.

John Adams, the first vice president and also the second President of the United States, was fighting with the python.

Benjamin Franklin did not hug the cannon and opened fire under the direction of John Adams.

When Twitter users asked the question, why do Americans have the same face as Asians, Kapur answered: Simply because the artist does not know how Westerners face the nose because Japan was isolated Hundreds of years, so can only draw what is familiar.

Even John Adams had a distraction, causing her to be re-sullied by a python.

Next, John Adams found a fairy in the mountains to seek revenge on the vassal who had killed his mother.

She summoned a giant eagle to help John Adams.

With the help of the eagle, John Adams killed the python, revenge for his mother.

Although the identity of the character in this book is mostly true, the details are mythological. You can access Kapur's Twitter to see more. Or watch the entire book at Waseda University's digital library.