Nippon Kotoki Taikan (Japanese classic light tool encyclopedias) by Illuminating Engineering Society is a great book which introduces the Japanese lighting culture. The Japanese style lighting equipments and method of lighting interior space suit the lighting design of SSL which has high energy saving effect.
A chronological table of Akari is shown. All listed objects on the table were extracted from the "Nippon Kotoki Taikan" by the Research Committee on Japanese Traditional Akari -light- Culture. This is the first step of a reconsideration of the Akari history in Japan.
A Chinese word "文化" is originated from a Chinese classic Nationals however, it was not including a meaning of "culture". On the contrary, the recent Japanese word "文化" is including the meaning of "culture". A Japanese word "あかり(light)" is an original Japanese word. Therefore, "あかり文化(lighting culture)" is a specific concept which was originated and expanded in Japan. It can be expected to be deepened furthermore.
"Lights and Ukiyo-e" is the theme of this paper. Firstly, we selected a series of pictures, titled "10 Ukiyo-e to know the culture of lights". Secondly, we introduced several "ukiyo-e" images painted by Kitagawa Utamaro. Each of the pictures has a depiction of light, so we gave explanations about them and made a hypothesis.
During the Edo Period, entertainment became public amusement rather than being performed for dedication. It was played in the sun light though when theaters were built with roofs, candles became supplementary light source. We made a research about stage lighting in the Edo Period and conducted measurement by artificial lighting using Japanese candles to see how performers are seen without natural light.
The akari cultural studies began in the modern era. Researchers participated from many fields such as archeology and folklore and architects. Its initial results were summarized as "Nippon Kotoki Taikan" in 1931. However, not able to summarizes the subsequent research. Current researchers it isessential to summarize the study of these past not only new research.