Illustration of the Celebration of the Silver Wedding Anniversary (Ginkongoshiki hôshuku no zu)
The wedding anniversary of the imperial couple was celebrated not only within the palace but on the streets of Tokyo as well, with a parade including elaborate floats and costumes similar to those used for traditional events such as the annual festival of the Sannō Shrine. The figure at the top of the float represents Emperor Jinmu, the legendary first emperor. In the background is a view of the Imperial Palace, with its landmark double bridge (Nijubashi) and the Phoenix Carriage of the emperor. This European-style carriage is topped with a golden figure of the mythical bird hō-ō, translated in English as “phoenix,” although its legends are somewhat different from those of its Western counterpart. The fabulous bird became a symbol of the imperial family.
