Night View of Cherry Blossoms at Koganei

This nocturnal meisho-e depicts the Tamagawa waterway at Koganei, west of Tokyo, during the cherry blossom season. Hasui renders the scene under darkness, with pale sakura canopies catching ambient light against an inky sky — a compositional approach that emphasizes the luminous quality of the blossoms rather than their color. The water below would reflect fragmented light and blossom silhouettes, a device Hasui used to extend vertical depth. Koganei was a celebrated hanami destination, and Hasui returned to it across multiple editions. Bokashi gradation in the sky transitions from deep blue-black overhead toward a slightly warmer tone at the horizon. Published by Watanabe Shozaburo, this impression is one of several versions Hasui produced of this subject, with variations in coloring and sky treatment distinguishing the printings.