A special exhibition titled "Kuro-shoin Sakura no Shohekiga Ten: Taiseihokan no Butaiura," or an exhibition of cherry blossom pictures painted on sliding doors of the Kuro-shoin private meeting room: behind-the-scenes of the return of political power to the Emperor, started on April 12 in the gallery of Nijo Castle in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto. "Kacho-zu," or a picture of birds and flowers, in which vigorously blooming cherry blossoms and a flock of birds are depicted, is brilliant and outstanding.

Kuro-shoin is the place where Yoshinobu Tokugawa expressed his decision in front of close retainers on the day before Taiseihokan in 1867. The 37 sliding door pictures on exhibit are said to have been painted by Naonobu Kano, and have been designated an Important Cultural Property.

The overlapping flower petals, which were painted one by one, create a three-dimensional appearance, and an impressive panoramic view of cherry blossoms is unfolded. Cherry blossoms in the castle grounds were also at their best, and visitors enjoyed seeing the contrast between them. There is an admission fee. The exhibition will continue until May 26.