55. Fukami Jikyu challenges the moon

Fukami Jikyu was a samurai whose skills were no longer needed once peace was established under the Tokugawa Shogunate. He joined the Otokodate, groups of able fighters that were charged - or charged themselves - with keeping the peace. In many areas they developed into organized crime families, and they were often associated with excessive behavior and pride. Here, Jikyu strolls boldly through the streets of the pleasure district, with an oversized sunflower pattern on his robe that is seemingly in competition with the frail cherry petals in the moonlight. The poem loosely translates as: "Famous moon, look at me! - I'm holding the stage." (June 1887)