In ancient Japan, the term Yase Doji referred to the people who lived in the Yase district of Kyoto and worked for the area's Enryaku temple. Despite their plebeian status, Yase Doji were prosperous and maintained strong connections with those in power, including emperors, aristocrats and shogun. After the Meiji Era, they were even entrusted by the government to be the imperial koshi (palanquin) bearers.

In 2010, some historical records that detailed the development of Yase Doji were designated as Important Cultural Properties, prompting this exhibition of 70 of the most important related documents; Dec. 15-Jan. 14.

Other arts this week
Nature that goes beyond its course By C.B. LIDDELL	Tadanori Yokoo unearths a future from personal past By MATTHEW LARKING	"Beauty and Artistry of Great Masters of Modern Ceramics in Japan: Kenkichi Tomimoto, Uichi Shimizu and Kosei Matsui" By TOMOHIRO OSAKI
"Celebratory "Vessels": From the Lacquer Art Collection of the Crafts Gallery" By TOMOHIRO OSAKI	"Somewhere Between me and This World: Japanese Contemporary Photography" By TOMOHIRO OSAKI