Japan’s First SkyscraperMeiji Japan’s fascination with things Western led to the construction of Western-style buildings. Japan’s first elevator made possible this twelve-story tower built in Tokyo in 1890. Situated in the entertainment district, it was filled with shops, theaters, bars, and restaurants. (“Pavilion Above the Clouds,” Sugoroku 1890, Utagawa Kunimasa IV [1848–1920]/Mead Art Museum, Amherst College, MA, USA/The Bridgeman Art Library)> PICTURING THE PASTANALYZING THE IMAGE: Locate all the people in this picture. How are they dressed? What are they doing?CONNECTIONS: Keeping in mind that the building in this picture was built in 1890, what connections can you draw between the politics of the period and this visual celebration of a new style of architecture?