What kinds of women lived in Kyoto during the Edo Period?

Consider Kazunomiya, the younger sister to Emperor Kōmei and eventually, the bride of the 4th Shōgun, Tokugawa Iemochi. Amidst backlash due to their weak foreign policy in the face of Commodore Perry’s black ships, the Shogunate relied on the Imperial family to help them rebuild their administration. This was the stage upon which Kazunomiya entered her political marriage. It’s said she made for Edo with tears in her eyes and a resolve to help her country, even at her own expense. However, Tokugawa Iemochi reportedly turned out to be a kind man who made for a harmonious spouse.

Incidentally, among all the brilliantly clad women in this procession, one of them wears a black kimono. She represents the wife of a famous Kyoto merchant. One day, the wives of other rich merchants met at a party; all speculation was on what she would wear that night. In a sea of gorgeous, florid clothes, she alone appeared a basic yet chic black number. Her originality shocked everyone, and she was hailed as a fashion leader of Kyoto.