How did the societal differences between the Japanese cities of Edo and Kyoto establish the different forms and styles of art in the Edo period? How does this connection still relate in the 21st century?
In the past I compared the differences between the culture of Edo and Kyoto, specifically that Edo developed into a much more practical and class-neutral style of art and culture, while the art of Kyoto sought that of a more religious and aesthetic and perhaps relaxed worldview.
http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/news/japanese_standup.htm (an ironic title considering the rakugoka never stands)

While technically its own country, Vatican City exists as an example of this same separation of religion and actual contemporary values today. Vatican City gained independence from the rest of Italy for the first time in 1929, separating itself from the values of the contemporary Italy. Much like how Kyoto retained the religious values of Japan, Vatican City exists now as the same sort of area, a contained zone of religious influence, thanks to the country establishing its own set of rules. The fact that Vatican City exists as the center of Christianity in the world as it is separates itself from the rest of the more liberal and contemporary Italy, and mainly Rome. Rome's art scene today can be seen as far more modern and liberal than the religious center that is Vatican City.
This video discusses and summarizes the history of Japan from its early stages as a fledgling nation to a full empire. It gives a good overview in a comedic and easy to digest way. It should give context to the viewer as to how the history of Japan itself led to the same societal differences discussed in this post. Will give a wide view of the nation's immense past.
Warning: Does contain some crude language. Viewer discretion advised. The author's specific comedic style may come across as belittling to Japanese culture to some, but keep in mind his knowledge of the subject and the reverence he holds for it.
"Art of the Edo Period (1615–1868) | Essay | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History | The Metropolitan Museum of Art." The Met's Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. N.p., Oct. 2003. Web. 26 Apr. 2016. <http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/edop/hd_edop.htm>.
Stokstad, Marilyn, and Michael Cothren. Art History. 5th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008. Print.
Harrigan, Diane. "Rakugo and Japanese Culture | News | Baruch." Rakugo and Japanese Culture | News | Baruch. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2016. <http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/news/japanese_standup.htm>.
"East Asian Art." Collections. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, n.d. Web. 19 May 2016. <http://vmfa.museum/collections/east-asian-art/>.
Picton, John. “Edo Art, Dynastic Myth, and Intellectual Aporia”. African Arts 30.4 (1997): 18–93. Web...