This is an illustration that Hokusai drew for a Kyoka E-hon (a picture book of poetry) titled 'Sumidagawa Ryogan Ichiran,' published in 1806 when he was about 47 years old.

The scene is on January 2nd when merchants begin their businesses for the first time of the year. Many boats are seen in the Sumida river.

In the middle distance, we can see what must be the first cargo shipments of the new year, called 'Hatsuni' in Japanese. The workers in each boat are being encouraged by a leader waving a fan - a type of festival event to celebrate the return to normal working activity after the special holiday. The first auctions of the year are being held at the wholesale markets. After even such a very short break (compared to these days), people were excited to restart their businesses.

In the foreground, a ferry full of people is shown; ladies and gentlemen in elegant kimono and one merchant-like man are on board.