OLD PHOTOS of JAPAN, a photo blog of Japan in the Meiji, Taisho and Showa periods

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shows photos of Japan between the 1860s and 1930s. In 1854, Japan opened its doors to the outside world for the first time in more than 200 years. It set in motion a truly astounding transformation. As fate would have it, photography had just been invented. As the old country vanished and a new one was born, daring photographers took photos. Discover what life was like with their rare and precious photographs of old Japan.

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05/27/2008 (Tuesday) View on Dotonbori Canal, Osaka

1935 • Showa Funeral

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Funeral

Japanese funeral procession with decorated car in 1935 (Showa 10).

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Arashiyama 1890s • Floating Logs

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Floating Logs at Togetsu Bridge, Arashiyama, Kyoto

Floating logs in Arashiyama, Kyoto. In the back, the Togetsukyo can be seen. The bridge marks the point where the river changes its name from Hozugawa into Katsuragawa, further upstream it is called Oigawa. The river flows through a breathtaking gorge called Hozukyou, or Rankyou.

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Kyoto 1890s • Kamogawa

Kamo River in Sanjo, Kyoto

A beautiful view of restaurants and inns along the Kamogawa (Kamo River) in Kyoto. This photo was most probably taken from Sanjo Ohashi. The bridge in the back is probably Nijo-hashi. Kamogawa was extremely important to the inhabitants of Kyoto as can be seen from the many stairs on the riverbanks which offered easy access to the river. Besides being a crucial source of drinking water, the river brought much needed relief during the hot summer months.

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