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.

For licensing these images, visit MeijiShowa.com.

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Ainu: Spirit of a Northern People • William W. Fitzhugh et al

Japan’s indigenous people, the Ainu, inhabited Hokkaido, the Kurile Islands, southern Sakhalin Island, and a portion of northern Honshu. They had a unique culture and language, completely separate from that of the Japanese. By the middle of the 19th century, the destruction of this ancient culture was set in motion by Japan’s national government.

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Tags: Unknown • Meiji • Inside • Customs • Women
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A woman is sleeping on a futon, while another woman is smoking a kiseru (煙管) pipe. Both of the women are bare-breasted. A tobbaco tray, books and a fan lay on the floor in front of them, an andon lamp can be seen behind them.

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Photographer: Unknown
Publisher: Unknown
Medium: Albumen Print
Image Number: 70606-0008
Quote this number when you contact us about licensing this image

Thumbnail URL: http://oldphotosjapan.com/images/145t.jpg

Posted by Kjeld Duits • 2008-06-29

« Theater Performance • Naniwa Bridge »

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