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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12/31/2026 (Thursday)

Photography in Japan 1853-1912 • Terry Bennett

Terry Bennett has been researching 19th century Japanese photography for over 25 years. In this masterpiece he tells us the story of photography in Japan, using 350 rare images. All the known photographers are introduced with details that you will have trouble finding anywhere else. THE best book about early Japanese photography.

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Tags: Unknown • Showa • Tokyo • People • Women
Tools: send an e-card • download this photo • share this

This photo, taken in Tokyo in May 1934, shows two girls wearing a kimono, and two more girls wearing western style clothes, one of them a middy suit and a hat. The girl with her back towards the photographer is wearing an obi (the beautifully decorated sash used to tie the kimono) which must have been quite modern at the time.

Middy suits originated in Great Britain in the second half of the 19th century. Based on naval suits, they became extremely popular with children during the 1880s. Until then, children had been dressed in very complicated adult clothing, so they loved the freedom of movement they had in the new suits. Later, young women took to the middy suit as well, and the suits were eventually seen all over the world, including Japan.

This glass slide is one of a series of slides of Japan that was used by the New York State Education Department to teach students about Japan.

Map not available

Photographer: Unknown
Publisher: New York State Education Department
Medium: Glass Slide
Image Number: 80121-0002
Quote this number when you contact us about licensing this image

Thumbnail URL: http://oldphotosjapan.com/images/208t.jpg

Posted by Kjeld Duits • 2008-10-15

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