This 1930 glass slide shows boats and warehouses in the port of Kobe. Notice the small crane, which in spite of its size still manages to lift quite a few bales.
For a brief history of Kobe Port, read Kobe 1910s • Steam Launches.
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.
The New York State Education Department collected photographs of life in a large number of countries and the collection ran into many thousands. These slides were loaned to schools throughout New York State from 1856 to 1939. They were one of the earliest uses of audio-visual techniques for classroom instruction.
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Old Photos of Japan aims to be your personal museum for Japan's visual heritage and to bring the experiences of everyday life in old Japan to you.
To enhance our understanding of Japanese culture and society I track down, acquire, archive, and research images of everyday life, and give them context.
I share what I have found for free on this site, without ads or selling your data.
Your support helps me to continue doing so, and ensures that this exceptional visual heritage will not be lost and forgotten.
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Kjeld Duits
Reference for Citations
Duits, Kjeld (). Kobe 1930: Warehouses in Port, OLD PHOTOS of JAPAN. Retrieved on May 7, 2026 (GMT) from https://www.oldphotosjapan.com/photos/447/warehouses-in-port
David Newman
Capturing a glimpse of the past, this 1930 glass slide unveils the bustling activity of boats and warehouses in the port of Kobe. The details, from the small yet mighty crane lifting bales to the historic waterfront architecture, paint a vivid picture of maritime life in a bygone era. A fascinating journey through time, showcasing the enduring spirit of industry and innovation in the heart of Kobe’s port.
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