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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01/01/2009 (Thursday)

Unbeaten Tracks in Japan • Isabella L. Bird

In 1878, just 12 years after Japan opened it first ports to the world, an adventurous 47-year old woman from the UK set out to explore the interior of Japan. The country was virtually unknown to Westerners, and a woman traveling only with a guide seemed outrageous. Everybody advised her not to, but she went anyway and wrote this unique and vivid journal of what she saw and experienced.

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Tags: Unknown • Taisho • Studio • Children • People
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Photo of a 1 year old baby girl in ceremonial kimono. During the early 20th century it was a very popular custom in Japan to take photographs of babies around their first birthday.

The writing on the photo mentions her name as Kashiko Matsumoto, born Sep 1911 (Meiji 44). The photo was taken on Sep 17, 1912 (Taisho1).

The Meiji Period ended on July 30 1912, so this photo just made it into the Taisho Period (by about 6 weeks).

Map not available

Photographer: Unknown
Publisher: Unknown
Medium: Silver Gelatin Print
Image Number: 70201-0008
Quote this number when you contact us about licensing this image

Thumbnail URL: http://oldphotosjapan.com/images/14t.jpg

Posted by Kjeld Duits • 2008-03-19

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