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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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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« New Year Celebrations 1 • Dezome-shiki »

Tags: Unknown • Meiji • Yokohama • Customs • New Year
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Firefighters in happi coats perform acrobatic stunts on top of bamboo ladders. The ladder stunts were the main event of Japanese New Year celebrations. The demonstrations, called dezome-shiki, were intended to warn people of the dangers of fire, and to demonstrate the agility and courage of the firefighters. For detailed information about fires in Japan, read Yokohama, 1890s • Dezome-shiki.

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Photographer: Unknown
Publisher: Unknown
Medium: Postcard
Image Number: 70209-0003
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Thumbnail URL: http://oldphotosjapan.com/images/497t.jpg

Posted by Kjeld Duits • 2009-01-04

« New Year Celebrations 1 • Dezome-shiki »

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