OLD PHOTOS of JAPAN, a photo blog of Japan in the Meiji, Taisho and Showa periods

View Cart Old Photos of Japan
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.

What makes this site special?
Bookmark this site
Feeds for Old Photos of Japan: RSS and Atom
Coming Soon!
Advertising

Japanese Furniture
Asian-inspired furniture and kitchen cabinets from greentea design

Old Books on Japan
Find rare and collectible books on Japan at eBay!

Japanese Friends
Make friends or find your perfect love. 1.5 million+ members!

Good Book Tip
Photography in Japan 1853-1912 • Terry Bennett
Photography in Japan

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.


Buy now at Amazon!
More book tips
Recent Comments  

Rural

Ainu # 80201-0054
1920s • Ainu with Boat
Taisho • •
Unknown • Postcard • Unknown
Yumoto, Nikko # 70606-0005
Nikko 1890s • Yumoto
Meiji • •
Kimbei Kusakabe • Albumen Print • Kimbei Kusakabe
Koinobori Streamers and Typical Rural Houses near Nara, Japan (May 1934). # 80122-0014
Nara 1934 • Rural Houses
Showa • •
Unknown • Glass Slide • New York State Education Department
Japan. Miyajima. Fishing Boats (1930). # 80121-0020
Miyajima 1930 • Fishing Boats
Showa • •
Unknown • Glass Slide • New York State Education Department
Japan. Grist Mill: Women and Children. # 80121-0009
1920s • Grist Mill
Taisho • •
Unknown • Glass Slide • New York State Education Department
Negishi, Yokohama # 70319-0006
Yokohama 1880s • Farms at Negishi
Meiji • •
Kimbei Kusakabe • Albumen Print • Kimbei Kusakabe
Mt. Fuji from Iedzumi Village # 70621-0010
Mount Fuji 1890s • From Izumi, Shizuoka
Meiji • •
Kimbei Kusakabe • Albumen Print • Kimbei Kusakabe
Farmer's Couple Clearing Rice (Photo by Kozaburo Tamamura) # 71205-0009
1890s • Threshing Rice
Meiji • •
Kozaburo Tamamura • Albumen Print • Kozaburo Tamamura
Kinosaki Onsen # 70115-0005
Kinosaki 1920s • Kinosaki
Showa • •
Unknown • Postcard • Unknown