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1900s
"The New Year in Japan"
A young woman paints the face of a boy who lost in the card game of karuta. Photographer Teijiro Takagi photographed this scene in Kobe in 1906 (Meiji 39) for a photo book about Japanese New Year celebrations. This article reproduces his book.
Nagasaki, 1865
Dejima Island
A rare early photograph of Dejima, the fan-shaped artificial island in Nagasaki. Dejima played a critical—but now largely forgotten—role in the opening of Japan to the outside world.
1890s
Selling Insect Musicians
A studio photo of maiko posing in front of the portable street stand of a singing insect vendor. Vendors sold a variety of insects changing with each season.
1900s
"The Ceremonies of a Japanese Marriage"
A Japanese bride arrives at the groom’s house. Photographer Teijiro Takagi published this scene in 1905 (Meiji 38) in a photo book about Japanese weddings, The Ceremonies of a Japanese Marriage. This article reproduces his book.
1930s
Off to War
A Japanese family poses stoically to “celebrate” a male family member being sent off to war during the late 1930s, or early 1940s. The banners bear his name.
