Archive - Old Photos of Japan

Birth of a Nation

How measures to prevent samurai from waging war against the government created mass tourism and a nation.

Mar 18 •

Free Online Talks by Kjeld This Week

1. History of Japanese photography. 2. Dutch diplomatic locations in Japan.

Mar 18 •

Kobe 1871 • Battling Japan's Typhoons

After Japan opened to foreign trade in 1859 the country's powerful typhoons terrified Japan's new foreign residents.

Mar 6 •

February 2024

Nagano 1880s • Nakasendō Highway

In 1881, two Englishmen walked the legendary Nakasendō Highway. This is their story.

Feb 21 •

Farewell IJsbrand Rogge (1929–2024)

Dutch photographer who was active in Japan during the 1950s, 1960s

Feb 14 •

Shizuoka 1880s • Bridge on the Tōkaidō

Bridges on the Tōkaidō were far more common than is generally thought.

Feb 7 •

January 2024

Piggybacking the Tōkaidō's Mightiest Rivers

How did travelers in old Japan cross rivers without bridges and ferries?

Jan 31 •

Crossing Japan's 'Raging Rivers'

You will never look at the famed Tōkaidō highway again in the same way.

Jan 24 •

Happy New Year!

Best wishes and a brief introduction to the game of karuta (かるた).

Jan 1 •

December 2023

Rare Great Kantō Earthquake Film

Watch a rare film of the September 1, 1923 quake that destroyed Tokyo.

Dec 31, 2023 •

4:38

Thanks and Best Holiday Wishes!

This newsletter features a free pdf book.

Dec 23, 2023 •

Minka Floor Plan

Some bonus information about the floor plan of a traditional Japanese house featured in the essay "Rediscovering Japan’s Irori".

Dec 14, 2023 •

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