What Happened to Kjeld?
I published the last article in early October. What happened? And what is coming?
The past nine weeks were a challenge. My hard disk with all the scans of the vintage images in my collection, as well as all my own photos, suddenly died in September.
I had backups. But it took a month to rebuild the over 8 terabytes of data…
This was so hard on my aging computer that it continuously crashed. On top of that my provider locked my main email address. Apparently I sent a mail to a non-existing address which is against their rules. It took two weeks to get it active again. Then, sickness struck. When it rains, it pours!
Somehow I still managed to finalize new research — on Japanese harbor workers developing a unique method to coal ships faster than any machinery in modern ports in Europe and the U.S.
It touches on the industrialization and modernization of Japan. But what makes this story truly fascinating is that many of the workers were indomitable women who considered themselves equal to men.
When Danish women’s rights activist Johanne Münter (1844–1921) saw these Japanese women at work in 1895 (Meiji 28) she was so impressed that she saw in them an ideal image of gender equality.
I started the essay last year February! It was tough as there is little documentation. Actually, this might be the first in-depth English language account.
The first article in this four-part series will go live over the next few hours. I hope you will find the story as interesting as I do.
Ready for Holiday Shopping?
Please consider buying a gorgeous fine art print at my small shop, Old Japan Shop!
I personally selected each piece from my private collection for its significant fusion of history, culture, and artistry.
They are giclée printed by the world’s best printer, in Germany. We use certified museum quality Hahnemühle Fine Art archival paper for the highest age resistance and unequalled colors, detail, and pictorial depth.
Thanks to the historically weak yen prices are now lower, so please have a look. Your purchase helps me to continue this work.
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Your history friend in Tokyo,
Kjeld
Oh wow! I wondered how you were. You were missed! What a combination of problems-glad you were able to sort it out! Looking forward to the upcoming series.
Oh no! What a disaster! Thank you for all your hard work and your great collection.