Rare Old Photos of Japan
Looking back through time photographs help us see the old world anew. Old photos of Japan aid in building the legendary mystique of the land of the Rising Sun. This post is dedicated specifically to old photos of Japan from the late Meiji Era (from about 1900-1912). During this time great changes occurred throughout Japan. The shogunate stepped down, a young prince was lifted to the realms of emperor, and a grand shift of public and private duty occurred. A new Japan was being birthed into the modern world; armed with the Enlightenment of new ideas and technologies and the horror of how to utilize them against other humans. Some of these schisms between the old and the new can be seen in the following old photos of Japan. If you like this consider reading more about Japan and the Edo period HERE. We hope you enjoy!
Swords, Guns, and Samurai! Oh My!
At the earliest stages of the Meiji Period token of change, including the pistol seen above, became more and more present in photography.
Entertaining the Change
Many elements of Japanese culture remained true to their heritage such as Kabuki. Others, including the stage arts, began incorporating elements from outside cultures to wow their audiences.
The Asahi Beer company is still around today. Im fact it has about a 34% share of the domestic market. The photo above was in honor of opening a new store in the year Meiji 32.
Youthful Change
Marine based fashion was all the rage midway through the Meiji era. The photo above was taken during the Russo-Japanese War. As the countries waged war over the Korean Peninsula and Manchuria life at home was also changing.
Women’s education changed as well. In this new era lessons were 28 hours per work. Schools began to emphasize gymnastics and martial arts education.
Choo Choo
Trains began to play an ever more important role in modernizing Japan. The train above was made and imported from Germany.
From Backwoods to Global Power
Emperor Meiji reigned for just shy of 45 years. Japan’s presence on the global stage shifted forever during his time as emperor.
Ready for Battle
War was a major part of the imperial dreams of Meiji Era Japan. Locals from Ryukyu Kingdom (modern Okinawa), to Taiwan, to China, to Korea all faced the wrath of the imperial machine. Often those facing the war machine built by Japan were technologically at a loss. The Taiwanese soldiers [last picture below] fought with swords and bamboo against Japanese artillery and rifles.
The war machine built by Japan began to further build its manpower through the conscription of all national soldiers in 1897.
Working in the coal mines
Although the world around them was undergoing drastic changes, the common folks still had to do the dirty work of the previous centuries.
Keep on Learning
Thanks for taking the time to check out these old photos of Japan. If you want to see and learn more cool stuff check out our ARTICLES or PODCAST. Thanks for stopping by! Onward!
