Ainu chiefs played an important role in their society. Each Ainu village was administered by three hereditary chiefs. Interestingly, they were not allowed to judge criminals. This function was performed by other members of the community.
A man is fishing while women in kimono cross the Togetsukyo bridge in Kyoto’s Arashiyama.
A spectacular view on the city of Tokyo from Atago-yama, a hill some 26 meters above sea-level.
Many people who have visited Toji temple’s‘s wonderful temple markets will be astounded by this rural image of tea fields with the five-story pagoda of Toji in the background. The tea fields have long since dissapeared and the temple is now surrounded by busy roads and modern buildings.
Employees stand between jinrikisha (rickshaws) parked in front of impressive brothels in Osaka’s Matsushima red light light district.
Photo of a 1 year old baby girl in ceremonial kimono. During the early 20th century it was a very popular custom in Japan to take photographs of babies around their first birthday.