1890s
Ceramics and Pottery Shop
Three children sit in front of a shop cramped with ceramics and pottery.
1890s
Kyoto 1920s
Shimabara Tayuu
A tayuu (high class prostitute) from Shimabara in Kyoto. The area was the licensed prostitution district of Kyoto. Tayuu wore gorgeous costumes that grew ever more ostentatious during the Edo period (1603-1868).
Tokyo 1920s
Hanayashiki, Asakusa Park
Asakusa Park was to Meiji Tokyo what Shibuya is today, a place for the middle and lower class masses to go and amuse themselves at low cost. Amusement park Hanayashiki was the top crowd puller here.
Osaka 1890s
Dotonbori Theater Street
Dotonbori (also: Dotombori) seen towards the east. The crowded and lively street was filled with teahouses (shibai-jaya), restaurants and theaters.
1870s
Shamisen Craftsman
A craftsman, wearing a traditional chonmage hairstyle, is working on a Shamisen, a three-stringed musical instrument played with a Bachi (plectrum), while being assisted by a woman in kimono.
1920s
Woman Writing Letter
A young Japanese woman in kimono and traditional hairstyle is writing a letter or poem.