Tokyo 1880s
Shinagawa Station
This photo makes you look at the title in utter disbelief. But Shinagawa Station did actually look this rural, with the waves of Tokyo Bay reaching to the very edge of the station.
Tokyo 1880s
1890s
Japanese Women Cooking
This dramatized studio photograph shows how Japanese meals were prepared in late 19th century Japan. The five women are surrounded by a variety of traditional Japanese kitchen tools.
Osaka 1910s
Prefectural Office
A boat passes in front of the Osaka Prefectural Office on Enokojima Island. Through 1926, this small island was the center of Osaka’s prefectural government.
1890s
Women Having Tea
These five women posing in the photographer’s studio as if having tea at home look a bit forlorn. Maybe the photographer took a bit too much time?
Tokyo 1930s
Imperial Hotel
Today, few people in Tokyo will recognize this impressive building with its reflecting pool. But between 1923 and 1968 it was Tokyo’s top luxury establishment, built by legendary American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
1870s
Basket Craftsman
A studio portrait of a young basket maker wearing a head band using bamboo to weave a basket. All around him are his bamboo products.