shows photos of Japan between the 1860s and 1930s. In 1854, Japan opened its doors to the outside world for the first time in more than 200 years. It set in motion a truly astounding transformation. As fate would have it, photography had just been invented. As the old country vanished and a new one was born, daring photographers took photos. Discover what life was like with their rare and precious photographs of old Japan.

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« Entrance of a House • Large Private Garden »

This photo, taken in Tokyo in May 1934, shows two girls wearing a kimono, and two more girls wearing western style clothes, one of them a middy suit and a hat. The girl with her back towards the photographer is wearing an obi (the beautifully decorated sash used to tie the kimono) which must have been quite modern at the time.

Middy suits originated in Great Britain in the second half of the 19th century. Based on naval suits, they became extremely popular with children during the 1880s. Until then, children had been dressed in very complicated adult clothing, so they loved the freedom of movement they had in the new suits. Later, young women took to the middy suit as well, and the suits were eventually seen all over the world, including Japan.

This glass slide is one of a series of slides of Japan that was used by the New York State Education Department to teach students about Japan.

Photographer: Unknown
Publisher: New York State Education Department
Medium: Glass Slide
Image Number 80121-0002

Quote this number when you contact us about licensing this image.
You can also licence this image online: 80121-0002 @ MeijiShowa.com.

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Posted by Kjeld Duits • 2008-10-15

« Entrance of a House • Large Private Garden »

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