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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« New Year Celebrations 14 • New Year Celebrations 12 »

Several men perform shishi-mai (lion dance) in the courtyard of a shrine. The performers would also dance in front of the homes of the parishioners as a charm against evil spirits and disease, and to pray for good fortune. Shishi-mai probably entered Japan around the 8th century after Japanese diplomats and priests encountered them in China. They are still performed today and it is believed that some 9,000 different variations of shishi-mai exist. This image is part of The New Year in Japan, a book published by Kobe-based photographer Kozaburo Tamamura in 1906. Original text:

To the accompaniment of a flute and a drum, the “lion dance,” is being given; but the “lion” is a two-legged one, somewhat weaker than the “King of the forest.”¹

See all New Year images on Old Photos of Japan.

In this interesting clip the lion hands out tangerines using its mouth

¹ Tamamura, Kozaburo (1906). The New Year in Japan. Tamamura Shashinkan.

Photographer: Kozaburo Tamamura
Publisher: Kozaburo Tamamura
Medium: Collotype Print
Image Number 80115-0037

Quote this number when you contact us about licensing this image.
You can also licence this image online: 80115-0037 @ MeijiShowa.com.

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Posted by Kjeld Duits • 2009-01-01

« New Year Celebrations 14 • New Year Celebrations 12 »

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