A young Japanese woman in kimono and traditional hairstyle is writing a letter or poem.
This postcard was published sometime after 1918. During the early 20th century, picture postcards of bijin (beautiful women) were extremely popular in Japan (see Woman with Rose).
Published
Updated
Reader Supported
Old Photos of Japan aims to be your personal museum for Japan's visual heritage and to bring the experiences of everyday life in old Japan to you.
To enhance our understanding of Japanese culture and society I track down, acquire, archive, and research images of everyday life, and give them context.
I share what I have found for free on this site, without ads or selling your data.
Your support helps me to continue doing so, and ensures that this exceptional visual heritage will not be lost and forgotten.
Thank you,
Kjeld Duits
Reference for Citations
Duits, Kjeld (). 1920s: Woman Writing Letter, OLD PHOTOS of JAPAN. Retrieved on June 22, 2026 (GMT) from https://www.oldphotosjapan.com/photos/89/woman-writing-letter
Noel
This woman was a geisha in the Shinbashi hanamachi in Tokyo and her name was Hamayuu/ Hawaryuu. For some more info you can check: https://www.flickr.com/photos/24443965@N08/sets/72157623558388810/
And here you have another photo of Hamayuu in the same bridal kimono: https://www.flickr.com/photos/blue_ruin_1/6324969028
#000589 ·