Old Photos of Japan rescues rare images of daily life in old Japan
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70206-0047 - Japanese woman in kimono writing, 1920s

1920s
Woman Writing Letter

Artist Unknown
Publisher Unknown
Medium Postcard
Period Taisho
Location Studio
Image No. 70206-0047
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Author

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).

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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

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Reference for Citations

Duits, Kjeld (). 1920s: Woman Writing Letter, OLD PHOTOS of JAPAN. Retrieved on July 27, 2026 (GMT) from https://www.oldphotosjapan.com/photos/89/woman-writing-letter

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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

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