28 Fascinating Photos From Japan in the 1900s

Carly Tennes Published 08/07/2024 in wow

Long before Japan reached its current status as a global superpower, one defined by bright lights, mind-boggling technology, and a fascinating ecosystem of cool subcultures, the island nation held a deep-seated, rich history. Boasting stunning traditional costumes and a penchant for art, music, and athletics, turn-of-the-century Japan offered several breathtaking sights, many of which managed to get captured on camera in early photographs.

From Samurai snapshots to mothers going about their daily errands, here are 28 fascinating photos from Japan in the early 1900s.

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“Sailor outfits for the kids were all the rage in Meiji Era Japan (c.1900)”
9.
“Ainu woman and child in Japan (early 1900s).”
10.
“Young lady with umbrella. About 1900, Japan.”
11.
“Old photo of a mother and child. Japan, 1910-1930.”
12.
A member of the Ainu ethnic group with a traditional lip tattoo, date unknown.
13.
”Two members of the Ainu ethnic group in northern Japan, roughly ~1900.”
14.
“Porcelain shop, Japan 1900.”
15.
“Traveler on a forest road (Japan - late 1800s / early 1900s).” 
16.
“A group of samurai in Japan with some foreigners in the middle, late 1800s - early 1900s.”
17.
“Acrobats in Japan. ca. 1900.”
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“People bathing in a river during the summer. Japan, 1915.”
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A colorized street in a Japanese town, date unknown.
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“A smiling girl in a kimono on New Year's Day. Japan, 1914.”
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“A rice cake seller. Japan, 1914.”
22.
“Photo of a young samurai. Japan, around 1900.”
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A colorized photo of 1900's Japan, date unknown.
24.
“Meeting of Ainu people. Indigenous people from northern Japan. ca. 1900.”
25.
“Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the former Shogun of Japan as a member of the House of Peers, 1910.”
26.
“A geisha wearing a Western style swimsuit. Japan, around 1900.”
27.
“Boys playing with a camera. Japan, around 1920.”
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“Japanese woman in a traditional wedding dress in the early 1900s.”
29.
“A boy and girl holding hands. Japan, around 1920.”
30.
“Matsumoto Suzuko from Tokyo, Japan. Prize Winner of a Meiji Era beauty contest [1908].”
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An early photo of Tokyo, circa 1900 - 1920
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Two men paint lanterns, date unknown.
33.
Edward VIII, then Prince of Wales during his 1922 visit to Japan.
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A colorized snapshot of Kobe, date unknown.
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Several men ride in a vehicle, date unknown.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
“Sailor outfits for the kids were all the rage in Meiji Era Japan (c.1900)”
9.
“Ainu woman and child in Japan (early 1900s).”
10.
“Young lady with umbrella. About 1900, Japan.”
11.
“Old photo of a mother and child. Japan, 1910-1930.”
12.
A member of the Ainu ethnic group with a traditional lip tattoo, date unknown.
13.
”Two members of the Ainu ethnic group in northern Japan, roughly ~1900.”
14.
“Porcelain shop, Japan 1900.”
15.
“Traveler on a forest road (Japan - late 1800s / early 1900s).” 
16.
“A group of samurai in Japan with some foreigners in the middle, late 1800s - early 1900s.”
17.
“Acrobats in Japan. ca. 1900.”
18.
“People bathing in a river during the summer. Japan, 1915.”
19.
A colorized street in a Japanese town, date unknown.
20.
“A smiling girl in a kimono on New Year's Day. Japan, 1914.”
21.
“A rice cake seller. Japan, 1914.”
22.
“Photo of a young samurai. Japan, around 1900.”
23.
A colorized photo of 1900's Japan, date unknown.
24.
“Meeting of Ainu people. Indigenous people from northern Japan. ca. 1900.”
25.
“Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the former Shogun of Japan as a member of the House of Peers, 1910.”
26.
“A geisha wearing a Western style swimsuit. Japan, around 1900.”
27.
“Boys playing with a camera. Japan, around 1920.”
28.
“Japanese woman in a traditional wedding dress in the early 1900s.”
29.
“A boy and girl holding hands. Japan, around 1920.”
30.
“Matsumoto Suzuko from Tokyo, Japan. Prize Winner of a Meiji Era beauty contest [1908].”
31.
An early photo of Tokyo, circa 1900 - 1920
32.
Two men paint lanterns, date unknown.
33.
Edward VIII, then Prince of Wales during his 1922 visit to Japan.
34.
A colorized snapshot of Kobe, date unknown.
35.
Several men ride in a vehicle, date unknown.