Photos Of 1908 Japan, Before Wars And Devastation

Back in 1908, a German photographer Arnold Genthe (1869-1942) spent six months in Japan, documenting the everyday life of Japanese during the Meiji period.

Genthe was known for his photo series, documenting San Francisco's Chinatown. After his death, the Library of Congress acquired approximately 20,000 never before seen photographs from his studio, and buried in the collection were these rare photos from 1908 Japan, during the Meiji period.

In these photos, you'll see an almost idyllic everyday life that contrasts sharply with the soon-to-come destruction, brought by the wars.

More info: arnold genthe collection (h/t: ufunk)

If you liked these, then also check remastered photos of the Last Samurai of Japan.