"THEN and NOW" #`1 of 2 -- T. ENAMI'S PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO - A Quiet Day on Benten Street, Yokohama, ca.1900-05

"THEN and NOW" #`1 of 2 -- T. ENAMI'S PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO - A Quiet Day on Benten Street, Yokohama, ca.1900-05
Originally uploaded by Okinawa Soba

MR.OKINAWA SOBA..............This is one of my favorites. It is the presence of our two flags and the history of our two nations from this date until the present that so fascinates my mind. Who could have known the road that would be taken and who would have ever believed that our two nations, after all that happened, would become the allies and true friends we are today. Japan and the U.S. are two very different nations, yet so much alike in so many ways.

Some wonder how Japan and the U.S. were able to re-establish such a great relationship after 1945. It is simple: Japan, though it is full of mystery and tradition, is a nation where mental brilliance is a personal goal. That, combined with common sense and the ability to take private and corporate free enterprise to the maximum, is one of the secrets of their success. The fundamental explanation for Japan's success has much to do with character and honor.
Robert L. Huffstutter
_________________________________________________

THEN and NOW" #`1 of 2 -- T. ENAMI'S PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO - A Quiet Day on Benten Street, Yokohama, ca.1900-05
A hand-colored postcard view of Enami's studio at No.9 Benten street, ca.1900-05. Usually called "Benten Dori" on the old photo and postcard captions, "Dori" is simply the Japanese word for "Street".

In this view, we are looking in a Northwesterly direction. Many views can be found showing this same stretch of street when it was decorated with flags and lanterns during festival times, war celebrations, and commemorative events. In such shots, hardly any store signs can be seen. Enami chose a quieter day to get this shot.

Notice the two men looking into Enami's studio windows, were many formats of his sample photographs are on display. Wonder what the pictures are ?

FOR A LOOK SOME OF ENAMI'S AMAZING OUTPUT FROM THIS LITTLE STUDIO DURING THE YEARS 1892 TO 1929, SEE : www.flickr.com/photos/24443965@N08/collections/7215761388...

There is also another photo studio up ahead on the corner, with pictures on display as well. In fact, along with all of the souvenir shops, there are so many photo studios on this street, that it can be rightfully called "Photographers Row".

NOW ---- Jump 100 years into the future ! www.flickr.com/photos/24443965@N08/2413960428/

Uploaded by Okinawa Soba on 14 Apr 08, 9.05AM PST