Photograph of a Yakitori Restaurant by Bun Oshita, a Yokohama gentleman whose photos I admire very much. There are many great photos of Yokohama in his Flickr Photostream. It is a personal joy to see such great photography of the Yokohama I loved so very much 50 years ago.
AN ALLEY IN OLD YOKOHAMA...Isezakicho Street
Photograph by Bun Oshita
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I recall this street when it was decorated with beautiful paper lanterns and real cherry blossoms during Sakura Season. It was a time of great celebration; sake and Sapporo beer, Asahi beer, Suntory whisky and sushi were free to all who chose to wander down this street of wonders,old Isezakicho Street. Hopefully, I will be able to walk down this most famous street again before I leave this earth.
LOOKING THROUGH YOUR PHOTOSTREAM...makes me so sad that I did not visit Hokkaido while I was in Japan. But I shall, if it is possible, visit this beautiful island of Japan when I visit Japan once more sometime in the next year or so. Yes, it appeared so rural and natural from the 60s photos. I know I would have fallen in love with Hokkaido as I did the main island. You have a most fantastic collection of photos. Robert
Thank you for your permission to place a few of them in my BLOGABOUTJAPAN
Streetcar in Tokyo near Shinbashi Station, circa 1955
Mid 1950s Tokyo. A horde of pedestrians crosses in front of a 6000-series Tokyo metropolitan streetcar.
The sign in the foreground says that this is A Avenue and 10th Street. The US military imposed a system of street names on the major thoroughfares in Tokyo after the end of World War Two. Lettered avenues radiated from the Imperial Palace clockwise. "A Avenue" ran south from the southeast corner of the Imperial palace, on Hibiya Boulevard (Hibiya Doori). The numbered streets were basically major roads essentially ringing the palace. 10th is Outer Moat Boulevard (Sotobori Doori). So this is the Nishi-shinbashi Crossing, just south of Hibiya Park. At the time the neighborhood - and the streetcar stop - was called Tamuramachi (田村町). We must be looking east, because the sun is hitting the face of the building on the right.
It pre-dates 1957, when Tokyo's streetcars were repainted yellow. The lines which ran on Hibiya Doori through this intersection were 1, 5, 35 and 37.
Here's a zoom on a part of the map published by the US military in 1948 with the street names.
And here's the neighborhood on an interactive 1956 map of Tokyo.
Found in an antique store's photo bins.
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COMMENTS FROM ROBERT L. HUFFSTUTTER
One of the joys of having been stationed in Japan for over two years was that the dollar was worth 360 yen at that time, but it was the people, always polite, nice and helpful. Not once in 28 months did I ever have a bad experience and I wandered off into the depths of Tokyo in the middle of the night. The streetcars were almost like an amusement park ride, especially late at night around the Bund in Yokohama. They would get up some real speed, sparks would fly and the entire care would shake, rattle and roll. Yes, for ten yen I could ride all over. I just got on the streetcars and let them take me wherever. For a young guy 19, Japan was like one big holiday without end. Unfortunately, my tour ended. See my BLOGABOUTJAPAN for more about streetcars
Thanks to Rob Ketcherside for posting this found photo--it brings back some warm memories, though bittersweet at times because of the SAYONARA FACTOR....
IZAKAYA AT ROADSIDE BY NOBUOJP
This a perfect example of the Japanese sake bars I saw while spending a tour of joyful duty in Japan in the early 1960s. While these were for the local Japanese, whenver an American wondered in, he was treated with respect and offered sake. In Yamato, I had a favorite sake bar I frequented.
On more than one occasion, my Japanese friends made sure I made it home to my small apartment in Yamato. 50 years have passed, but I still have warm memories of my time in Japan whenever I see photos like these with many lanterns. Thank you for sharing this special photograph. Robert
THIS IS ANOTHER CLASSIC IMAGE OF A JAPANESE MATCHBOX popular in the 1920s through the 1960s.
Crackdog's collection of matchboxes is awe-inspiring. While many are for bars and other establishments, subjects that make the issue a memory of some youthful joys, it is the designs that remain in my mind that I really appreciate.
Most of these matchboxes, or all of them, were created by Japanese advertising artists in the 1920s through the late 1930s and could be advertising any number of establishments that were part of a very large Japanese Empire.
It is the intrique and mystery of this historic era that fascinates me. I believe it is an era that has been shelved, more or less, because of the Imperialist nature.
As an American, let me be the first to admit that the United States was one of the main players in the game of colonialism and imperialism. From the time the U.S. declared the "Manifest Destiny" to the time we forcefully annexed the kingdom of Hawaii, we have subtly become very large realtors in world properties.
MT. FUJI IN THE BACKGROUND OF THIS VIEW OF EDO
UNLESS THE VIEWER IS INTERESTED IN HISTORICAL EVENTS, DOCUMENTS AND ART, these images might not stir one's excitement in the past. These engravings were not imagined, but were made from sketches by an artist who furnished them for the voyage.
Since there was no photography at this point in time that could capture old Tokyo as it was in the 1840s, we must assume that Tokyo, or Edo, or Yeddo, looked very similar to the above.
I would guess that the view might include what might be part of the Emperor's Palace.
Mt. Fuji under the Moon
It was a while ago, but thus far, I've only posted Mt. Fuji under the Moon (pt. 1). Yes, I skipped pt. 2. That'll come soon. Mt. Fuji (富士山) on a cold, cold winter morning, with a partially-frozen Lake Yamanakako (山中湖) in the foreground. I was quite surprised at the number of other photographers out here at 6 a.m. in -12º C temperatures. Single RAW exposure w/ 2 & 3 soft stop GNDs, post in PS CS3/4.
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ONE OF THE BEST PHOTOS OF MT FUJI I HAVE EVER SEEN. The last time I saw Mt Fuji was in the winter of 1963. It was a beautiful view, one I hope will not be my last.
The Langlois bridge reminded van Gogh of Hiroshige's print Sudden Shower on the Great Bridge. Inspired by the Japanese wood block prints, van Gogh sought to integrate techniques from Japanese artwork into his own. In a letter that van Gogh wrote to Bernard about the Langlois bridge he said that "if the Japanese are not making any progress in their own country, still it cannot be doubted that their art is being continued in France." With a Japanese aesthetic, Van Gogh's bridge of Langlois paintings reflect a more simplified use of color to create a harmonious and unified image. Outlines were used to suggest movement. He used fewer shades of colors rather multiple subtle color variations. These approaches created a more powerful impact and depicted the simpler, primitive quality of the country lifestyle.
For a more technical revew and more information, refer to the Wikipedia link referenced above. Thanks to Wikipedia for their research and great volume of information on almost every subject one would seek knowledge
It is very sad to remember how two nations fought to the death. It was not the people at war. It was men who could not relolve commerce in the 1930s; it was men who could not come to terms over exports. And then it graduated into anger and physical attacks. It ended with men from both nations who could not reach a peaceful settlement
I didn't think Japan would buy into this denial of civil rights like the USA has done. What a shame that this has been introduced to Japan. Warning to all Japanese smokers: If you enjoy smoking, if you enjoy your civil rights to smoke, now is the time to vote those out of offce who are writing such laws or you will soon be regimented like wards of the State. I have seen in happen in the USA.
NO WAY...UNBELIEVABLE. IN THE LAND OF THE SONY TELEVISION, where for years TVs were the primary export, there are used TVs for sale. If anyone has a yen for a TV, here is the place if you are in SHIZUOKA PREFECTURE. Thanks to Jeffrey Armstrong for posting this in his Flickr Photostream.
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Used TVs for Sale by PoPBunka! 英会話 浜松市
WAITING FOR VAN GOGH TO ARRIVE AT THE WEIN,
Waiting for Vincent to arrive at a coffee house in old Motomachi. Channeling used to focus on Van Gogh's brief and secret visit to Japan in the late 19th century. See the set VAN GOGH'S SECRET VISIT TO JAPAN. A series of watercolors by Robert L. Huffstutter
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It was at the Wein where we met on Saturday mornings to begin our weekends. From the first time I met her and we decided upon a mutual place to meet, it was this coffee shop where we would meet, usually around 11:00 a.m. It was, to my best recollection, located in Motomachi.
Two Maiko in Gion - Kyoto by The Moog Image Dump
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An interesting and beautiful photograph. Learn more by following this link.
THE INTERIOR OF MOST OF THE DC-3s looked much like the photo taken by Mr Koston.
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My first flight was in a DC3 from NAS North Island to NAS Alameda. A night flight and still recall the beauty of San Francisco as we landed. Enjoyed numerous flights thereafter in both DC3 and DC 4s. They were planes that always made me feel comfortable, probably because of the low altitude in contrast with the 707s, etc. Would still prefer the props for casual flights.
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The photos of Mr. John Koston live on, providing many viewers with historical views and views that create fond memories of their lives as related to the photos.
...the Constellation and the Military Air Transport Service, both dear to my heart in that they took me on some great trips in the USA and Japan back in the early 60s...
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C-121 Constellation N494TW :... by jwm1049
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This is an example of the thousands of excellent compositions that exist in Japan for the photographer with the eye for Art Photography. While there are thousands of people who would not see the beauty in a photograph of this nature, the photographer, UTOUTOKUMASAN, saw this scene and mastered it in the lens. It is a work I highly admire, one of the many reasons I am anxious to return to Japan.
Old photograph by utoutokumasa
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Yes, I notice a new smile that still seems youthful, a good time for a new Japan that will become so much of a super economic and commercial power. It is like a photo of young people who know there is a bright new future for their nation, on the threshold of a new era...
"As pages close in the chapters of our lives, so did this day close a chapter in my life. From that moment on, that day would serve as a time-line in my every thought, in my personal calendar and clock of all that happened prior to that date and hour and all that would happen thereafter." From one of the closing chapters in my novel, AN AMERICAN WANDERING, by Robert L.Huffstutter
She lived with her mother in a Totsuka complex. Her father had been killed in the war in Burma. World War II never mattered to us or our feeling toward the other...
It was only through a message I gave a taxi driver the night before my unexpected departure that brought her to the pier that early morning. She had no phone, thus my only hope was that a taxi driver would deliver my message to her that I had been rescheduled to leave two days earlier than planned.
I was unable to leave the base the night before departure--rules. So, would she show up to say good-bye? Did the taxi driver simply take my ten dollars and her address and do no more?
The next morning as I stood on the pier in uniform with my seabag, a taxi pulled up. She had tears in her eyes. We had an hour to talk and embrace on that last morning of our lives together. The taxi driver had done his duty and I am forever greatful for his most honorable deed
All of my experiences will be published, sooner or later, in AN AMERICAN WANDERING. I have not yet secured a publisher for this work, but as every writer who is not a celebrity will admit, publishers for personal novels are hard to find. Yes, there are lots of celebrity autobiographical works, political dialogues, political theories, and works about our role in the world, but the novels or works of the everyday American are far and few between.
Bar in Chitose Japan 1958
Bar White Bear Chitose Hokkaido Japan Photo from Milt Kessler 1958
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This is truly a rare photo of a bar that has probably been gone for many years. I can imagine the fun of the northern nights in this Northern island. It reminds me of what I would imagine some of the rustic and early bars in Alaska looked like in that era. Thanks for adding this photo and all of the photos you have added. These images are historical. Thank you, Robert
THIS PHOTO OF AN AINU MAN taken in 1958 has a photo credit listed as Milt Kessler. Taken in Hokkaido, Japan 1958. Thanks to Asachitose for permission to post this photograph in my online blog about Japan.
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I was under the impression that the Ainu were much different in their physical features than the Japanese. I see no distinctive differences here. Nevertheless, they are a fascinating people. I need to read more, but there is so much interesting material about nations and people I find it hard to find time to learn all I want. Maybe we should live much longer. Hopefully, we will someday. Robert
This is an uplifting image and one that I know is true to the nature of Japan.
Japan is a nation that is peaceful, joyful and one that will surely overcome their recent natural disasters.
Look how quickly Japan grew into the second largest world economy out of a heap of ashes.
I love Japan with all my heart. I spent almost three years stationed in Japan in the early 60s and not one time was I ever shown the least disrespect. I traveled alone much of the time the first year I was in Japan; I went into the darkest areas of Tokyo at midnight, and not once was I ever fearful. Japan is the only nation on earth where this could have happened. To this day, I remember this, a fact that continually increases my respect and love for Japan.
waiting for a train
I like hanging out at train stations in Japan and watching the trains and people come and go. So I wrote a simple boy-girl song where its one of those ships passing in the night kind of things but in this case a simple smile shared, lingers on. The song came first and then I made it a point to get some shots on our last Tokyo visit to fit the song. Most of them were from the Takaido station on the Inokashira line running between Shibuya and Kichijoji, west of central Tokyo where we stayed with my wife's cousin for a few days. Some of you may also recognize a few shots from Shimbashi, Shinagawa, and Tamachi
Tokyo Woman
Among the many sights of Tokyo, the style conscious Japanese woman in heels with her keitai (cell phone) in hand, is one of the more fascinating and photogenic. I was never satisfied with Deep Purple's "Woman from Tokyo" hit of the 70's as a proper tribute so I decided to do my own song which has been a work in progress for 2 years or more. This latest version is combined with 60+ images collected over a similar 2 year period of trips to Tokyo. Some of the shots were taken on the run or from the hip and present only a fleeting, blurred vision of this elusive creature. The Beach Boys had their California Girls and Lenny Kravitz his American Woman. This is my humble offering to Tokyo Woman.
Tokyo woman, I wonder what you hear
with your keitai denwa pressed against your ear
Tokyo woman, kakko ii desho
Tokyo woman, doko iku no?
It always rained in Enoshima before I left, usually in the late afternoon. Of all of the locations in Japan where there was true serenity, this was one of them. There were many areas where I felt in tune with Nature and my spirit, in tune with the spirit of the nature of all things. Sometime, I hope to write about each of those special places in Japan where there was love and peace.
A SKETCH OF MT FUJI from a Japanese Inn or my apartment. It could be either, afterall, it has been 50 years since I viewed this spectacular mountain. This is a bittersweet sketch, one that took awhile to do...and here's a great song to go along with this sketch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgxGSZyZIVU&feature=related
About my new set, ADVERTISEMENTS FOR MYSELF:
Who remembers Norman Mailer's book, ADVERTISEMENTS FOR MYSELF? Well, at nearly 70, I figured it is time to advertise myself. How will I ever gain the fame of an artist or writer if I do not advertise myself?
ONE OF THE BEST PLAIN AND SIMPLE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE GINZA...this is truly an art photograph, but this is only my opinion. Thanks to Atom Malchick for shooting such marvelous photos of Japan.
SHINJUKU BY ATOM MALCHICK...
Oh, man, your photos are just cool, really cool. I am going to have to get on a JAL real soon. You shoot some winners. Thanks for sharing these masterpieces.
This is one of my favorites, but there is something about Japanese bars in the narrow alleys that has always attracted me from the time I first saw one, in August of 1961.
Maybe it is the Sapporo, the Ashai, The Suntory, the Ocean Whisky, I don't know, but it just might have to do with the beauty of the beautiful young ladies who bow, smile and say something like?
What is the phrase for welcome?
This photograph of one of Tokyo's most well-known landmark is absolutely the definition of perfection in black and white photography. My greatest congratulations to Mr. Malchick for his perfect works. The last time I walked by this building was in December of 1963. It appears to have been refurbished. The light is most spectactular.
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.
"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 ?
Here are some other BENTEN STREET images on my stream, with additional caption commentary : www.flickr.com/search/?w=24443965@N08&q=BTSYOKO&m...
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/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfCzq5cxjT4&feature=related
I LOVE THE LANTERNS IN OLD YOKOHAMA
What I would give to be able to walk that street then, like a trip back into time.
Man, I can get lost in your photos. One can only imagine the glow one would experience walking this street after dark, especially if one had several of the small cups of quality sake. Yes, the sounds, the aromas, the sound of the sami-san, going back in time...good-bye.
What a trip it would be. Thanks to Okinawa Soba for his most excellent collection of old photographs of a Japan of a by-gone era, the 1880s through the 1900s. Browse his Flickr photostream and you will be fascinated beyond belief.
PRAY AND HOPE THAT NO MORE NATURAL DISASTERS HAPPEN IN THIS MOST BELOVED LAND OF PEACE AND BEAUTY
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Tokyo lights by night (Music:... by Kona Photos
8th Army HQs, Yokohama
Another view of Eichelberger's 8th US Army Headquarters in Yokohama, Japan where my dad was stationed. He was part of G-2, Military Intelligence Service, ATIS (Allied Translator and Interpreter Service). Circa 1947
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THANKS TO MUSTANG KOJI for sharing photos his father took of his duty stations while serving in the U.S. Army during the Occupation of Japan. Mustang Koji's photostream is full of rare photos of Japan, his family and his dad's tour of duty. Many thanks.
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Note both the Coca Cola and the Pepsi Cola signs on this building next to one of Yokohama's landmark buildings.
SAYONARA SONG, DECEMBER 1963 AN AMERICAN WANDERING It was a cloudy morning on the day in December of 1963 when I said goodbye and boarded this huge transport for the trip home. It was a day I will not forget. The vessel arrived in San Francisco ten days later on my 22nd birthday. As all of us might have a tendency to do, this is one of the time frames I use when remembering certain seasons of my lifetime. Perhaps there are those who do not store memories in compartments and open them by simply recalling the month and year we might want to remember either for a few moments or for hours of entertainment and reflection. I did not go straight to the train station or airport, I flagged a cab and found a cheap hotel downtown and spent the next three days unwinding with Canadian Club. When I became bored with my own company, I found nearby bars to frequent. Conversation was cheap and entertaining. It was then that I began writing my poetry again, in spiral notebooks and on bar napkins. Sure, it was good to be back in the USA, but the emotion of returning did not compare with the emotions I experienced from leaving Japan. Leaving a joyful lifestyle where there was love and a lifestyle I enjoyed to return to a land of strangers where the lifestyle was indifferent to my values created an immediate state of despondency, one that has remained, more or less, throughout the ages. Time is of no consequence; time does not heal sorrows. When one day is gone, it is gone in an instant and does not matter if it has been gone for only 24 hours or decades; it is no respecter of persons and their emotions. Time is not a sentimental element; time has no energy or mercy--it is immune to the suffering of one individual or generations. Time and emotions are as distant from the other as is life from death. The above is from a passage in a novel I am writing, AN AMERICAN WANDERING.
ONE OF THE BEST GINZA PHOTOS I HAVE SEEN...The contrasts are perfect, the composition is perfect, and the shot deserves much praise. I can see this in a large photo book about Japan. In a New York minute, this is the one of the best TOKYO shot I have seen in 60 years.
ONE OF THE GREATEST PHOTOS OF SAILORS ON LIBERTY IN JAPAN I HAVE EVER SEEN. Congratulations to the photographer, CAPTAINPANDAPANTS.
U.S. Troops during the occupation era. The buildings that one sees in this photo will give the viewer a sense of what most of Japan looked like prior to the war. Personally, I like the old-fashioned architecture, the wooden structures, the tile roofs and the unique angles and lines. It was, for sure, a different world. Not all westerners appreciated the Oriental ways and means. To me, they were a visual joy, a myriad of structural pleasantries. The mystery of the orient, in my opinion, is partially due to the nature of these buildings.
Tokyo Rocks
As the quakes continue in the North and Tokyo sways in response, we all wonder how long this cycle will continue. Few people are celebrating the cherry blossoms this year - there is a strange sobriety in the air yet ,when the sun comes out, the women strolling in the streets remind me that, come what may, Tokyo rocks.
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Yes, I would imagine there is much anxiety, but it is good to know that life is continuing in that people are still out and about, especially lovely young ladies like the one in your photograph. Great capture.
Help Japan Brighton University Peace Cranes
Illustration by Chihiro Kyozuka
A group from Brighton University (including the renown Art School), England raised funds in support of the victims of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami 東北地方太平洋沖地震, in Japan.
Their activities included running Origami Peace Crane workshops. The full text of a document accompanying a display exhibit of some of the Peace Cranes made - including details of the charities supported - can be read in the description here.
The full text of the poster reads:
PLEASE DONATE FOR AFFECTED PEOPLE BY EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI IN JAPAN
"We are a group of Japanese student in University of Brighton, On 11th March 2011, the biggest earthquake and tsunami have occurred in north east of Japan is seriously damaged. The earthquake is still continuing.....
In order to support this earthquake disaster, we are collecting donations to send to British Red Cross. We would very appreciate your help. Thank you for your concern.
Arigato!" [Thank you!]
If you are based in the UK also visit:
Red Cross [British Red Cross Japan Tsunami Appeal website]
or just Donate...
Oxfam [Great Britain / UK - Japan Earthquake and Tsunami website]
or just Donate...
Part of a set / Slideshow. セットの一部 / スライドショー
も参照してください / See also:
Help the Tsunami Victims [Oxfam, Brighton]
Support for Japan [University of Sussex, Brighton]
Help Japan [Oki-Nami / ジヤパニ一ズ・ダィニソグ restaurant window]
Yes, a night ride through Chinatown would be the perfect RX for joy and happiness. You appear to be enjoying your time and I wish you the best. Cool bike. I like the way you have parked it to include the vast array of neon in the background. If there was ever a poster that created images of fun, this photo would be perfect. Robert
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THANKS TO JAMES, OWENFINN16
Beauty in business promotions is a basic in Japanese advertising campaigns. The winning smile of this young lady creates an immediate interest in what appears to be a new line of passenger vans. But first, I must get to Tokyo. Thanks to TOKYO AUTO SALON for such a delightful promotional photograph.
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Tokyo Auto Salon by ジェローム
NO COPYRIGHT AND FREE FOR USE BY ALL WHO CHOOSE TO USE THIS WORK FOR POSITIVE PURPOSES, RESALE, DISTRIBUTION, ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS, ETC. BY-LINE REQUIRED. THANKS, ROBERT
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