A new website looks back on 150 years of modern Japanese history in visual format.
Japan Archives went live on June 30th and contains a treasure trove of information on modern Japanese history from the Bakumatsu through the Meiji and Taisho eras and up to the present day, covering everything from politics and economics to sport, nature, and the everyday life of the people.
Who even needs museums anymore when you can now experience the most important events in the country’s history through photographs, posters, postcards, woodblock prints, and other visual media from the comfort of your own home.
While only available in Japanese, the site is conveniently organized by time period and genre, making it user-friendly and easy to browse.
There’s a wealth of historical media to sift through, and even if you can’t read the Japanese captions you can still enjoy the nostalgic images which bring the samurai and geisha of the past to vibrant life on your screen. And best of all, it’s all freely accessible! Follow this link to see more.
Source: Japaaan Magazine, Japan Archives
Images: Japan Archives (1, 2, 3, 4)
Japanese government wants to acquire original anime and manga art for creation of national archive
Japanese video shows what life was like in Tokyo and Mt Fuji over 100 years ago
Edo-era illustrated records show the disasters that have plagued Japan throughout its history
Finger Dance Makeup: Shiseido reveals the history of Japanese makeup through finger dance【Video】
Travel back in time to this timeless Japanese hot spring inn from the Taisho period【Photos】
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
7-Eleven Japan rethinks convenience store drinks with new Grilled Corn Chilled Soup Smoothie
This Japanese chopping board sanitising bag might be the handy kitchen gadget we never knew we needed
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Tired of city life? Try out Japanese rural life for a few days on an active volcano in Kagoshima
Studio Ghibli unveils new finger puppets featuring anime characters from My Neighbour Totoro
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese vending machine sells freshly squeezed lemon juice with a futuristic light show
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
7-Eleven Japan adds new chocolate fruit gummies to its sweets range, but are they worth the hype?
Starbucks Japan teams up with Traveler’s Company for new stationery and goods collection
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】