These rare shots of vintage Japan during 1908 are thanks to the acute artistic eye of Arnold Genthe. The German-born American scholar honed his photographic talent on the streets, spending his off-time roaming through his city with a partially hidden camera in attempts of recording memorable moments. Political parties gained influence, and elected representatives had more power than ever. Newspapers and intellectual circles debated ideas such as liberalism, universal suffrage, and workers’ rights. By 1925, Japan introduced universal male suffrage, expanding political participation.
Tokyo and Osaka grew into bustling metropolises filled with streetcars, cafés, movie theaters, and Western-style fashion. A new generation of youth embraced modern urban culture, including jazz music, Western clothing, and dancing. Women began entering the workforce in greater numbers, especially in textiles, though their working conditions were often harsh.
