This week is a quick Fun Link Friday, as I don’t have much info on the origins of these audiovisual materials. These videos have been making their rounds lately, and so far as I can tell people have taken them to be authentic. The first below is a series of short clips that include early sound footage of Kyoto from around 1929. Take a listen and hear everyday street rumbles, musical performances, and festival sounds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORHAjgDNoa8&feature=youtu.be
Similarly, though the audio track has been artificially added to this second, earlier clip (distributed by the EYE Filmmuseum) shows footage of Tokyo from 1913-1915. It’s amazing to see the throngs of people and the details of everyday dress.
Take a look and enjoy a peek into these early views of modern Japan!
What can I do with a B.A. in Japanese Studies? 