Photographic Views of Japan (10 volumes)

Item Details

[Tokyo], [circa late 1940s]

Complete in 10 booklets measuring 3 1/2" x 5 1/4", each with 10 original numbered photographic leaves and printed introduction inside front covers and list of photograph titles on tissue paper. Stiff tan paper covers, silk string tied. Minor wear else a fine and scarce complete set.

These photographic booklets were created as mementos for members of the Allied Forces in Japan to send home to their families after World War II. The titles include: 1. Kabuki; 2. Festivals; 3. Nara; 4. Street scenes; 5. Children; 6. Sumo; 7. Japanese Women; 8. Villages Scenes; 9. Tea Ceremony; and 10. Kyoto.

Francis Haar born as Haár Ferenc (1908 – 1997) was a Hungarian socio-photographer. His career took him to Japan in 1939; he subsequently opened and operated a photo studio in Tokyo between 1940 and 1942. His family was evacuated to Karuizawa in 1943 and they spent 3 years there. He became the photographer of ‘Yank,’ the Army Weekly magazine of the U.S. occupation forces in Japan, and subsequently filmmaker with U.S. Public Health and Welfare Section (1946–48). It is most likely he created these booklets following the re-opening of his Tokyo photo studio in 1946.