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Life in Japan's Countryside About 100 Years Ago

These photos capture the old-fashioned Japanese rural way of life (of course, they weren't taken 100 years ago). At that time, electricity had not yet reached the suburbs of Japan.

IRORI: The living room had an fireplace, where the family would eat, drink tea and enjoy conversation.

KAMADO: In those days, people used firewood in the kitchen to cook rice and stewed dishes.

Sewing machines began to be manufactured in Japan in the 1920s, and foot-operated sewing machines were common until the 1960s.

Japanese people take off their shoes at home. The tatami mats on the floor provide a bit of cushioning, but futons are used for sitting and lying down.

Recycling, reusing, and reducing were thoroughly practiced in the cities and countryside of Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868).

After 215 years of isolation, Japan opened its doors to the world in 1854. As Japan was influenced by Western culture and industrialization began to flourish, the lives of the Japanese changed rapidly. However, the changes took place mainly in the cities, and the changes in rural life remained gradual.