Japan photo 70 years ago

In 1951, Werner Bischof was sent to work on the Korean battlefield. During this time, however, he fell in love with the ravishing beauty of Japan.

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Bischof was born in 1916. At the age of 35, he went to Korea to photograph the war. But what impressed him was Japan, where American soldiers took leave. Bischof decided to spend a year here to understand and discover the "deep soul" of Japan. Pictured, the snow-white courtyard at Meiji Shrine, Tokyo, 1951.

Photo taken of a Japanese woman drying silk in Kyoto in 1951. The city is still famous for its traditional craft villages. Silk here is used to make the most expensive kimonos. The lifestyle of preserving the traditions but still receiving the modern and advanced things of the Japanese people makes Bischof attractive.

While in Japan, Bischof befriended photographer Ihei Kimura. This was the man who introduced him to many of the mysteries of Japanese culture. Together they visit shrines and study traditional Japanese art. Pictured, a monk resting at Ryoanji Temple, Kyoto (1951).

Marines of ancient cherry land.

Portrait of Michiko Jinuma, a fashion student, taken by Bischof in Tokyo. This photographer spent a little time in Japan to understand more about their lives. "I always go too far and too deep. It doesn't seem to be journalism anymore. Deep down, I know I am and will always be an artist, not a reporter," he confided.

Lonely pink lotus field in winter in Tokyo. In addition to people's lives, nature is also what makes Bischof pay attention.

Left photo, traditional hairstyle of the bride. Traditional wedding dresses in Japan still exist to this day, although most of them are Western-style. Weddings in this style are often held in sacred places such as shrines. Right photo, Shimbashi district (Tokyo).

During his stay in Japan, he also visited Nara - the first capital of Japan. The ancient capital is famous for the architecture of temples and Buddhist temples. In the 8th century, during the Nara period in Japan, Buddhism flourished. It is believed that more temples will strengthen the country. And like that, a lot of Buddhist works were built here.