Today I would like to highlight one of our library collections that was featured in our recent atrium exhibit: an impressive set of 20th-century kabuki actor postcards. Featuring photographs of kabuki actors and plays—both onstage and behind the scenes—this collection contains over 2,500 postcards and is the largest we are aware of outside Japan. The contents date from the early Taishō period (1912–1926) to the 1980s and are in excellent condition overall, although some earlier cards show minor signs of wear or fading.
Portrait postcards like these became increasingly popular in Japan at the turn of the 20th century, when advancements in photography allowed printed cards to be produced at ever-faster rates. This meant that mass-produced images became prime collectibles for fans who visited kabuki theaters and other cultural sites. Soon, they surpassed the popularity of ukiyo-e woodblock prints, which had dominated the 19th century as one of the most sought-after Japanese collectibles of the era.
