These two postal cards were sent from 安芸広島 (Aki Hiroshima) by 高井半九 (Takai Hankyu) of 広島市大手町九丁目 (9 Chōme, Ōte-machi, Hiroshima-shi). The cards are dated January 5, 1890, and May 29, 1890. Takai Hankyu appears to have been a government employee in Hiroshima, as his name is listed in the "Hiroshima Prefectural Staff Directory" from February 1889 and other official government records. This discovery leads us to believe that 9 Chōme may have housed government offices during that time, adding an intriguing layer of historical context to these correspondences.
While sending New Year's cards has long been a cherished tradition in Japan, we were surprised to learn that sending cards in May was also a common practice in the Meiji era. May marks the transition from spring to summer, a season celebrated for its pleasant weather, blooming flowers, and vibrant natural beauty. Sending cards during this time may have been a way to share seasonal greetings and updates.
As we continue to explore these historical postal cards, we hope to uncover more about the lives of individuals like Takai Hankyu and the role of 9 Chōme, Ōte-machi in Hiroshima’s history.
No comments:
Post a Comment