1924 Great Kanto Earthquake Photo Album IJA Kanto Martial Law Headquarters
This is an official photo album documenting the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Compiled by the Kanto Martial Law Headquarters and published in March 1924. The Great Kanto Earthquake struck Tokyo, Kanagawa, and surrounding regions on September 1, 1923, causing massive destruction and loss of life. Following the disaster, martial law was declared, and the Japanese Army assumed responsibility for security, relief, and administrative control of the affected areas. This album was produced as an official record for military and government use, not for public sale. Contents and Historical Significance. Devastated urban areas and burned districts. Collapsed government buildings, banks, railways, and bridges. Aerial and elevated views of destruction. Emergency camps, recovery efforts, and infrastructure damage. Maps illustrating damage distribution. The inclusion of aerial photography and systematic documentation indicates that this album was created for administrative, planning, and military analysis, rather than for commercial or commemorative purposes. This album was issued by Kaikosha, an organization established for Imperial Japanese Army officers. Kaikosha functioned as an officers’ association, publishing official materials and also supplying military uniforms and equipment exclusively for officers. Its involvement confirms the official and restricted nature of this publication. There is noticeable wear, staining, and deterioration consistent with age (damaged condition). However, photographs, maps, and text remain largely legible, and the album retains its value as a primary historical source. This is not a general photo book, but a rare, non-commercial military document recording one of Japan’s most significant natural disasters and the army’s role in urban emergency governance. Highly suitable for collectors of. Disaster and urban studies. Military and administrative history. Early 20th-century photographic archives. Approximate 7-21days(To USA).
