The images collated in this website visually document children’s experiences of the 1923 Great Kantō Earthquake and daily life in 1920s Tokyo. Sources range from postcards, children’s drawings and photographs, to maps, architectural drawings and memorabilia. In addition to images of and by children, the collection depicts teachers, imperial family members, government officials, policemen, doctors, nurses, foreign tourists, and other adults involved in providing relief, education and care of children in the aftermath of the Great Kantō Earthquake. Beginning from the eve of the earthquake, the images are organized into the following eight categories: Epicenter of Vulnerability; Earthquake & Fires; Objects of Concern; Agents of Recovery; Back to School; Earthquake Lessons; New Schools & Parks; and, Remembrance & Commemoration.
I have designed the archive primarily as a teaching and learning tool for undergraduate courses I teach at International Christian University in Tokyo. Each section includes questions intended for further discussion alongside the corresponding chapters in my book Earthquake Children. Today, as Japan marks the 100th anniversary of the Great Kantō Earthquake in September 2023, I hope your visit to this website also encourages you to review your own knowledge of what to do in the event of a future earthquake, wherever you are in the world.
URL: http://www.earthquakechildren.com/
