British Pathe Japan Newsreels

[Mulboyne]

I searched for "Japan" on the British Pathe newsreel archives and turned up 850 results. There are probably more Japan-related clips filed elsewhere.

A lot of the clips fall into some obvious categories: Manchiria, the war, activities of the imperial household, natural disasters, tragic accidents etc. If you've got time on your hands, I can recommend a browse. The dated narration often adds to the enjoyment. Unfortunately, you'll often have to put up with a short ad before the clip plays which can get a bit wearing after repeated views.

Here are some that caught my eye:

Samurai swords on ice (1940)

Mrs Orr-Ewing, who spent 9 years in Japan, demonstrates the tea ceremony (1960).

Video of the first official telephone call between London and Tokyo. (1935)

Japanese in London, including a clip of the city's only Japanese restaurant at the time. (1968 )

Nothing new about "konkatsu". Clip from the late 40s.

1956 German footage of Japan's world champion chicken sexer

1937 Tuna fishing with "oriental-style" narration.

Interesting name for the plane which set a new speed record in 1937 for the Tokyo-London flight.

British attempt to sell to Japan looks as half-arsed in 1968 as similar efforts do today.

[Failsafe]

Thanks for linking these. I quite enjoyed the Samurai swords on ice video.