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| 武政喜作 電略 年賀状 F. M. Trautz 1933 |
Takemasa Kisaku Japanese Telegraph Shorthand Postcard to F. M. Trautz
This is the first instance in the Trautz postcard collection where "telegraph shorthand" (電略（ダケ）又ハ（タ）) is listed as a means of communication, rather than using the telephone. This makes the postcard particularly interesting. Unfortunately, I was unable to find any information about the sender, Takemasa Kisaku, from Hokkaido.
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| 板倉鞆音 ドイツ文学者 年賀状 エフ・エム・トラウツ 1933年 |
1933 Japanese Poet and German Literature Scholar Itakura Tomone Postcard to F. M. Trautz
Itakura Tomone (1907–1990) was a poet and German literature scholar. Born in Aichi Prefecture, he graduated from the German Literature Department of the Faculty of Letters at Kyoto Imperial University in 1930. He later became an associate professor and then a professor at Aichi University, retiring in 1983.
Did you know that during his studies in Leipzig, Germany, Itakura Tomone stayed in the house of Anna Berliner (1888–1977), a German psychologist? For more information, read "Anna Berliner and Her Approach to Japanese Culture" by Chantal Weber, Department of Japanese Studies, University of Cologne, Germany.
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| 堀場信吉 化学者 年賀状 F. M. Trautz |
Japanese Chemist Horiba Shinkichi Postcard to F. M. Trautz 1933
This 1933 New Year's greeting card was sent by Horiba Nobukichi (1886–1968), a renowned Japanese chemist, to Friedrich Max Trautz. Interestingly, the card includes the names of his wife, daughter, and son. His son Masao, who was 10 years old at the time, would later become a distinguished scientist in his own right.
Horiba Nobukichi began his academic career as an assistant professor at Kyoto Imperial University and furthered his studies in the UK and Germany. Upon returning to Japan, he became a professor in 1924 and a member of the Institute of Chemical Research. He later served as a professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology.
Horiba held several notable administrative positions: he was Dean of the Faculty of Science at Kyoto University and retired as a Professor Emeritus in 1947. That same year, he was elected President of the Chemical Society of Japan. Additionally, he was the first Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Doshisha University in 1949, the inaugural President of Osaka Prefecture University, and the first President of Kyoto Municipal College of Music. In 1952, he became President of Naniwa University and was elected a member of the Japan Academy in 1949.
In 1926, Horiba founded "Progress in Physical Chemistry," the first specialized journal in physical chemistry.
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| 桜井秀 - 風俗史家 年賀状 1933 エフ・エム・トラウツ |
Japanese Historian Sakurai Shigeru Postcard to F. M. Trautz
This card has a postmark from Komagome (Tokyo) dated January 5, 1933, with greetings in German and Japanese. Additionally, Sakurai writes: '昨年華族会館ニテ貴兄 - 御ツクリノ鞠ヲ見マシタ' (さくねん かぞくいん にて きけい おつくりのまりをみました / Last year, at the Peerage Hall, I saw the ball you made).
Sakurai is informing Trautz that he saw a ball (mari, 鞠) that Trautz had made at the Kazokuin (Peerage Hall) the previous year. The "ball" could refer to a literal object, perhaps used in traditional games like kemari (an ancient Japanese form of football), or it could be a ceremonial item, depending on the context. This suggests that Trautz crafted a ball that was either showcased or utilized during an event at the Peerage Hall, and Sakurai took notice of it.
"Peerage Hall" refers to a building or institution associated with the Kazoku, which was the Japanese peerage system established during the Meiji period. The Kazoku included the nobility class that consisted of five ranks: prince (kōshaku), marquis (kōshaku), count (hakushaku), viscount (shishaku), and baron (danshaku).
Although Trautz transcribes 桜井秀 as Sakurai Hide, we believe his name should be read as 'Sakurai Shigeru.' Sakurai (1885-1942) was a historian specializing in manners and customs during the Meiji to early Showa periods. In 1906, he founded a study group on the history of manners and customs with Seki Yasunosuke and Miyamoto Seisuke. He also served as a member of the Historiographical Institute of Tokyo Imperial University and as an official in the Library Bureau of the Imperial Household Ministry, during which time he published works such as 'History of Japanese Manners' and 'Study on the History of Manners and Customs.
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| 香西大見 コウザイ, オオミ 1898-1979 Postcard Sent to F. M. Trautz |
Japanese Scholar Kōzai Ōmi Postcard to F. M. Trautz
Although Trautz writes 'Kasai' in pencil on the front of this postcard, we believe the proper pronunciation for 香西大見 is Kōzai Ōmi, based on the 'National Diet Library' Japan website search. His return address is listed as Fushimi, Kyoto, with a postmark from Fushimi dated January 1, 1933.
Kōzai Ōmi (香西大見) (1898-1979) was a Japanese scholar known for his work in Japanese history and ideology. He is particularly recognized for his study of the concept of kokutai (国体), which examines Japan’s national identity and the role of the emperor within the state's ideological framework.
Two notable works by Kōzai Ōmi are:
"皇国体の根本義" (Kōkoku-tai no Konpon Gi), translated as "The Fundamental Principles of the National Polity," which explores the principles underlying Japan’s national identity and polity.
"わが旅路の道草" (Waga Tabiji no Michikusa), translated as "The Grass on My Journey's Path," a reflective work on his personal experiences and insights gained throughout his life.
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| 西村貞 - 西村久次郎 Postcard to F. M. Trautz 1933 |
Nishimura Tei (1893-1961), whose birth name was Nishimura Hisajirō (西村久次郎), was born in Osaka. He learned Western painting from Matsubara Sangorō and studied at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. After leaving Meiji University, he focused on Renaissance painting and traveled to Europe between 1921 and 1923. Upon his return to Japan, he shifted his focus to Japanese art, conducting surveys of stone Buddha statues in Nara Prefecture. He later expanded his research to explore how Western art was received in Japan, and during this time, he also studied the tea ceremony and gardens. As an independent researcher, Nishimura dedicated himself to investigating areas often overlooked by official art historians, such as stone Buddha statues and early Western-style Christian paintings, making significant contributions to these fields.
Interestingly, New York Public Library lists 15 works by him: New York Public Library. (n.d.). Research catalog. Retrieved from https://www.nypl.org/research/research-catalog/search (Keyword search: Nishimura Tei).
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| 栗山一郎 高野山 1933 F. M. Trautz New Year's Card |
Kuriyama Ichirō lists his address as Koyasan (高野山) in Wakayama Prefecture. Koyasan is a significant site in Japanese Buddhism, particularly for the Shingon sect, so Kuriyama was likely associated with it, but I was not able to find anything on him.
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| 北村澤吉 闇然 1933 Postcard to F. M. Trautz |
Japan Hiroshima University Professor Kitazawa Sawakichi Postcard to F. M. Trautz 1933
Kitamura Sawakichi (北村澤吉, 1874-1945), a Sinologist, was born on July 5, 1874 (Meiji 7), in Tatsuta, Kochi Prefecture. He graduated from the Chinese Literature Department of Tokyo University’s Faculty of Letters. In 1902 (Meiji 35), Kitamura was invited to Qing China, where he taught for nine years, serving as an advisor to the highest leaders of the time. During this period, he immersed himself in the study of Confucianism.
In 1919 (Taishō 8), he became a professor of Chinese Literature at Hiroshima University, specializing in the history and general study of Confucianism. His work on Confucianism was translated into German and Chinese and was widely read by the public in China, even during the height of the anti-Japanese May Fourth Movement. In 1938 (Shōwa 13), he retired from Hiroshima University at the age of 65. His pen name was 闇然 (Anzen).
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| 柳宗悦 兼子 1933 F. M. Trautz and Hilda |
Yanagi Souetsu Japanese Mingei Art Founder 1933 F. M. Trautz
This 1933 New Year's card by Yanagi Muneyoshi (Yanagi Souetsu) and his wife Kaneko was sent from Kyoto-shi, Sakyo-ku, Shimogamo Kashiwabe-cho. They were pioneers of Mingei movement.
Yanagi Muneyoshi (1891-1961), also known as Yanagi Soetsu, was a seminal figure in the appreciation and promotion of Japanese folk art. Yanagi was a philosopher, art critic, and collector who played a crucial role in establishing the Mingei (folk crafts) movement in Japan. This movement sought to elevate the status of everyday crafts and objects created by unknown artisans, emphasizing their inherent beauty and cultural value.
Educated at Tokyo University, Yanagi's interest in the beauty of everyday objects was sparked by his encounter with Korean pottery in the early 1910s. In 1925, he coined the term "Mingei," combining the Japanese words for "folk" (min) and "craft" (gei). Along with potters Hamada Shoji and Kawai Kanjiro, Yanagi sought to recognize the aesthetic and cultural value of handcrafted objects used in daily life, emphasizing simplicity and sincerity.
Yanagi was a prolific writer, and his works helped articulate and disseminate the principles of the Mingei movement. His seminal book, "The Unknown Craftsman" (published in English in 1972), outlines his philosophy and has been influential internationally. In 1936, he established the Japan Folk Crafts Museum (Nihon Mingeikan) in Tokyo, which remains a vital cultural resource showcasing the beauty and diversity of folk art.
Yanagi's connection to Harvard University helped disseminate his work in the United States. In the 1950s, his philosophy caught the attention of prominent scholars and artists associated with Harvard, leading to the publication of "The Unknown Craftsman" with significant contributions from Harvard-affiliated individuals. This recognition helped solidify his reputation as a visionary thinker and a pivotal figure in the global appreciation of traditional crafts.
Yanagi Muneyoshi's wife, Yanagi Kaneko, played a significant role in supporting her husband's endeavors and was an active participant in the Mingei movement. She was deeply involved in the operations of the Japan Folk Crafts Museum and contributed to preserving and promoting folk crafts. The couple shared a passion for art and culture, and Kaneko's support was instrumental in enabling Yanagi to pursue his vision for the Mingei movement.
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| 木下慧運 大学生 1933 F. M. Trautz |
Kinoshita Keiun states that he is a college student, but we are unable to read the name of his college. His return address is Ōsaka-fu, Nakakawachi-gun, Ōhe-mura, Aza Ishikiri. We have not been able to find any information about him through search engines.
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| 山上忠麻呂 to F. M. Trautz 1933 はがき |
Japanese Folklorist Tadamaro Yamakami Postcard to F. M. Trautz 1933
This card, sent by Tadamaro Yamakami (山上忠麻呂) of Kyoto, is addressed to Trautz and postmarked in Fushimi on January 1, 1933. Interestingly, Yamakami included "Professor at the University of Berlin and Director of the German-Japanese Society" (ベルリン大学教授日独協会理事) as part of Trautz's address.
Yamakami's original artwork and poetry, signed by him as 山上忠麻呂, is illustrated on the backside of the Nanase River in Kyoto, which makes this card very desirable. Although he is better known as 山上忠麿 (1887–1965), 山上忠麻呂 is a lesser-known name or variant not extensively covered in major databases or publications. Yamakami was a Japanese folklorist known for his research on traditional Japanese performing arts and customs from the early to mid-20th century. He focused on traditional Japanese culture and customs, contributing significantly through his research and publications. Additionally, Tadamaro Yamakami was known as a poet, with his works featured in various literary magazines.
His son, Izumo Yamagami (山上伊豆母), was also a well-known Japanese folklorist. He earned a doctorate in literature from Kokugakuin University and served as a professor at Doshisha University and Tezukayama University. Izumo published extensively on ancient ritual traditions and the origins of Japanese performing arts.
Japanese Mathematician Toshizo Matsumoto Postcard to Japanologist F. M. Trautz 1933
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| 松本敏三 数学者 to F. M. Trautz 1933 年賀状 |
This New Year's card has a postmark from 聖護院 (Shōgo-in, Kyoto) and is dated January 2, 1933. It was sent by Toshizo Matsumoto (松本敏三) and addressed to Trautz, though Matsumoto writes 'Traut' instead.
Toshizo Matsumoto was a notable mathematician who served as a professor at Kyoto Imperial University, now Kyoto University. He was born on July 13, 1890, in Osaka, Japan, and specialized in mathematics. Matsumoto had a significant academic career; he graduated from Kyoto Imperial University in 1914, and he was appointed as a lecturer at the university shortly thereafter. He became a professor at Kyoto Imperial University in 1925 and continued in this role until his retirement in 1953.
Matsumoto was also an author of several academic books focused on mathematics, including works on differential equations and analytical geometry. He passed away on May 21, 1965.
Japanese Temple Priest Horie Chōzan to Japanologist F. M. Trautz
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| 堀江昶山 普済 to F. M. Trautz |
This 1933 greeting card has a postmark from Hamamatsu (Shizuoka) dated January 1, 1933. It was sent by Horie Chōzan (堀江昶山) from 普済寺内 (Fusaiji-nai), meaning "inside Fusaiji Temple." He lists himself as 墨華書道会岳南支部主, the "Head of the Gakunan Branch of the Bokuka Calligraphy Association." He was likely a priest there.
Boy Scouts of Japan Founder Futara Yoshinori 1933 Postcard to F. M. Trautz
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| 二荒芳徳 Futara Yoshinori to F. M. Trautz 1933 |
This January 1933 New Year's card was sent by Futara Yoshinori (二荒芳徳) to F. M. Trautz from Yotsuya, Tokyo, and features a postmark from Akasaka (Tokyo). Notably, the reverse side includes Futara's itinerary from the previous year, 1932.
昨年は七月中には樺太全島に、九月中には満州国の首都
新京、及び奉天に、十二月中には朝鮮主要各都市に遊び、
青少年社会教育を視察いたしました。
今年よりはなるべく静居して「国家己性を索めて」拙者の 発刊を急ぎたく存じております。
"Last year, I traveled across the entire island of Karafuto in July, visited Hsinking, the capital of Manchukuo, and Fengtian in September, and toured major cities in Korea in December, where I observed youth social education. This year, I plan to remain as quiet as possible and focus on hastening the publication of '国家己性を索めて' (Seeking the Essence of the Nation)."
(二荒 芳徳, Futara Yoshinori, 1886 – 1967)
Count Yoshinori Futara was adopted by the Date family, a distinguished and influential samurai family in Japan. The Date family, known for its historical significance and prominent members, played a crucial role in the feudal and early modern periods of Japan. The adoption into such a prestigious family would have provided Count Futara with significant social and cultural status, enabling him to take on important roles, such as his position in the Imperial Household Ministry and his involvement in the founding of the Boy Scouts of Japan.
Count Yoshinori Futara's connection with Baldur Benedikt von Schirach is an interesting historical detail. Baldur von Schirach was a prominent Nazi official, known for his role as the leader of the Hitler Youth and later as the Gauleiter of Vienna. The connection between Count Futara and von Schirach is rooted in their shared interest in youth movements.
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| photo of Futara (left) and von Schirach (center) is public domain photo found online |
In the early 1930s, during the rise of the Nazi regime, von Schirach sought to connect with similar movements worldwide, including the Boy Scouts. Count Futara, as a co-founder and leader in the Boy Scouts of Japan, likely interacted with von Schirach in the context of international youth movements and exchanges. This connection would have been part of broader efforts by youth organizations to establish international ties and learn from each other's experiences.
However, the nature of their relationship and the extent of their interactions are not widely documented, and the ideological differences between the Boy Scouts and the Hitler Youth would have presented significant barriers to any deep collaboration. The Boy Scouts, with their emphasis on service, community, and non-political engagement, differed fundamentally from the highly politicized and militaristic nature of the Hitler Youth.
