細井丑太 1933 Postcard to ドクトル・エフ・エム・都良宇津 *

細井丑太 1933 Postcard to ドクトル・エフ・エム・都良宇津

Postmarked January 4, 1933, this New Year's Greetings card was sent by someone named Hosoi Ushita. However, the character 丑 used in his name may not be definitive, as his handwriting is unclear. The most likely assumption was made based on the number of strokes and similarity to that character. An online search yielded no results for such a given name as 丑太, until I accidentally discovered a work called "Gyakugun no Hata" by Fujisawa Shuhei, where there was a character named 丑太, much to my surprise. Since I am not 100% certain about the correctness of the character as written by Hosoi, it remains just an assumption.

The return address and the picture postcard depicting 'The Museum Hall Kotohira Sanuki' suggest Hosoi's possible affiliation to religious sects, given the cultural context of Kotohira. Interestingly, Trautz had many acquaintances who belonged to both Shintoism and Buddhism, adding a layer of complexity to the sender's religious affiliation.

Hosoi uses uncenventional kanji here, 都良宇津, to address Trautz. He also writes a note: 数ナラヌ私XXXXヲＸＸ / 御Ｘ情厚ク感謝ＸＸマス. Some characters cannot be deciphered, but this note seems to thank Trautz and express appreciation for his kindness.

Tomoeda Takahiko (友枝高彦) to Doctor Trautz 1933 **

Tomoeda Takahiko (友枝高彦) to Doctor Trautz 1933

This is an interesting card for several reasons. There is a printed background depicting chickens and roosters for the sign of the zodiac for the year 1933. This print is quite light and does not standout at the observer, so unless it is viewed at a certain angle, it is difficult to see and it seems to just disappear, as the greetings in black ink with the red stamp above it overtakes the the card as a whole. The red stamp appears to be handstamped, but it is actually printed. 

Tomoeda Takahiko (友枝高彦) was a Japanese philosopher and professor who played a significant role in strengthening relations between Japan and Germany in the 1920s and 1930s. Born in 1876 in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, Tomoeda studied philosophy and ethics at the University of Tokyo before becoming a professor at Kyoto Imperial University.

Tomoeda Takahiko (友枝高彦)

During the Russo-Japanese War, he traveled to Europe as a secretary, where he was impressed by liberalism in England. Tomoeda later studied in Berlin and Leipzig, deepening his understanding of German philosophy and culture.

Returning to Japan, Tomoeda became a professor at the University of Tokyo and was actively involved in educational policies. He also served as the head of the Japanese-German Cultural Institute in Tokyo, promoting cultural exchange between the two countries.

After retiring, Tomoeda founded educational institutions in Japan and continued to write on ethics, pedagogy, and cultural topics. He received recognition for his contributions to academia and cultural exchange. Tomoeda passed away in 1957 in Tokyo, leaving a lasting impact on Japanese-German relations and education.

ロゴス書店 神戸 昭和8年 年賀状 *

ロゴス書店 神戸 昭和8年 年賀状

トラウツ

This 1933 postcard, addressed to M. Trautz, originates from Logos Bookstore in Kobe, renowned for its collection of rare foreign books. The store enjoyed significant popularity before World War II, often publishing catalogs of its extensive stock. Logos was a nationally renowned second-hand bookstore managed by Maeda Umetaro (前田楳太郎).

For more information about Logos and other rare book dealers of the time, see below:

https://www.sogensha.co.jp/page03/a_rensai/kosho/kosho26.html

ロゴスは三宮町二丁目の生田筋にあった洋書の専門店。目録も二種類出していて、古典目録の方は私の手元には昭10年9月発行の11号が確認できる。私が最近、神戸のロードス書房から入手した昭6年の9号には貴重な店の写真が載っている。神戸、大阪、東京での百貨店の販売会にもよく出品し、全国的に知られ、活躍した。

"Logos was a specialty store for Western books located on Ikuta-suji in Sannomiya-cho, Nada Ward. It issued two types of catalogs, and I can confirm that the Classical Catalog, No. 11, was issued in September of the 1935 (Shōwa 10) year. Recently, I acquired No. 9 from the 1931 (Shōwa 6) year, which contains a valuable photograph of the store. Logos often participated in sales events at department stores in Kobe, Osaka, and Tokyo, and was well-known and active nationwide."

大地靴店 神戸 から ドクトル・エフ・トラウツ *

大地靴店 神戸 から ドクトル・エフ・トラウツ

In 1933, a New Year's greeting card was sent from Daichi Kutsuten, a shoemaker in Kobe, to Dr. F. M. Trautz. While these cards may seem like a relic of the past, they continue to be exchanged today, maintaining a sense of tradition and warmth. However, the reverse side, often printed with a message, reveals its origin as a form of mass-produced business communication. 

1933年 三宅商店 京都 から トラウツ *

1933年 三宅商店 京都 から トラウツ

This card is from Miyake Shoten in Kyoto. Unfortunately, I could not find any information about this business. It is a generic card with a printed message of good wishes on the reverse side and an ink-stamped business name and address on the front.

Postcard from 山口屋 京都 to 都良宇津 *

Postcard from 山口屋 京都 to 都良宇津

This 1933 New Year's card was sent by Yamaguchiya, a Kyoto-based caterer specializing in fish and fish dishes, to Trautz (To-Ra-Wu-Tsu), addressing Trautz using kanji characters.

The reverse side of this card displays a dual calendar system for the year 1933, featuring both a Chinese lunar event calendar and a Japanese calendar. The Japanese calendar is a hybrid, combining elements from both lunar and solar calendars

真島全性 Buddhist Monk to F. M. Trautz **

真島全性 Buddhist Monk to F. M. Trautz

This 1933 New Year's card is addressed to F. M. Trautz (エフ・エム・トラウツ) and sent by Majima Zensho, a Buddhist monk or お坊さん. The return address indicates Sakamoto-mura, Shiga-gun, Shiga-ken. On the reverse side, Majima writes, "I wish you a Happy New Year." Additionally, there are two red ink stamps: one reading 'Gantan' (元旦), meaning New Year, and another larger stamp that likely translates to 'Happy New Year' written in seal script.

The only reference I found for Majima was in the 日本古代史関係研究文献目録データベース (Database of Bibliographies on Research Materials Related to Ancient Japanese History). Majima is mentioned in relation to records, genealogies, and sequences concerning the Tendai school of Buddhism in Japan. These documents likely detail the appointments and duties of the chief abbot and other officials within the Tendai school, as well as genealogies of specific lineages within the school. They provide valuable historical and organizational insights into the Tendai school and its various branches and monastic communities.

真島全性 - Bruno Petzold

The photo of Majima was discovered on a site linked to Bruno Petzold at the Harvard-Yenching Library, suggesting a connection between the two individuals. Petzold, a German scholar, immersed himself in the study of Buddhism for many years while residing in Japan. His deep interest in the religion and culture of Japan likely led him to interact with and learn from Buddhist monks like Majima. The photo, presumed to be taken around 1920, not only provides a glimpse into their possible relationship but also offers a fascinating window into the cultural exchanges and intellectual pursuits of that era.

鶴水旅館 県尾道市 1933年 F. M. トラウツ **

 鶴水旅館 県尾道市 1933年 F. M. トラウツ

This postcard, addressed to F. M. Trautz and Hilta (Hilda) Trautz, was sent from Kakusui Ryokan in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. Although the inn is no longer standing, it has a fascinating connection to the acclaimed novelist Naoya Shiga (1883–1971). Shiga, born in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, in 1883, endured personal hardships and a profound search for identity, which influenced his literary works. His writing often delves into themes of alienation, self-discovery, and the complexities of human emotion. When Shiga was twenty-nine, he left Tokyo after a conflict with his father, Naoharu, to establish himself as a novelist. On November 10, 1912, around 11 p.m., he arrived at Onomichi Station. That night, he lodged in a room on the second floor of Kakusui-kan!

Kakusui Ryokan in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture

丸屋徳次郎、丸屋旅館 to Hilda Trautz *

丸屋旅館 to Hilda Trautz

This postcard, postmarked from Hirado on January 1, 1933, was sent by Tokujiro Maruya from Maruya Ryokan in Hirado-cho, Kitamatsuura-gun, Nagasaki Prefecture (丸屋徳次郎、丸屋旅館, 長崎県北松浦郡平戸町). Despite efforts, no information could be found about this man or his inn. In the postcard, Maruya addresses the recipients, Mr. and Mrs. Trautz, as simply トラウツ様 and ヒルタ様, an unusual way of addressing a married couple. This suggests that Maruya may not have been aware that both recipients shared the surname Trautz.

武藤長蔵 Chozo Muto 1933 Philipp Franz von Siebold **

武藤長蔵 Chozo Muto 1933 Philipp Franz von Siebold

This New Year's postcard, postmarked from Nara on January 3, 1933, is addressed to Dr. M. Trautz and Fran Trautz. It's worth noting that Trautz is addressed as "M. Trautz" with only his middle initial, rather than the more common "F. M. Trautz." In addition, there is an error in the address to his wife, Hilda, who is mistakenly referred to as "Fran Frautz." The front of the card features well wishes in German.

The reverse side is of interest, as there is a an image from the Siebold's book, Nippon. Archiv zur Beschreibung von Japan, of a group of Japanese celebrating the New Years. This book by Philipp Franz von Siebold is a monumental work that stands as a testament to the depth of his research. Siebold, a German physician and naturalist, spent several years in Japan during the early 19th century, where he amassed a vast collection of botanical, zoological, and ethnographic materials.

The print above appears to be the original source of the image shown on the postcard. However, I am unsure of the origin of the print below.

Published in Leiden, Netherlands, over a period of two decades from 1832 to 1852, the atlas is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and its richly illustrated plates. It covers a wide range of subjects, including geography, ethnography, history, and natural history, providing a comprehensive overview of Japan and Korea during that period.

The illustrations by Kawahara Keiga, a Japanese artist, are particularly noteworthy for their accuracy and artistic quality. Keiga's sketches and paintings capture the essence of the landscapes, people, and wildlife of Japan and Korea, making them invaluable historical and artistic documents.

Chozo Muto: A Pioneer Economist and Scholar 武藤長蔵（むとう ちょうぞう、1881年6月9日 - 1942年6月27日)

Chozo Muto

Chozo Muto (1881–1942) was a pioneering economist, educator, and collector whose legacy continues to resonate through his diverse contributions to academia and cultural heritage. Born on June 9, 1881, Muto dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge, leaving an indelible mark on fields ranging from economics to transportation history. The Muto Bunko (Muto Chozo Library) at Nagasaki University Library Economics Branch houses a collection of approximately 10,000 Japanese and Western books, along with around 200 materials such as maps, paintings, calligraphy, and ceramics. The collection primarily focuses on specialized topics such as railways, transportation, economics, and commercial literature Muto had collected over the years. However, it also encompasses a wide range of subjects including literature, religion, and art. 

Muto's early years were marked by a deep-seated curiosity and a thirst for learning. He received his education in Japan, attending local schools before furthering his studies at a teacher training school in Tokyo. However, it was his experiences abroad that truly shaped his intellectual journey. In 1937, Muto authored "A Short History of Anglo-Japanese Relations," a testament to his keen interest in international diplomacy and cross-cultural exchange.

Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Muto's passion for education reform was evident in his advocacy for practical, hands-on learning. Drawing inspiration from his travels to the United States, England, and Germany, he championed the incorporation of vocational training and experiential learning into the Japanese education system.

Muto's commitment to education extended beyond theoretical discourse; he played an active role in the establishment of agricultural and technical schools in Japan, emphasizing the importance of accessible education for all members of society. In addition to his scholarly endeavors, Muto was an avid collector, amassing a vast collection of Japanese and Western books, as well as a diverse array of materials such as maps, paintings, calligraphy, and ceramics. This collection, housed in the Muto Bunko at Nagasaki University Library Economics Branch, serves as a testament to his wide-ranging interests and intellectual curiosity.

新田竹雲斎 to Doctor F. M. Trautz *

新田竹雲斎 to Doctor F. M. Trautz

This New Year's card is from Nitta Chikuunsai, Art Flower Basket Manufacturing Company (新田竹雲斎, 美術花籠製造所), which was located in Dōgo Yunomachi (道後湯之町). It refers to the area around Dōgo Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, located in Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture. Dōgo Onsen has a long history and is famous for its beautiful bathhouse, Dōgo Onsen Honkan, which is a designated National Important Cultural Property. The area around Dōgo Onsen is also known for its traditional atmosphere, with many shops and ryokan (Japanese inns) offering a glimpse into the past. It's a popular destination for tourists looking to experience a traditional Japanese hot spring town.

久保田写真館 高野山 to F. M. Trautz *

久保田写真館 高野山 to F. M. Trautz

久保田写真館 (Kubota Photo Studio) in Koyasan, Wakayama, was a renowned photography studio with a rich history. Founded by Norimatsu Kubota, the studio was known for its high-quality work and artistic approach to photography. It became a well-respected establishment, serving both locals and visitors to Koyasan.

The studio's legacy took a tragic turn when Norimatsu's son, Koichi Kubota (久保田耕治), was born in 1935. Little did Norimatsu know at the time that his son would later become a victim of a shocking crime. In 2006, at the age of 71, Koichi Kubota was tragically murdered at the studio by a high school student. This event deeply impacted the community and left a profound mark on the history of the Kubota family and their photography studio in Koyasan.

森馬壽商店 to エフ・エム・トラウツ *

森馬壽商店 to エフ・エム・トラウツ

This postcard, postmarked in Nara on January 1, 1933, was sent by Morimasu Shoten to F. M. Trautz. Morimasu Shoten was known for selling Nara-zuke.

Nara-zuke is a type of Japanese pickle that originated in the Nara region of Japan. It is typically made by pickling vegetables in a mixture of rice bran, salt, sugar, and sake lees (called "sake kasu"). The vegetables are usually left to ferment for a period of time, which gives them a unique flavor and texture.

Nara-zuke is known for its sweet and tangy taste, as well as its crunchy texture. It is often served as a side dish or snack and is popular in the Kansai region of Japan, particularly in Nara and Kyoto. Nara-zuke is also considered a traditional souvenir from Nara and is often sold in gift shops and markets in the area.

内藤虎次郎 Sinologist to トラウツ先生 **

内藤虎次郎 Sinologist  to トラウツ先生

This 1933 dated New Year's card from 内藤虎次郎 (Naitō Torajirō), also known as 内藤湖南 (Naitō Konan) is addressed to Dr. Trautz and his wife. 

内藤虎次郎 (Naitō Torajirō), also known as 内藤湖南 (Naitō Konan)

Naitō Kojirō (1866–1934) was a pioneering Japanese historian, philosopher, and scholar of Chinese and Japanese history. Born in Kazuno, Akita in 1866, he completed his education there before starting his career as a gradeschool teacher. Later, he moved to Tokyo, where he worked as a reporter for several newspapers. In 1901, he was invited to teach at Kyoto University, eventually becoming a professor.

In 1899, at the age of 33, Naitō embarked on a journey to China, driven by his deep interest in Chinese culture, language, and philosophy, as well as a desire to advance his scholarly pursuits. During his time in China, he immersed himself in the study of Chinese thought and culture, studying under prominent Chinese scholars, visiting historical sites, and engaging with the local community. This experience broadened his intellectual horizons and deepened his understanding of East Asian thought.

One of the highlights of Naitō's trip to China was his study of Confucianism and Taoism, two philosophical traditions that greatly influenced Chinese intellectual history. His interactions with Chinese scholars and firsthand experience of Chinese culture provided him with a deeper insight into these philosophies and their impact on Chinese society.

Naitō's scholarly focus was on the history of Japanese thought, particularly the study of ancient Japanese texts and the development of Japanese Buddhism. He also made significant contributions to the study of Chinese philosophy and its influence on Japanese intellectual history. His research underscored the importance of understanding Japan's intellectual heritage within the broader context of East Asian thought.

Naitō Kojirō's journey to China was a transformative experience that not only enriched his understanding of Chinese culture and philosophy but also influenced his perspective on the cultural and intellectual connections between China and Japan. His experiences in China played a pivotal role in shaping his scholarly pursuits and his contributions to Japanese studies.

月日亭 奈良 Tsukihitei Ryokan to F. M. Trautz *

月日亭 奈良 Tsukihitei Ryokan to F. M. Trautz

Postmarked in Nara on January 1, 1933, this New Year's card is from 大内セイ (Ōuchi Sei) of Tsukihitei Inn, which is still in operation today. We believe Ōuchi Sei is a woman's name and that she likely ran the inn as the 女将 (okami), the female manager or proprietress responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the establishment. The role of the 女将 is highly respected in Japanese culture, as they are seen as the face of the inn or restaurant and are responsible for ensuring guests have a pleasant and comfortable stay.

I cannot say whether the reading of 月日亭 has changed over the years, but Trautz pronounced it as 'Getsu-Jitsu-Tei' in 1933, based on his handwritten notation on this postcard. 

Tsukihitei Ryokan ca.1905

笹原喜作 of 敷香郡 樺太 to F. M. Trautz *

笹原喜作 of 敷香郡 樺太 to F. M. Trautz

This card was sent by Sasahara Kisaku (笹原喜作) of Kitonkan, Shikika-gun, Karafuto (気屯館 敷香郡 樺太). The postal marking, 樺太敷香 / 8. 1. 1, indicates it was sent from Shikika, Karafuto on January 1, 1933.

The character '館' (kan), as in 気屯館, means 'building.' In the context of a place name like 'Kitonkan' (気屯館), it likely refers to a hotel or an inn. Additionally, from the penciled notation written by Trautz himself that reads 'Hotel in Shikika,' there is no doubt that it was indeed a hotel. Furthermore, Trautz's contemporary written note clarifies the reading of 敷香 as 'Shikika,' which is particularly helpful today, as there have been questions regarding the correct reading of the word, which could also be pronounced as 'Shisuka' and 'Shikuka.'

Shikika circled in red

Sasahara makes an error in addressing one of the recipients. He writes "エフ・エム・トラウツ" and "エフ・エム・ヒルタ."  Sasahara referred to both Trautzs as エフ・エム. Sasahara's error in addressing the recipients could have been due to several reasons:

• Misunderstanding or Misinterpretation: Sasahara may have misunderstood the proper way to address the recipients or misinterpreted their titles or names.
• Confusion: Sasahara might have been confused about the correct titles or names of the recipients, leading to the error.
• Assumption: Sasahara may have assumed that both recipients shared the same title or name format, leading to the incorrect addressing.
• Lack of Information: It's possible that Sasahara did not have complete or accurate information about the recipients, which led to the error in addressing them.

From 永田信吉 (泊居郡 樺太) to F. M. Trautz **

From 永田信吉 (泊居郡 樺太) to F. M. Trautz 

This card bears the postmark of 泊居 (Tomarioru) dated January 2, 1933, and was sent from 永田信吉 (Nagata Nobukichi) to ドクトル エフ・エム・トラウツ様 (Doctor F. M. Trautz). 泊居郡 (Tomarioru District) 名寄村 (Nayori Village) was located on the island of Karafuto. Nagata was likely an educator.

Nagata wrote a note in Romaji: 'okuni e okaeri natta / yoni kikimashita node / goburai o itashimashita / okusamanimo yoroshiku' (お国へお帰りなったように聞きました ので ご無礼 をいたしました、 奥様にも よろしく).

As the context of this note is unknown, its translation is based on a presumed context, 'I heard that you have returned to your home country, so I apologize for not contacting you sooner. Please give my regards to your wife as well.'

Romaji, which refers to the Romanization of the Japanese language, has a history that dates back to the 16th century when Jesuit missionaries devised a system to transcribe Japanese words using the Latin alphabet. However, the widespread use of Romaji as a method for writing Japanese text, particularly for non-Japanese speakers, began to gain popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Japan opened up to the West. 

泊居 (Tomarioru) is framed in red above

樺太真岡町から ヒルダ・トラウツ への年賀状 *

樺太真岡町から ヒルダ・トラウツ への年賀状

This is an interesting pair of New Year's cards from Miyamoto Komakichi of Sumirekan in Maoka-cho, Karafuto (宮本駒吉, 菫館 樺太真岡町). They were not only sent to F. M. Trautz but also to his wife, "ヒルタ-Hilta" (Hilda von Landwüst Trautz, 1887–1973). Based on my limited knowledge, correspondence addressed to Hilda is very uncommon.

Maoka-cho was a town that existed in Karafuto during Japanese occupation. Karafuto (樺太) was also known as Saharin (サハリン) in Japanese. It has a complex history, being inhabited by the Ainu people and later becoming a disputed territory between Japan and Russia. The southern part of the island was under Japanese control from 1905 to 1945, while the northern part remained Russian territory. After World War II, the entire island came under Soviet control.

Sumirekan would have been located where circled in red

Although these cards bear the same postmark dated January 1, 1933, with an acceptance mark of '真岡' (Maoka), they seem to have been processed an hour apart and by two different sorters, based on the different designs of the postmarks. Sumirekan seems to have been lost in history. It was likely a 旅館 (ryokan / small hotel / inn).

館太豊原 樺花屋旅 から エフ・エム・トラウツ *

Sent to F. M. Trautz from Hanaya Ryokan, Toyohara, Karafuto (January 1, 1933)

樺太豊原 花屋旅館 から エフ・エム・トラウツ

This hotel or inn appears to have been quite well-known, as I was able to find multiple postcards featuring its image. The two images on this postcard were obtained from the following sites:

https://rmda.kulib.kyoto-u.ac.jp/collection/asia-pc/sk

http://gazo.library.city.sapporo.jp/

Hanaya Inn Karafuto

Trautz's time in Japan must have been filled with remarkable journeys, evident from the wide-ranging correspondence he received from all corners of the country. From the bustling streets of Kyoto, where he resided, to the distant reaches of Hokkaido and Karafuto, the adventures of Trautz unfolded across Japan. The recently published Die Sammlung Trautz sheds light on their travels, revealing a rich tapestry of experiences. This new discovery adds a fascinating layer to our understanding of their journey, enriching the narrative of their time in Japan. Daniel Gerichhausen provides insights into the travels of the Trautzs in his work 'Hilda Trautz, Tagebuch Hokkaidō- und Karafuto-Reise' ('Diary Hokkaidō and Karafuto Trip' - ヒルダ・トラウツの '北海道・樺太旅行日記').

Die Sammlung Trautz

This postcard bears a postmark from Toyohara, the capital of Karafuto (now Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk), which was the Japanese name for the southern part of Sakhalin Island, now part of Russia. Karafuto was under Japanese control from 1905 to 1945, with Toyohara serving as its administrative center during that time. If you look closely, you'll notice a slight error in the address for Trautz. The name 'エフ・エム・トラウツ' was mistakenly written as 'エフ・イム・トラウツ,' with the イ crudely altered to エ, presumably to correct the mistake. 

Toyohara is colored in red on this map of Karafuto