Uchida Kuichi facts for kids
Uchida Kuichi (内田 九一, 1844 – February 17, 1875) was a very important early Japanese photographer from Nagasaki. He was known for his amazing portrait photos. He was the only photographer allowed to take pictures of the Emperor Meiji.
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Early Life and Learning
When Uchida was 13, he was adopted by a doctor named Matsumoto Jun. This doctor was learning about photography at the time. Uchida also studied photography with Ueno Hikoma in his hometown of Nagasaki.
When he was 16, Uchida bought his first camera equipment. By the time he was 19, in 1863, he was already selling camera gear.
Opening His Own Studio
In 1865, Uchida opened his first photo studio in Osaka. He started it with Morita Raizō. This was the very first photo studio in that city!
A year later, in 1866, Uchida moved his studio to Bashamichi in Yokohama. Then, in 1869, he moved it again to the Asakusa area in Tokyo. He quickly became known as the best portrait photographer in Tokyo.
Photographing the Emperor
Because he was so good, Uchida Kuichi was the only photographer allowed to take pictures of the Emperor Meiji. The Emperor was seen as a very special person, almost like a god, and he was rarely seen by the public.
Uchida took photos of the Emperor in 1872. The pictures were ordered by the government. He photographed the Emperor and Empress Haruko in their fancy court clothes and also in their everyday outfits.
In 1873, Uchida took more photos of the Emperor. This time, the Emperor wore his military uniform. One of these photos became the official picture of the Emperor. Copies of this official photo were sent to leaders in other countries. They were also sent to government offices and schools in Japan. It was not allowed to sell these photos to the public. But many copies were still made and sold. The Emperor was not photographed again until much later, around 1888 or 1889.
Traveling with the Emperor
In 1872, Uchida was asked to go on a trip with the Emperor. They traveled through central Japan and Kyūshū. Uchida's job was to take pictures of the people and places they saw. However, he was not allowed to photograph the Emperor himself during this trip.
Uchida was very successful with his photography business. His life was even made into a kabuki play in 1870!
He passed away in 1875 from tuberculosis.
Images for kids
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A contemporary ukiyo-e print shows a woman looking at a small photo with Uchida's stamp.
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Portrait of Empress Consort Haruko (later known as Empress Dowager Shōken, wife of Emperor Meiji). Photo by Uchida Kuichi, 1872.
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Nagasaki, before 1874
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Around the 1870s, Nagasaki Ebisu Shrine
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Around the 1870s, Nagasaki Dejima Island
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Around the 1870s, Nagasaki Nakashima River
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Around the 1870s, Nagasaki Inasa Coast
