American planes in formation over a Shinto shrine torii gate in Japan
American planes in formation over a Shinto shrine torii gate in Japan
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- Description
- When the American occupation began in 1945, the goal was to attempt to transplant Western democracy to Japan. The Americans would occupy the country; Japan would be monitored, demilitarized, and rehabilitated. Carl Mydans, having been named TIME-LIFE bureau chief in Tokyo, had a prime viewing spot for the changes that were taking place in the Pacific.
- When the Korean War broke out nearly five years after the end of World War II, Japan's importance as a military base became clear. In this image, ancient and modern Japan stand in contrast: American jet fighter planes fly over a torii, the gateway to a Shinto shrine, as they return after a reconnaissance mission over the Pacific to an airbase on the island of Honshu.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- photograph
- Date made
- 1949
- photographer
- Mydans, Carl
- place made
- Japan
- Physical Description
- paper (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 8 in x 10 in; 20.32 cm x 25.4 cm
- ID Number
- 2005.0228.082
- accession number
- 2005.0228
- catalog number
- 2005.0228.082
- See more items in
- Work and Industry: Photographic History
- Carl Mydans
- Photography
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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