‘Textured Stories’: The crêpe-paper books that brought Japanese culture to Western readers from 1880-1950

Very recommendable! How stereotypes are made? How much was accurate and educational?

Is this perhaps an explanation or avenue how e.g. geishas came to be understood in Western countries?

"Chirimen-bon, or crêpe-paper books, were a type of Japanese illustrated book produced between the 1880s and the 1950s and made with textured, fabric-like paper. They came into existence alongside textbooks for Japanese learners of Western languages, and often served as souvenirs for Western visitors to Japan. They covered a wide range of Japan-related topics—fairy tales, folklore, cultural traditions, holidays, festivals, performing arts, and scenes from everyday life—in English, French, German, Spanish, Swedish, Russian, and other languages.

Despite their unassuming appearance, chirimen books served as a crucial medium for disseminating knowledge during a tumultuous moment, as Japan, after more than two centuries of limited contact with the West, was rushing toward Westernization while also striving to establish a unique national identity. ..."

"... Hasegawa Takejiro, an innovative Japanese publisher, is credited with creating the genre. He developed a network of authors, translators, and illustrators to produce the books and formed partnerships with international publishers to distribute them. ..."

‘Textured Stories’: The crêpe-paper books that brought Japanese culture to Western readers | Yale News "“Textured Stories,” an exhibit at the Beinecke Library [Yale University], explores the history and influence of Japanese chirimen books that sought to familiarize Western audiences with Japan’s literature and culture."

Textured Stories: The Chirimen Books of Modern Japan (exhibition website)

Takejiro Hasegawa (1853-1938) Innovative Publisher of Meiji Japan. The fairy tale teller. (Source)