This publication shows how scholarly investigation of Japanese photography in recent years has entered an important transitional stage - moving beyond its focus on the introduction of new discoveries and descriptions of collections, to a more sophisticated investigation of photography in historical and cultural contexts. At one time marginalised as either a practical technique or amateur art form, photography has now earned full recognition as an area of scholarly inquiry. It now invites reflection on issues of visuality, technology, and national identity in Japanese art during its transition...