Postcard Impressions of Early-20th Century Singapore: Perspectives from the Japanese Community: From the Lim Shao Bin Collection in the National Library, Singapore

This evocative collection of more than 150 picture postcards offers a fascinating insight into Japanese society in Singapore in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Used as souvenirs and a vehicle for advertisements and personal correspondence, and even propaganda, postcards have taken on many roles throughout Singapore’s history, making them unique and valuable sources of documentation.

Based on the Lim Shao Bin Collection of Japanese historical materials at the National Library Singapore, this important study illuminates new historical perspectives on the Japanese community as well as related subjects like tourism, war and empire in pre-World War II Singapore.