Ascending into the Realm of Japanese Charts

9 hours ago

The author discovers a 1920s Japanese statistical chart collection through online antiquarian markets, aided by AI for translation and research.
AI tools help navigate and scale the search, uncovering digitized archives like the National Diet Library, transforming a simple purchase into a deep historical exploration.
The collection reveals a coordinated public campaign in 1920s Japan to popularize statistical thinking, linked to events like the Great Kantō Earthquake and industrialization.
Over 19 volumes are acquired through a logistical process involving Japanese dealers and a forwarding service, highlighting the challenges and successes of cross-border collecting.
The essay argues that Western-centric graphic history overlooks significant Asian works due to language barriers, uneven digitization, and archival depth, emphasizing the value of curiosity and taste in uncovering hidden gems.

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