40 Vintage Photographs Capture Everyday Life in Fukuoka Just After Surrender of Japan

In late 1945, Fukuoka was recovering from heavy bombing during World War II. The city had been struck by multiple air raids, including a major attack in July, which caused widespread destruction of infrastructure, homes, and industries.

Following Japan’s surrender in August 1945, the country was under Allied occupation, with the U.S. military overseeing the rebuilding process. Fukuoka, like much of Japan, faced severe shortages of food and resources, and its economy was in disarray after years of war.

These fascinating photos from m20wc51 were taken by Lt. Krueger, who was in charge of a photo lab on a 38th Bomb Group airbase near Fukuoka, Japan in late 1945 and early 1946.

Fukuoka street scenes, Japan

Fukuoka street scenes, Japan

Fukuoka street scenes, Japan

Air raid shelter, Fukuoka, Japan

American Plymouth wrecked and junked by Japanese, Fukuoka, Japan

Bamboo basket maker, Fukuoka, Japan

Bomb damage in Fukuoka, Japan

Bomb damage in Fukuoka, Japan

Bomb damage in Fukuoka, Japan

Catholic church in town, Fukuoka, Japan

Charcoal balls drying-used for cooking and heating, Fukuoka, Japan

Children in Fukuoka, Japan

Chiyomachi stop of Nishitetsu tram, now near Chiyo-Kenchoguchi station of Fukuoka City Subway, Fukuoka, Japan

Family working in the fields, Fukuoka, Japan

Farmers weighing carrots, Fukuoka, Japan

Girl on New Year's Day, Fukuoka, Japan

Hakata Railroad Station, Fukuoka, Japan

Japanese meeting, Fukuoka, Japan

Japanese mother and her children, Fukuoka, Japan

Japanese sorting garbage, Fukuoka, Japan

Japanese woman carrying out scrap wood, Fukuoka, Japan

Japanese workers cleaning pots and pans outside large hangars and old mess hall, Fukuoka, Japan

Japanese workmen on the base, Fukuoka, Japan

Machine for hulling rice, Fukuoka, Japan

Main street of Fukuoka, Japan

Motorcycle truck, Fukuoka, Japan

Movie theater Takamiya, Fukuoka, Japan

New house under construction, Fukuoka, Japan

Night soil collector on the base, Fukuoka, Japan

Night soil wagon, Fukuoka, Japan

Pillbox and revetment on the base, Fukuoka, Japan

Sawmill near Fukuoka, Japan

Store in Fukuoka, Japan

Street market, Fukuoka, Japan

Street peddlers, Fukuoka, Japan

Streetcar, Fukuoka, Japan

Three Japanese girls carrying a load of wood, Fukuoka, Japan

Train platform, Fukuoka, Japan

Two attractive girls all dressed up for New Year's Day, Fukuoka, Japan

Woman cooking, Fukuoka, Japan