We are pleased to announce the launch of Rutgers Meets Japan, a new digital companion collection that brings to life a remarkable trans-Pacific story of intellectual exchange, cultural connection, and shared history. Developed in conjunction with the book Rutgers Meets Japan: A Trans-Pacific Network of the Late Nineteenth Century, this digital collection expands upon the book’s narrative by providing open access to a rich set of historical photographs drawn from the William E. Griffis Collection.
The collection features portraits of some of Rutgers’ earliest Japanese students, as well as images of alumni who traveled to Japan as teachers and missionaries during the late 19th century. These photographs offer a rare visual window into a formative period of U.S.-Japan relations, capturing individuals, institutions, and everyday scenes across locations such as Fukui, Yokohama, Tokyo, and Shizuoka. In addition to images reproduced in the book, the digital companion includes many photographs that could not be published due to space constraints, significantly broadening access to these materials for researchers, students, and the public.
Funded by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, the project involved the careful digitization, transcription, and annotation of materials, ensuring both accessibility and scholarly value. By pairing rigorous historical scholarship with digital access, Rutgers Meets Japan invites users to explore the people and places that shaped a pivotal moment in global education and cultural exchange.
The launch of this digital collection also coincided with an event held on April 17, Rutgers Meets Japan: In Conversation with the Authors. This event was held in the Alexander Library Pane Room and featured presenters Haruko Wakabayashi and Fernanda Perrone, with Janet Walker moderating.