This image of a cemetery is interesting in the sense that it depicts a universal concept, yet brings out the oriental twist on graveyards in Japan. The graves are all close together, which Beato falsely assumed meant that people have to buy plots for their family's deceased; therefore, the smaller the plot, the cheaper they could get it for. The beautiful scenery is unique to Japan, and the headstones are ornately carved almost like little shrines.
This portrayal of a mother carrying her child is notable to Westerners, as she carries the child on her back. In our culture, babies are to be carried in front, which arguably allows the mother to keep better watch on the child. To be honest, I'm not quite sure of the reasoning behind each culture's decision; however, the simple fact that they are different probably leads to thoughts of barbarism on both sides, as that seems to pollute our history. Additionally, the traditional clothing worn by both mother and child brings to mind different things in Japan and the West. There, the clothes might be the regular wear of middle class, but here, they seem oriental and extravagant with their obis and long sleeves.
The Beato photos were one of my favorite collections, as they was such a variety to choose from. I definitely recall looking at a similar image to that of your second chose and thinking about the differences between Japanese and Western family structures. The mother carrying her child is certainly a relatable depiction, which establishes a connection between Western culture and that of Japan, and in some ways it eliminates the sense of "otherness" that can be found within the gaze of other images from this collection. You addressed the issue of otherness and cultural connection within your first image as well, as a cemetery is a fairly common element of many societies.
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