Published on January 20, 1905 (Meiji 38) as Issue No. 7,610 of Jiji Shinpō (時事新報), this original illustrated newspaper broadside was produced during the height of the Russo-Japanese War. It documents Japan's military campaign through detailed illustrations and contemporary reporting, offering a fascinating glimpse into wartime journalism during the Meiji period.
The broadside is centered around the heading 「戰功錄」 ("Record of Military Achievements"), which summarizes notable battlefield actions and military honors. Surrounding the central text are numerous finely detailed vignettes depicting reconnaissance missions, cavalry patrols, engineering work, battlefield engagements, and acts of bravery by Japanese soldiers. Individual panels identify soldiers by name while recording their accomplishments, reflecting the Meiji government's emphasis on recognizing distinguished military service.
During the Russo-Japanese War, Jiji Shinpō was one of Japan's leading newspapers and regularly issued illustrated supplements that kept readers informed of events at the front. These publications combined current reporting with the artistic traditions of Japanese woodblock printing, creating visually engaging historical records of one of Japan's most significant modern conflicts.
An original Meiji-period illustrated newspaper broadside documenting the Russo-Japanese War, combining historical reporting, military illustration, and exceptional period printing into an important piece of Japanese wartime ephemera.
Published in 1905 during the Russo-Japanese War, this original Jiji Shinpō illustrated broadside records the conflict through detailed military scenes and contemporary reporting. The centerpiece, 「戰功錄」 ("Record of Military Achievements"), is surrounded by illustrations of reconnaissance, cavalry operations, engineering projects, battlefield combat, and individual acts of heroism. Named soldiers and their accomplishments are highlighted throughout, reflecting the patriotic spirit of Meiji Japan and the public's interest in the progress of the war.
