This extremely rare photo album documents a pivotal moment in modern Japanese history-the final provincial tour of Crown Prince Hirohito (later Emperor Showa) before his ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne. Conducted in May 1926, just months before Emperor Taisho’s death, this tour to Okayama Prefecture symbolized not only continuity of imperial tradition, but also the coming of a new era. At only 25 years old, Hirohito was already serving as regent due to his father’s failing health. His travels across Japan were carefully observed by both the Japanese public and political elites, as they represented the emergence of a new national figurehead during a time of rapid modernization and political uncertainty. This particular album-privately published in Okayama-features. Hirohito’s visit to the prestigious Sixth High School (a key feeder to Tokyo Imperial University). Ceremonial appearances at Kibitsu Shrine and Okayama Castle. Photographs of cheering crowds, imperial motorcades, and students saluting the Crown Prince. Exceptional candid shots reflecting imperial pageantry and authority. As Emperor Showa, Hirohito would later reign through Japan’s most tumultuous era-spanning militarization, war, defeat, and postwar reconstruction. This album offers an intimate look at the young man who would become the longest-reigning monarch in Japanese history and one of the most complex political figures of the 20th century. Publisher: Kiriyama Photo Studio, Okayama. 15 × 22.5 cm. Condition: Wear, staining, and aging present. Please examine images carefully. A rare and historically significant artifact. Ideal for collectors of prewar Japan, imperial memorabilia, or Hirohito-related history. Approximate 7-21days(To USA).
This is an original Imperial Japanese Enthronement Officials Badge. Issued for junior government officials (Hannin-kan) who participated in the Imperial enthronement ceremonies. Imperial Chrysanthemum Crest (symbol of the Emperor). Paulownia Crest (symbol of the Japanese government). The inscription “Enthronement Official” in blue enamel at the center. These badges were worn exclusively during the Daijo (Imperial Enthronement) ceremonies. Which marked the accession of Emperor Hirohito (Showa Emperor). Emperor Hirohito’s accession occurred immediately after the death of the previous emperor. And the early Showa enthronement ceremonies were conducted with restrained formality and limited production. Making surviving official items particularly scarce today. Reverse marked: Japan Mint / I. Official government issue, not a private or souvenir item. Badges such as this were produced in very limited numbers and issued only to authorized personnel. Shows natural age-related wear and patina consistent with an authentic pre-war item. Details and inscription remain clearly visible. Please refer to photos for condition. A rare and well-documented piece of Imperial Japanese ceremonial history. Approximate 7-21days(To USA).
This is an original Imperial Japanese commemorative hanging scroll (kakejiku) issued for the Grand Naval Review held off Kobe Bay on October 26, 1930 (Showa 5). It was the first major fleet review attended by Emperor Hirohito after his enthronement – a spectacular event symbolizing Japan’s naval power and national unity during the early Showa era. About the Naval Review. The “Kantai Kanshiki (Naval Review)” was a grand military ceremony held to display the Imperial Navy’s strength to the Emperor and the public. This 1930 review gathered over 100 warships, including the famous battleships Nagato, Mutsu, Kongo, Hiei, and Fuso – the pride of the Imperial Japanese Navy. The event demonstrated Japan’s technological excellence and growing maritime power in the interwar period, serving both as a training display and a powerful tool of national propaganda. At this time, he served as Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Army and Navy, and his presence at the fleet review symbolized his role as the unifying figure of the Empire. This scroll represents one of the earliest public displays of the Emperor’s authority over Japan’s armed forces. A portrait of Emperor Hirohito in full military dress, with medals and decorations. A phoenix motif behind him, symbolizing divine authority and renewal. The Imperial chrysanthemum crest and the rising sun flag. The background is woven with Paulownia (Go-shichi-kiri) and Chrysanthemum imperial patterns, emphasizing its official ceremonial origin. The paper label on the roller reads. Commemorating the Grand Naval Review off Kobe Bay, Autumn 1930 (Showa 5). Type: Paper hanging scroll (kakejiku). Material: Lithographic print with silk-pattern mount. 150 × 55 cm. Condition: Very good for age. Some light toning and a retied hanging cord. Includes original mounting with wooden rods. This scroll was produced to celebrate the imperial inspection of the fleet, a major event intended to inspire national pride and military spirit during Japan’s naval peak. Few original scrolls from this ceremony survive today – making this a museum-grade artifact of Imperial Japan’s naval and political history. Own a genuine piece of Japan’s early Showa military heritage. International Buyers – Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.
Very good original condition as shown.