1931 “Seijo Goseitoku Roku”. Official Record of Emperor Hirohito (Showa Emperor). 1150 pages – Large Format – Photo Rich Volume. Published in 1931 (Showa 6). This is a substantial official compilation documenting the life of Emperor Hirohito from birth through approximately age 31. The book was published in 1931 – the year of the Manchurian Incident – a turning point when Imperial Japan began its expansion toward full-scale war. It was produced not as a casual biography, but as a state-sponsored record intended for. Influential regional figures. Its purpose was to present a structured image of the Emperor as head of state under the Meiji Constitution. At that time, the Emperor legally held supreme command authority over the Imperial Army and Navy. This makes the volume significant not only as an imperial biography, but as documentation of how pre-WWII Japan formally constructed and disseminated the public image of its sovereign. Constitutional sovereign of Imperial Japan. Holder of supreme military command authority. Central figure during World War II. His historical responsibility and role in wartime decision-making remain subjects of academic debate. This book reflects the official portrayal of him prior to the escalation of the Pacific War. Early life and imperial lineage charts. Formal military portraits. Scientific research (marine biology). Extensive photographic documentation. This is a primary source for researchers studying. Pre-WWII Japanese state ideology. Imperial propaganda development. 26cm x 19.5cm x 9cm. Age-related toning and wear. Structurally solid for its age. This is not a modern reprint. It is an original pre-WWII state publication – a substantial and historically significant document. International Buyers – Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.
This large antique Japanese hanging scroll commemorates an important moment in the life of Crown Prince Hirohito, who would later become Emperor Showa of Japan. At the bottom are portraits of Crown Prince Hirohito and Princess Nagako, the future Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun. Beneath their portraits appears the Japanese inscription: Commemorating the Auspicious Occasion of Their Imperial Highnesses This inscription is an important clue to the historical context of the piece. Crown Prince Hirohito married Princess Nagako on January 26, 1924, during Japan’s Taisho era. Hirohito was still a young Crown Prince, approximately three years before he ascended the throne and became the emperor whose reign would encompass World War II and Japan’s postwar transformation. The scroll presents much more than the young couple. Its imagery includes: Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken Meiji Shrine Nijubashi Bridge at the Imperial Palace Crown Prince Hirohito and Princess Nagako The Imperial chrysanthemum crest and decorative phoenix motifs At the top appears the phrase , approximately meaning The Glory of the Nation. The composition is particularly interesting from a historical perspective. Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken appear above the Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace imagery, while the young Crown Prince and his bride appear below. It visually connects the Meiji imperial generation with the next generation of Japan’s Imperial Family. Today, Hirohito is inevitably associated with some of the most consequential events of the 20th century: the rise of militarized Japan, the Pacific War, Japan’s defeat in 1945, and the country’s remarkable postwar transformation. But this scroll captures an earlier moment. The war was still far in the future. Hirohito was not yet Emperor. It comes from a Japan celebrating the marriage of its young Crown Prince and his future Empress. That contrast is what makes this piece especially fascinating. Measuring approximately 150 cm (59 in) long and 51 cm (20 in) wide, it is a substantial display piece as well as an artifact of Japanese imperial and social history. The scroll shows significant age-related wear, including creases, wrinkles, discoloration, fading, stains, and other deterioration. Please examine all photographs carefully. These signs of age are consistent with an object that has survived for approximately a century. Dating Note: Based on the portraits and the inscription commemorating an auspicious occasion involving the Crown Prince and Princess, this piece is believed to relate to their 1924 marriage. However, no clearly visible production date or publisher’s mark has been confirmed, so the exact year of manufacture cannot be guaranteed. More than simply an old Japanese decorative scroll, this is a surviving image of Hirohito before he became Emperor – at the beginning of a life that would become inseparable from modern Japanese history. Own a Piece of History. International Buyers – Please Note.
Own a Piece of History. This is an original. 1928 illustrated scroll “Showa Gotaitei Emaki”. To commemorate the enthronement ceremonies of. Emperor Hirohito (Showa Emperor). The scroll measures an impressive. 418 cm 164 in. In total length, and features beautifully printed illustrations by leading Japanese artists of the time, including. Poems are contributed by. Emperor Hirohito (Showa Emperor) reigned from. Overseeing the most dramatic and turbulent era in modern Japanese history. During the 1930s-1945 period, he stood as. The head of state of Imperial Japan. The supreme authority within the military structure. Making him a central figure in Japanese politics and wartime decision-making. This scroll records the. Created at a time when Japan was not yet at total war-capturing the nation before it entered the most consequential years of the 20th century. Because of the emperor’s role in both domestic governance and the military system, any original prewar material related to Hirohito is highly valued among collectors of. Royal and court ceremonial culture. Showa Gotaitei Emaki (Showa Enthronement Illustrated Scroll). Matsuoka Eikyu / Yamaguchi Hoshun / Yoshimura Tadao / Yamada Shuei. One wooden roller end is missing. Age-related toning, creases, light stains. Some fold lines from storage. No major tears; fully viewable. Please check all photos carefully. Authentic prewar Imperial Japan artifact. With significant historical value. Approximate 7-21days(To USA).
This is an original prewar Japanese hanging scroll featuring. Emperor Hirohito (Emperor Showa). Five Principles of Military Spirit (Gunjin Seishin Gokajo). One of the moral foundations taught to soldiers of the Imperial Japanese Army. At the top of the composition are the Imperial Chrysanthemum Crest and a pair of phoenixes, symbols traditionally associated with the Imperial House of Japan. Beneath them appears the. Five Principles of Military Spirit. Which instructed soldiers to uphold. Loyalty to the Emperor. Proper conduct and courtesy. These principles reflected the ethical code expected of Japanese servicemen during the prewar period and formed an important part of military education. The lower portion of the scroll depicts. Emperor Hirohito on horseback in military uniform. From his accession to the throne in 1926 until the end of World War II in 1945, Emperor Hirohito served as Japan’s sovereign and was constitutionally recognized as the. Supreme Commander of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy. For this reason, his portrait was widely displayed in military facilities, schools, and government institutions as a symbol of national unity, discipline, and loyalty. The Emperor is portrayed as a relatively young man in this artwork. Based on the style of the portrait and the overall design, it is likely that this image was originally created during the. Late 1920s or early 1930s. Shortly after his accession. While the exact production date of this scroll cannot be confirmed, it clearly reflects the visual style of early Showa-era military educational materials. Scrolls of this type were displayed in barracks, military schools, youth organizations, and other public institutions to reinforce discipline, patriotism, and the ideals of Bushido among soldiers and young people. Today, this piece serves not only as decorative artwork but also as an important historical document illustrating how military ethics and loyalty to the Emperor were visually communicated in prewar Japan. Imperial Chrysanthemum Crest, phoenixes, the Five Principles of Military Spirit, and a youthful portrait of Emperor Hirohito. This is an impressive display piece for collectors of Imperial Japanese militaria, military education, wartime propaganda, and modern Japanese history. The scroll shows expected age-related wear, including minor foxing, discoloration, and light stains, but remains in overall good condition for its age. Please examine all photographs carefully before purchasing. Own a Piece of History. International Buyers – Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.
Own a Piece of History. This unique commemorative bronze desk plaque was issued by the Japan Mint in January 1924 to celebrate the marriage of the Imperial Crown Prince-later Emperor Hirohito (Emperor Showa)-and his bride, Princess Nagako (later Empress Kojun). The piece is styled as a miniature shotate (Japanese desk screen), a traditional item used to partition space and display important art objects. Features the crowned portraits of Crown Prince Hirohito and Princess Nagako encircled by laurel wreaths, with the Imperial chrysanthemum crest above. ? (“Commemorating the Marriage of the Crown Prince”). Depicts pine and wisteria trees (symbols of longevity and prosperity) and is engraved. ? (“January, Taisho 13 [1924]”). Who was Crown Prince Hirohito? This plaque marks the beginning of his journey as Emperor. Such commemorative plaques were prestigious, not for public sale, and distributed only to high-ranking officials and dignitaries involved in the wedding. The shotate (desk screen) design is rare, blending Western art deco influences with traditional Japanese symbolism. Why collect this item? This is more than just a collectible. It’s a tangible fragment of Japanese Imperial history-witness to a marriage that shaped an era, sealed in bronze by the national mint. Ideal for collectors of Japanese medals, Imperial memorabilia, or World War I/early Showa period artifacts. Some signs of age, as expected for an item over 100 years old. Approximate 7-21days(To USA).
Original Pre-WW2 Imperial Japanese Navy poster featuring the light cruiser KINU (Nagara-class). Printed in the early Showa period, this piece includes a portrait of. Symbol of the Imperial Household. Large format and rare surviving example of naval promotional or commemorative prints from the 1930s. About the Cruiser KINU. She served extensively throughout the Pacific. Philippine invasion operations (1941). Dutch East Indies operations (1942). Guadalcanal “Tokyo Express” transport missions. Numerous escort and supply operations in New Guinea and the Bismarck Sea. Sunk in October 1944. During the Leyte Gulf operations. A warship known for its wide operational range and heavy wartime service. Portrait of Emperor Hirohito, gold Chrysanthemum Seal. Creases, age toning, minor stains. 380 × 296 mm. A valuable display piece for collectors of Imperial Japanese Navy history, warship memorabilia, and pre-WW2 prints. International Buyers – Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.
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.