1904 Russo-Japanese War Fully Illustrated English Book Meiji Era Kinkodo Tokyo For Sale

Original 1904 English Illustrated Book “The Russo-Japanese War – Fully Illustrated (April 1904)”

Published by Kinkodo Co., Tokyo on April 21, 1904 (Meiji 37).

This rare Meiji-era English publication was issued at the very beginning of the Russo-Japanese War to introduce Japan’s viewpoint to the Western world.

🔹About the Russo-Japanese War

The Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) was a conflict between Imperial Japan and the Russian Empire over control of Korea and Manchuria.

It marked Japan’s emergence as a modern global power, demonstrating its new naval and industrial strength.

The war was fought on both land and sea, including major battles at Port Arthur, Chemulpo (Incheon), and Mukden.

🔹About this Publication

This English-language illustrated magazine was produced to explain Japan’s position to foreign readers.

It features rich illustrations, portraits of admirals and generals, naval battle scenes, and reports from the front lines, showing how Japan portrayed itself as a civilized and disciplined nation during the war.

🔹Details

• Title: The Russo-Japanese War – Fully Illustrated
• Publisher: Kinkodo Co., Tokyo
• Date: April 21, 1904 (Meiji 37)
• Language: English
• Format: B4 size (approx. 36 × 25 cm)
• Pages: 142 pages
• Contents:
  
• 1 color war map
• 5 color lithographs (Emperor of Japan, naval battles, Red Cross relief, etc.)
• 18 full-page photographs
• 100+ smaller illustrations
• 
  
• Condition: With original thin paper cover. Some age toning, stains, and small tears, but overall well preserved for its age.

🔹Contents (from the original table of contents)

1. The Imperial Family of Japan
2. How Russia Came into Manchuria
3. History of Russo-Japanese Relations
4. Diplomatic Documents between Japan and Russia
5. The Relative Strength of Both Nations
6. Naval Battles at Chemulpo and Port Arthur
7. Fighting on Land and Relief Work by the Red Cross
8. The Imperial Diet and General News

Includes portraits of Admiral Togo, Rear Admiral Uryu, Vice Admiral Yamamoto, and illustrations of the Japanese Red Cross nurses treating wounded Russian soldiers.

🔹Historical Context

This publication represents Japan’s earliest wartime English-language propaganda, distributed to Western readers through diplomatic and commercial networks.

At the end of the book appears an advertisement for The Yokohama Specie Bank, Ltd., symbolizing Japan’s integration into the global financial system.

Such works are now considered valuable primary sources of Meiji-era media diplomacy.

🔹Why It’s Collectible

• Among the first English accounts of the Russo-Japanese War published in Japan
• Contains vivid period illustrations and a complete war map
• Historically linked to Japan’s modernization and rise as a world power
• Ideal for collectors of early military publications, imperial Japan memorabilia, or Meiji-era print culture

Fedex or Japan post

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