Ota Yazaemon and His Son Fusajirō Sever and Exchange Fingers before the Son Departs for War 1875

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi created this woodblock print depicting a gruesome ritual in late 19th century Japan. Here, Ota Yazaemon and his son Fusajiro are severing their fingers as a pledge of loyalty before Fusajiro departs for war. The print’s graphic nature and unsettling subject matter invite us to consider the social context in which it was made. Yoshitoshi produced this print during a period of rapid modernization and social upheaval in Japan. The print reflects a fascination with stories of samurai loyalty and sacrifice, ideals that were increasingly seen as outdated. The image could be interpreted as a commentary on the human cost of war and the sacrifices demanded by the state. The presence of the newspaper headline at the top of the print suggests a link to contemporary events and a desire to engage with public opinion. Historians might consult military records, newspaper archives, and literary sources to better understand the cultural significance of this image and its reception by contemporary audiences. Ultimately, the meaning of this artwork is contingent on its historical and institutional context.