De tweede divisie komt aan land bij Liaodong 1894

This anonymous print depicts the Second Division landing at Liaodong. It offers a window into the visual culture surrounding the First Sino-Japanese War in the late 19th century. The image presents a romanticized view of Japanese soldiers, poised and heroic, as they navigate a rugged landscape under a full moon, swords at the ready. What's striking here is the construction of national identity through military prowess. It reflects Japan's ambition to be seen as a modern, imperial power, and in doing so, positions itself in stark contrast to its portrayal of China. We might consider how gender and class intersect in this representation of war. The soldiers, all men, are valorized, embodying a specific form of masculine identity tied to military service and national duty. Their class is also evident in their uniforms. The print serves as propaganda, shaping public perception of the conflict and reinforcing a narrative of Japanese superiority. It invites us to consider the human cost often obscured by such heroic portrayals.