Harada JÅ«kichi was the First to Climb Up the Genbu Gate and Bravely Attack the Chinese Displaying Military Honor (Genbumon kōgeki zuiichi genkōsha Harada JÅ«kichi shi sentō funsen zu) Possibly 1894

Editor: This woodblock print by Mizuno Toshikata depicts Harada JÅ«kichi’s attack on the Genbu Gate. The scene is intense, with arrows flying and a sense of imminent danger. What can you tell me about the context of this work? Curator: This print normalizes militarism by celebrating individual acts of bravery within a larger, arguably imperialistic, context. It invites us to examine the narratives around war, and how individual actions are often framed to serve broader political agendas, particularly in times of conflict. How does this image make you feel, knowing that it’s glorifying a violent act? Editor: It definitely complicates my initial reading. I was focused on the action, but now I see how it's promoting a specific ideology. Curator: Exactly. And that ideology is deeply embedded within the visual culture of the time. Understanding that power dynamic allows us to critically engage with the print, rather than passively accepting its message. Editor: I hadn't considered that. I’ll definitely look at such artwork differently now. Curator: Hopefully, we all will.