The Second Army’s Assault on Port Arthur 1894

Kobayashi Kiyochika made this woodblock print titled "The Second Army’s Assault on Port Arthur" sometime between 1904 and 1905. This night scene depicts the Japanese assault on Port Arthur, a key battle in the Russo-Japanese War. Prints like this served as propaganda, bolstering public support for the war effort. Look at the way the artist uses light and shadow to create a dramatic and heroic image of Japanese soldiers in action. The bright flashes of explosions and gunfire contrast with the dark silhouettes of the figures. The Russo-Japanese War was a significant moment in Japanese history, marking its emergence as a major military power. Artists like Kiyochika played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and constructing a national identity during this period. Studying such works, together with the writings and documents of the time, can give us great insight into the relationship between art, war, and national identity.