During World War II, major powers across the globe utilized propaganda posters as a means of communication and persuasion.
In the context of this conflict, Japanese propaganda posters stand out for their remarkable artistic quality and distinctive messaging approach.
Unlike many of their counterparts, Japanese propaganda posters did not seek to prescribe specific behaviors or emotions.
They refrained from urging men to enlist or imploring people to “Keep Calm” and “Carry On.” Instead, these posters primarily conveyed symbols of national pride and unwavering commitment.
This unique approach can be attributed to the prevailing belief among Japanese authorities that their populace was already deeply dedicated to the nation’s cause.
This assumption was not unfounded, considering Japan’s exceptional homogeneity among the major powers of the time. The unwavering loyalty of its citizens was essentially a given.
General Tojo.
However, Japan faced a particular challenge when crafting its propaganda posters. Emperor Hirohito, regarded as a deity, was conspicuously absent from these visual narratives.
The revered Emperor’s divine presence was deemed unsuitable for representation through crude caricatures.
In contrast to the Soviet Union’s veneration of Stalin or Germany’s adoration of Hitler, Japan celebrated a secondary leader, General Tojo. This departure from the norm underscored the unique character of Japanese wartime propaganda.
The most that Japanese posters could do with regard to Emperor Hirohito was to include his photograph alongside those of Japan’s allies.
This gesture adhered to a prevailing theme in wartime posters, emphasizing unity with the nation’s allies as a symbol of strength and solidarity.
The best that the Japanese could do with Hirohito was to include a photo of the Emperor alongside those of the leaders of Japan’s allies.
A Japanese poster manages to make President Roosevelt look uncannily like Bela Lugosi.
One of the main theme of Japanese propaganda posters was national pride.
Another prominent theme within Japanese propaganda posters centered on fostering a sense of national pride.
These posters skillfully depicted the Japanese populace as heroic warriors, often drawing upon the iconic imagery of Samurai.
This celebration of martial prowess also extended to Japan’s achievements in modern technology. The Imperial Air Force and Navy, in particular, were showcased as sources of immense pride and admiration.
The Imperial Air Force and Navy were particular figures of pride.
Japan often is portrayed in Japanese propaganda as dominating the air, and thus, the world.
The Imperial Navy is often portrayed, out at sea guarding the home islands.
The theme is “pride in the armed forces.”
Japanese propaganda placed a heavy emphasis on the Imperial Japanese Navy as being full of modern, sophisticated soldiers and instruments.
With the right equipment, victory would be inevitable.
An image of the overpowering military might is conveyed, with massive bombers swooping out of the sky.
This poster portrays a Kamikaze pilot off on a mission – his last one, of course. He is saluting and ready to do his duty. The traditional symbols of Japanese honor, such as a ceremonial sword, are included.
Happiness through ordinary work was a common theme.
In this poster, rakes and shovels are portrayed as just as important to victory as machine guns and rifles.
Other posters used these themes as subtexts when announcing various Expositions.
An airplane is juxtaposed against a modern city.
Above all, it is the Japanese homeland that is the center of the world, and it stands above all else.
A samurai wrecking the enemy’s ships.
The submariners who died in the Pearl Harbor attack.
Caricature of Franklin Delano Roosevelt on the cover of Manga, August 1943
Leaflet warning landing American soldiers of their impending death.
Japanese propaganda leaflet depicting Allied leaders such as Roosevelt, Churchill, and Chiang trying to push or pull an Indian into the fight against the Japanese, 1943.
1939 Recruitment poster for the Tank School of the Imperial Japanese Army.
Fragment of Japanese propaganda booklet published by the Tokyo Conference, depicting East Asia freed from Anglo-American presence.
Electric Power is Military Power!
(Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons / James Bjorkman via WW2 FilmInspector).