Description
This is an original Imperial Japanese commemorative hanging scroll (kakejiku) issued for the Grand Naval Review held off Kobe Bay on October 26, 1930 (Showa 5).
It was the first major fleet review attended by Emperor Hirohito after his enthronement — a spectacular event symbolizing Japan’s naval power and national unity during the early Showa era.
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About the Naval Review
The “Kantai Kanshiki (Naval Review)” was a grand military ceremony held to display the Imperial Navy’s strength to the Emperor and the public.
This 1930 review gathered over 100 warships, including the famous battleships Nagato, Mutsu, Kongo, Hiei, and Fuso — the pride of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
The event demonstrated Japan’s technological excellence and growing maritime power in the interwar period, serving both as a training display and a powerful tool of national propaganda.
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About Emperor Hirohito
Emperor Showa (Hirohito, 1901–1989) was Japan’s 124th Emperor.
At this time, he served as Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Army and Navy, and his presence at the fleet review symbolized his role as the unifying figure of the Empire.
This scroll represents one of the earliest public displays of the Emperor’s authority over Japan’s armed forces.
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Design & Features
The scroll features:
- A portrait of Emperor Hirohito in full military dress, with medals and decorations
- A phoenix motif behind him, symbolizing divine authority and renewal
- The Imperial chrysanthemum crest and the rising sun flag
- A collage of battleship and cruiser photographs, including major capital ships of the period
The background is woven with Paulownia (Go-shichi-kiri) and Chrysanthemum imperial patterns, emphasizing its official ceremonial origin.
The paper label on the roller reads:
“Commemorating the Grand Naval Review off Kobe Bay, Autumn 1930 (Showa 5).”
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Details
- Type: Paper hanging scroll (kakejiku)
- Material: Lithographic print with silk-pattern mount
- Size: approx. 150 × 55 cm
- Condition: Very good for age. Some light toning and a retied hanging cord. No major tears.
- Includes original mounting with wooden rods.
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Historical Significance
This scroll was produced to celebrate the imperial inspection of the fleet, a major event intended to inspire national pride and military spirit during Japan’s naval peak.
Few original scrolls from this ceremony survive today — making this a museum-grade artifact of Imperial Japan’s naval and political history.
Own a genuine piece of Japan’s early Showa military heritage.
Shipping
Fedex or Japan post
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