[KUNIKIDA, TETUO, EDITED BY]. 國木田哲夫編輯.

近事畫報. [Kinji gahō].<BR> The Japanese Graphic.

東京. [Tokyo]. 株式會社近事畫報社. [Kabushiki Kaisha Kinji gahōsha]. Meiji 39 [ 1906]. Stock ID #217897

Two issues in original pictorial wrappers, 30.6 x 22.5cm. No. 86 (issued on 15 April 1906): black and white photographic illustrations 16pp and text 22pp; No. 87 (1 May 1906) black and white photographic illustrations 16pp; text 22pp, colour front covers. Captions in Japanese and English in both issues. Light tide marks and mild undulation of upper margins first leaves of both issues, spines very neatly reinforced with card. Good copies.

Kinji Gahō (近事画報) was Japan’s first graphic monthly magazine, a pioneering publication that blended journalism with visual storytelling. It was edited by Kunikida Tetsuo, better known by his pen name Kunikida Doppo (1871–1908), a respected novelist and literary figure.

The magazine became especially popular during the Russo-Japanese War, when it was issued under the title Senji Gahō (戦時画報), with each edition selling over 100,000 copies. Its appeal lay in its innovative use of photographic illustrations alongside articles on current events, offering readers a vivid and engaging view of the world.


Issues No. 86 and 87 report on a range of domestic and international topics, with one of the key stories being the devastating 1906 earthquake in Taiwan. Several pages document the disaster with striking photographic images. The content is richly illustrated, both in text and visuals. Each issue also features a colour-printed front cover—the April issue depicts cherry blossoms, and the May issue wisteria—adding to its visual charm.

After the war’s end, the magazine entered financial difficulty and was placed into administration in 1906. Kunikida continued to publish it as a personal project, but it ultimately folded in 1907. He died of tuberculosis the following year.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 217897.

Price: $600.00 AU

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