An important image in regards to the emergence of Japanese documentary photography with smaller hand held cameras.

Description: in the early 1930s the spontaneous style of documentary photography was just emerging in Japan. This was due to the availability of smaller hand held cameras and roll films that provided photographers with greater mobility. This image is an example of this new style and shows troops departing for Manchuria on the ship Kuretake Maru. Taken by a staff photographer of the Osaka Asahi Shimbun, still one of Japan's leading newspapers to this day. Affixed to the reverse is a paper label that reads; dai jukyu shidan niyueihei Osaka shupatsu. Translation: new soldiers of the 19th Division depart Osaka for Manchuria, with the date Dec. 7, 1932, and the name of the ship Kuretake Maru. There is also a label in the lower right margin of the print that reads Asahi Photo News, Osaka Asahi Shimbun Sha.

This print was made by the photographic unit of the Asahi Shimbun called Asahi Photo News. It was produced to promote the newspaper's recent news items and was intended for public dispaly at locations such as Department stores, train stations, local news bureaus and neighborhood delivery stations.

Condition: vintage large format vintage gelatin print. The condition overall is good, but there is a minor crease in the right margin and one small tear in the upper left margin, as well as pishole marks from when the print was originally displayed in public (see below).