Miyatake Gaikotsu's Enigmatic Postcards Satirized Early 20th Century Japan

Miyatake Gaikotsu, a prominent essayist and magazine director, became well-known in early 20th century Japan for his satirical works that criticized modernization and political power. He founded the magazine Kokkei Shinbun in 1901, which encountered legal troubles, including fines and arrests, particularly during the Emperor's public appearances. Gaikotsu authored books that ridiculed censorship, such as A Story of Prohibited Publications (1911) and A Collection of Alternative Terms for Naming a Courtesan. Between 1907 and 1909, he created more than 780 unconventional postcards as supplements for his journal, showcasing strange imagery and steering clear of conventional subjects. These postcards, crafted by anonymous artists, were recognized for their abstract nature and sparked complaints from readers. Kokkei Shinbun achieved a circulation of 80,000 copies per issue, benefiting from the surge in tourism following Japan's victory over Russia in 1905.