This is a rare vintage postcard set issued in 1905 (Meiji 38) to commemorate Japan’s First Navy Day, established following the opening naval engagement of the Russo-Japanese War.
The two postcards depict dramatic scenes associated with the Battle of the Sea of Japan (Battle of Tsushima).
One card shows Japanese battleships advancing under fire at sea, while the other combines patriotic imagery such as the Rising Sun flag with commemorative design elements.
These postcards were produced as official commemorative items and reflect early Japanese naval propaganda, national pride, and the emergence of Japan as a modern naval power in the early 20th century.
One postcard in this set is postally used and bears an original Imperial Japanese postage stamp featuring the Imperial Chrysanthemum emblem.
The card also carries a commemorative cancellation related to Navy Day, with a clearly visible circular postmark dated 1905 (Meiji 38).
Such commemorative cancellations were issued only for special national events and are highly valued in Japanese postal history and Russo-Japanese War collections.
The second postcard remains unused, making this a desirable comparison set of used and unused examples.
Item type: Vintage commemorative postcard set
Number of cards: 2 postcards
Country of printing: Japan
Issued year: 1905 (Meiji 38)
Historical context: Russo-Japanese War / Battle of Tsushima
Occasion: First Navy Day of Japan
Printing: Color lithograph
Size: Standard Japanese postcard size (approx. 14 × 9 cm)
Reverse: One used with stamp and cancellation, one unused
Condition: Used / Vintage
Surface stains, foxing, and age-related toning present
Light edge wear and minor creases
One card shows postal use with original stamp and commemorative postmark
No restoration; all items in original condition
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