Captain Awata, from the series Mirror of Army and Navy Heroes (Rikkai gunjin kômyô kagami)

This portrait print belongs to the series Rikkai gunjin kōmyō kagami (Mirror of Army and Navy Heroes), a commemorative set celebrating officers who distinguished themselves during the First Sino-Japanese War. The format, likely ōban, follows the established tradition of yakusha-e (actor portraits) adapted to military biography: a bust or three-quarter figure in Meiji-era Western-style uniform, set against a plain or lightly patterned ground, with identifying cartouche. Kiyochika renders Captain Awata's features with the controlled tonal modeling that characterizes his portraiture, using restrained color to suggest the specific textures of wool uniform, brass buttons, and military decoration. The mirror metaphor of the series title frames each officer as a reflective model of conduct — a genre convention that positions the print as both reportage and moral instruction.