Kyodo risshi ki (Self-made Men Worthy of Emulation)

The title Kyodo risshi ki translates to 'Self-Made Men Worthy of Emulation,' indicating a didactic series of portrait prints celebrating successful individuals who rose through personal effort — a genre with parallels to Samuel Smiles's Self-Help (translated into Japanese as Saikoku risshi hen in 1871, a Meiji bestseller). Such series capitalized on Meiji aspirational culture by presenting exemplary figures from commerce, industry, or public service as models for readers. Kiyochika's contribution likely takes the form of a formal bust or three-quarter portrait accompanied by biographical text, following conventions of Meiji portrait print series. The composition would balance traditional woodblock portraiture with elements suggesting modernity — Western dress, printed text, or photographic-influenced tonal work.