1913 Portrait of Japanese General S. Kusuose

This glass negative features General S. Kusuose, captured on August 8, 1913. An officer in the Imperial Japanese Army, General Kusuose was known for his role in the modernization of Japan’s military forces during the early 20th century. He symbolizes a transformative period in Japan, a time when the nation sought to bolster its military capabilities amid growing regional tensions.

The photograph was produced by the Bain News Service, a well-known organization that documented prominent figures and events of the time. It reflects the early techniques of glass plate photography, which allowed for detailed imagery. As military figures like General Kusuose emerged, the growing interest in military reforms and international relations became increasingly relevant in both Japan and the world stage.

This image serves as a historical snapshot, offering insight into the technology and culture surrounding military leadership at this pivotal moment in Japanese history. The early 1900s marked Japans rise as a military power, culminating in its engagement in conflicts that had lasting implications across Asia and beyond. General Kusuoses contributions to this era highlight the strategic developments that defined Japan’s military identity.