Japanese matchbox labels of "Fukusuke" - the traditional china dolls associated with good luck in Japan

Fukusuke (福助?) are traditional china dolls associated with good luck in Japan. A fukusuke doll can be seen on the album cover of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles.

More Japanese WW2 Propaganda matchbox labels (some of them belong to my friend Yecheal Biskovits, and some of them from previous eBay auctions) )

According to the website psywarrior, "the Japanese WW2 Propaganda matchboxes were a nice medium for propaganda since it is very easy to place a message on the cover of the book. Starting with WWII, these matchbooks have been very popular as propaganda gifts".

Japanese aircraft first dropped matchboxes over the Philippine Islands in 1942 as part of their policy to control Asia under the ‘Greater Co-Prosperity Sphere." The labels on the boxes contained vivid images and anti-American, anti-British, and anti-Chinese text.

"During the war the Japanese flooded Shanghai with anti-American and anti-British propaganda, including this image from a matchbox cover. It depicts a Japanese plane dropping a bomb on the U.S. and British flags. Shanghai, China, between 1943 and 1945". [From the USHMM special exhibition Flight and Rescue.] — Joseph Fiszman; US Holocaust Memorial Museum - Collections

"This image from a matchbox cover, depicts United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt--dressed in rags, on a raft in the ocean, and holding onto the U.S. flag--in the view of a Japanese submarine periscope. Shanghai, China, between 1943 and 1945". [From the USHMM special exhibition Flight and Rescue.]

Mask of Yamabushi Tengu - the mountain and forest goblin (evil)

Yamabushi Tengu 天狗 are mountain and forest goblins with both Shinto and Buddhist attributes. Their supernatural powers include shape-shifting into human or animal forms, the ability to speak to humans without moving their mouth, the magic of moving instantly from place to place without using their wings, and the sorcery to appear uninvited in the dreams of the living. (...Read more)

Label belongs to my friend Yecheal Biskovits

Label belongs to my friend Yecheal Biskovits

Label belongs to my friend Yecheal Biskovits

Find the differences - Japan the land of the rising sun

 

People say the cats are the second man's friend...I am not sure - ask the cat!

Here are my WW2 Japanese Propaganda matchbox labels

EXAMPLES OF JAPANESE PROPAGANDA DROPPED INTO BURMA, CHINA AND PHILIPPINE ISLANDS  FROM 1942 TO 1945

All of these matchbox labels have text at the bottom that says, “collect matchbox labels".

This image (above) from a matchbox cover, depicts a Japanese tank rolling over the U.S. and British flags. Shanghai, China, between 1943 and 1945. [From the USHMM special exhibition Flight and Rescue.]

This image above from a matchbox cover, depicts Japanese planes flying in formation over the U.S. and British flags, with the Japanese flag rising in triumph. Shanghai, China, between 1943 and 1945. [From the USHMM special exhibition Flight and Rescue.]

Text translation: "The might of Asia"

Text translation: “Certain victory”

Text translation: “The imperial Japanese forces will be victorious.”

My new nudity Japanese series

Cute Japanese "Daruma doll" labels - the Japanese traditional good luck charm

The Daruma doll (達磨 daruma^?), also known as a Dharma doll, is a hollow, round, Japanese traditional doll modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism. These dolls, though typically red and depicting a bearded man (Dharma), vary greatly in color and design depending on region and artist. Though considered an omocha, meaning toy, Daruma has a design that is rich in symbolism and is regarded more as a talisman of good luck to the Japanese. Daruma dolls are seen as a symbol of perseverance and good luck, making them a popular gift of encouragement. The doll has also been commercialized by many Buddhist temples to use alongside goal setting. (source: Wikipedia - Read more...)

 

 ...and a few more cute labels, found in various sales on ebay :