omocha-e

Woodblock printing became widespread during the Edo Period. Print shops housed the equivalent of tabloids (ukiyo-e), landscape prints that featured tourist sites, and omocha-e. Such prints often functioned as easily transportable gifts that relayed the latest trends. Moreover, much like Western toys, omocha-e was heavily impacted by trends, resulting in several containing the phrase ja-Latn, "latest edition", at the top of each print. The popularity of such toys found a resurgence during Japan's industrialization and subsequent international conflicts during the early 20th century with adults rather than children. This new audience was arguably an extension of Japan's efforts to create a sense of nationalism within its people by utilizing nostalgia. However, the modern and more vernacular ja-Latn (Japan's equivalent of "toy") inspired by the new industrial Japan quickly took its place. ja-Latn, though similar to omocha-e, represents an umbrella term for toys ranging from children's playthings to religious votives and is not limited to woodblock prints. • Illustration — Omocha-e with horses • Illustration — Omocha-e from the picture album "Sugoroku" • Illustration — Omocha-e with cats and women from the picture album "Sugoroku" • Illustration — New Patterns for Summer Costumes • Illustration — New Print of Hoko Float to Assemble • Illustration — Newly Published Comic Picture of Cats • Illustration — Cats in backstage at Kabuki theater