Wang Jingwei Shaking Hands with Tojo

What it is

This photograph, published in the Japanese-run magazine Djawa Baroe in January 1943, was taken in December 1942. It shows a uniformed man bowing slightly to shake hands with another man in an overcoat, with onlookers nearby.

The caption identifies the men as Wang Jingwei, head of the Japanese-backed government in China, and Hideki Tojo, Japan's prime minister.

Why it matters

This handshake image is part of the same set of wartime propaganda photographs documenting Japan's relationships with collaborationist leaders in occupied Asia. It shows Tojo in his role directing Japan's wartime diplomacy.

Such images were circulated to present an image of cooperation and strength among Japan's allies during the war.

Look closer

• What does the body language in the handshake suggest about the relationship between the two men?
• Why would this image be published in an occupied territory's magazine?
• What questions does this image raise about the real balance of power between Japan and Wang's government?