Life — January 8, 1925 — page 17: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a satirical cartoon from *Life* magazine showing a caricatured figure juggling teapots labeled "Japanese Friendship" while being chased by a small creature labeled "Jingoism." The caption reads "Keep Out of the Way, Then!" The cartoon appears to comment on U.S.-Japan diplomatic relations, likely from the early 20th century. The juggling figure represents either a diplomat or political leader attempting to maintain peaceful relations with Japan ("Japanese Friendship") while being pursued by "Jingoism"—aggressive nationalism or warmongering sentiment. The central figure seems to be saying that jingoists should stay out of diplomatic affairs to prevent the delicate balance from collapsing. The cartoon satirizes tensions between those seeking peaceful coexistence and those advocating aggressive nationalism.