The following six images are reproduced from an extensive collection of vintage postcards issued by Japan's famous Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line). The postcards, over 600 in all, were issued by NYK over a period of time beginning in the early 1900's and extending into the mid-part of the century. The vessels were constructed in the early part of the Twentieth Century and several of these ships have a story associated with them including careers in both World Wars.

Architect Der Scutt, a long time member of the Port of New York Branch, is a well known collector of maritime memorabilia and ocean liner models. His extensive collection, one of the finest in the world, "Monarchs of the Sea", is now on exhibit at the South Street Seaport Museum in New York City.

The HAKUSAN MARU was built in Japan in 1923 as an all First Class passenger ship capable of carrying 175 passengers and 200 crew. She measured 10,380 gross tons and was 520 feet long. Her geared Parsons turbines and twin screws drove her at 16 knots in the Yokohama - Hamburg service. On June 4, 1944 HAKUSAN MARU was torpedoed and sunk by the U.S. submarine FLIER southwest of Iwo Jima.

The cargo ship TAJIMA MARU built in 1916 measured 7,296 gross tons. She was the name-ship of 6 T-class freighters completed that year. Under the acute shortage of shipping space during WWI these ships played a vital role in the Far East/Europe trade.

The steamship YASAKA MARU was built in Kobe, Japan in 1914. The 10,932 gross ton, 523 foot liner could carry over 500 passengers in three classes and a crew of 160. She entered the Japan - Europe service in 1914. On December 21, 1915, near Port Said, Egypt YASAKA MARU was torpedoed and sunk by the German submarine U 38. Passengers and crew were saved and able to escape in the lifeboats.

Built by Kawasaki Shipbuilding at Kobe, Japan KASHIMA MARU entered the Japan - Europe service on October 1, 1913. She was of 10,599 gross tons and 522 feet long. This twin screw vessel carried 380 passengers in three classes and 160 crew at 16.5 knots speed. On September 27, 1943 she was torpedoed and sunk by the U.S. submarine BONEFISH 200 nautical miles east of Saigon.