Two post runners proclaiming good news to the populace as they race along the road bearing a proclamation, they heads adorned with both the National Flag of Japan (the Civil and state flag and ensign of the Empire of Japan) and the Rising Sun Flag (the Ensign of the Imperial Japanese Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force). Their joy is likely due to victory over Russia in (or during) the Russo-Japanese war of 1904-1905.