This picture of a Japanese lady is inscribed on the right side with symbols.
Is that a signature? It is a woodblock.

Are they Japanese characters? Please post a photo.

Often the symbols are a part of the art rather than a signature. If you can upload a pic of it we could try to better help you figure out what it translates to.

Is this an artist's signature>

Are you sure it is Japanese and not some other oriental symbols.