1930 Imperial Japanese Army Children’s Picture Book Our Army Waga Rikugun
1930 Japanese Militarist Children’s Picture Book. “Our Army”/”Waga Rikugun”. Vibrant and richly illustrated large-format children’s book celebrating the Imperial Japanese Army, published during the early Showa era. The full-color lithographic illustrations depict tanks, cavalry, artillery, infantry maneuvers, military vehicles, battlefield scenes, and army medals in a strikingly stylized form typical of prewar nationalist juvenile publishing. A clear example of soft propaganda. Includes double-page spreads of motorbike gunners, paratroopers, amphibious operations, and decoration medals-blending 1930 era technology with patriotic fervor. Hiragana phonetic guides indicate it was designed for young readers. Rear cover illustration features a child soldier atop a St. Bernard, in a humorous but ideologically loaded close to the volume. Publisher mark and dating appear to confirm production in 1930 (Showa 5). Printed in Japan stamp present. Unpaginated but complete, with side stapled binding. In very good condition for age with only modest edge wear, light rust to binding staples, and partial split to the covers at the spine fold. Usual light toning to pages. 10.25 x 7.25 inches.