1932 SHANGHAI "INCIDENT" ATTACK - CHILDREN'S PROPAGANDA TOY KIT].

廟行鎮攻撃組立大舞台装置. [Byokochin Kumitate daibutai sōchi].
[Papercraft Diorama Kit on the Attack near Shanghai].

東京. [Tokyo]. 博文館. [Hakubunkan]. Showa 8[ 1933]. Stock ID #214182

Six colour card cutout sheets, folded as issued, 39 x 27cm, original wrapper with instructions (28 x 21cm). Paper wrapper chipped and torn with a little loss now neatly repaired with washi. Instructions are complete and the card sheets are in very good condition.

This papercraft diorama kit was issued as a supplement to the children’s magazine Tankai in April 1933. The kit recreates scenes from the Japanese attack outside Shanghai in February 1932. During the mission to break through the Chinese defence line, three Japanese soldiers were killed and subsequently celebrated as national war heroes, known as 爆弾三勇士 (The Three Brave Bombing Soldiers). Their bravery was highly revered, and they became symbols of courage and sacrifice.

The kit includes six platforms that, when combined, create a rising scene from the creek bed section. It depicts Japanese soldiers attacking Chinese buildings positioned on a hill, supported by artillery and tanks. The set features numerous cutouts of Japanese soldiers in action, while a smaller number of cutouts portray frightened Chinese fighters. Through this diorama, young children learned about the conflict by recreating battle scenes and identifying with the war heroes during play. The kit not only served as a form of entertainment but also as a tool for instilling nationalistic pride and wartime ideology in the younger generation.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 214182.

Price: $750.00 AU

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