[KOKUBŌ CHISHIKI FUKYŪKAI, EDITED BY]. 国防智識普及会編輯.

輝く陸軍寫眞帖. [Kagayaku rikugun shashinchō].
[Shining Army Photographic Album].

東京. [Tokyo]. 省文社. [Shōbunsha]. Showa 10 [ 1935]. 48th Printing. Stock ID #219728

Black and white maps, 16 colour plates, black and white photographic illustrations, [155]pp, 19.2 x 25.2cm, later string ties. Some light browning and occasional soiling contents, closed tears to a few margins now repaired. Silver colour illustrated boards worn with minor loss, a central vertical crease on both covers. A sound copy of an very interesting pictorial album.

An introductory survey of the Japanese Imperial Army, designed to familiarise a general readership with army organisation, weaponry, and aspects of soldiers’ daily life. The book was widely circulated, reaching a 48th printing within two years of its initial publication in 1933, indicating its broad contemporary readership.

In the foreword, the editors words reflect the feeling of heightened international tension of the time, emphasising the perceived need for the public to understand the army’s structure, capabilities, and internal life.

The volume is extensively illustrated with black and white photographic images, each accompanied by detailed explanatory captions. These images function both as documentation and as idealised representations of military life, presenting the army as a cohesive and harmonious organisation. Coverage includes infantry, transport, and artillery units, as well as ground and air operations. The final section comprises diagrams and charts outlining army organisation and weapon capabilities, providing a useful visual reference for researchers.


Sixteen colour nishiki-e (錦絵) depicting well-known battle scenes from the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars are included. The symbolic front cover design, featuring an eagle against a radiant sun above cherry blossoms, reflects the visual language and ideological framing of the period.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 219728.

Price: $275.00 AU

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