A historically significant copy of The Manchuria Year Book 1931, published by the East-Asiatic Economic Investigation Bureau (Toa-Keizai Chosakyoku) in Tokyo.
Historical Context:
Published in 1931, the very year of the Mukden Incident (September 18, 1931) which led to the Japanese invasion and subsequent founding of Manchukuo. This volume serves as a primary source documenting the geopolitical, economic, and military status of Manchuria from the Japanese perspective immediately prior to the conflict.
Key Features:
Map: Includes a complete fold-out map of Manchuria (Scale 1:4,200,000) showing provinces and railway lines.
Photos: Features interesting plates, including a panoramic comparison of "Dairen in 1908 vs 1930" demonstrating Japanese development.
Data: Covers Geography, Administration, Military, SMR (South Manchuria Railway), Agriculture, and Finance.
Condition Report: Grade: Fair / Acceptable (Reference Copy)
Cover: Stained. There is a significant water stain/discoloration on the bottom right corner of the front board. Spine is faded.
Interior: Heavy Foxing. Strong age-spotting is visible on endpapers, title pages, and margins throughout the book.
Map: The map is present and in good condition.
Collector's Note: Despite the condition issues (foxing and cover stain), the presence of the original map and the pivotal 1931 publication date make this a scarce and valuable resource for historians of Imperial Japan and Northeast Asia.
Manchuria Year Book, 1931, Mukden Incident, Manchukuo, South Manchuria Railway, SMR, Imperial Japan, East-Asiatic Economic Investigation Bureau, Dairen, Pre-war Japan, Primary Source, Historical Map, Asian History, Showa Era, Propaganda, Colonial History, Military History.