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official Japanese Navy art book titled "Greater East Asia War Naval Art".

Publisher: Published by the Greater Japan Marine Art Association (also referred to as the Japan Marine Art Association).
Sponsor: The publication was sponsored or endorsed by the Imperial Japanese Navy Ministry.
Year of Publication: The book was originally published in 1943 during the "Greater East Asia War," which was the official name used by the Japanese government for the Pacific War (1941–1945).
Content: It is a compilation of war record paintings and propaganda art commissioned by the Japanese Navy to document campaigns and boost wartime morale. The artwork features notable wartime artists, including Tsuguharu Foujita.
Collectibility: This book is considered a valuable and highly collectible historical item due to its rarity and official backing as a war documentation project. This isn’t just any wartime art book—this is an official publication endorsed by the Imperial Japanese Navy Ministry. Published in 1943 (Showa 18) by the Greater Japan Oceanic Art Association, this book compiles war record paintings and propaganda art commissioned by the Japanese Navy to boost wartime morale.

Why is this book important?
• Official publication endorsed by the Navy Ministry – This is not just an art book; it was officially backed by the Japanese Navy as a war documentation project.
• Features works by renowned wartime artists, including Tsuguharu Foujita – Foujita, who achieved international acclaim in France, contributed significant war art during this period, making his works highly collectible today.
• A unique blend of war documentation and artistic expression – Includes works by naval war correspondents and top military artists of the era, depicting key battles and naval operations.
What is the “Greater East Asia War”?
The term “Greater East Asia War” (Daitoa Senso) was the official name given by the Japanese government to what is widely known as the Pacific War (1941-1945). The name was used to promote the idea of liberating Asia from Western colonial rule, though in reality, it was part of Japan’s expansionist strategy. Starting with the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Imperial Japanese Navy engaged in fierce battles against Allied forces, and this book was published to document and commemorate these military campaigns.
Collector’s Highlights:
• Original 1943 publication
• Officially endorsed by the Imperial Japanese Navy
• Includes works by Tsuguharu Foujita and other renowned wartime artists
• A rare historical record of Japan’s naval operations through art.
• Many copies were destroyed during the post-war occupation, making this an extremely scarce find.
As this was published during wartime, you can see by the photos, the covers and binding are in very rough shape, but the artwork inside remains in excellent condition. This is a great find for collectors of Japanese naval history, war art, and military propaganda materials. WWII Historic Publication.