This is an original 1937 Imperial Japanese Navy hydrographic chart of the eastern Bismarck Archipelago, including Bougainville Island.

Produced by the official Hydrographic Department of the Imperial Japanese Navy, this chart clearly shows the strategic waters that would soon become one of the most intense battle zones of the Pacific War.

The issue date (Showa 12 / 1937) is printed outside the lower margin, and the official Navy Hydrographic mark is visible in the upper margin—confirming this as an authentic pre-war military chart.

The map was compiled from British (1934) and German (1911–34) naval charts, then adapted for Japanese naval use.

Scale is approximately 1:243,000 (based on an original 1:750,000 chart).

Historical Significance

The area shown on this chart—Rabaul, Bougainville, and the surrounding seas—became a critical front line in the Pacific War.

In 1942, Japanese Naval Landing Forces captured Rabaul, transforming it into a major forward base for operations across the South Pacific. From this point, the region became the center of:

• Solomon Islands campaigns
• Guadalcanal operations
• New Guinea battles

This chart represents the very waters where these events unfolded.

Connection to Admiral Yamamoto

Even more importantly, this region is directly connected to Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, commander-in-chief of the Combined Fleet.

Rabaul served as a forward headquarters for Japanese naval operations, and this surrounding area became a decisive battlefield in the struggle for control of the Pacific.

In 1943, Yamamoto was killed in action over Bougainville Island, making this map part of the geographical setting of his final campaign.

This is not just a map—it is a chart of the stage where one of the most important naval stories of WWII came to its end.

Collector’s Value

• Authentic Imperial Japanese Navy chart
• Pre-war issue (1937) used for wartime operations
• South Pacific / Solomon Islands theater
• Strong connection to Yamamoto and Rabaul
• Large visual impact display piece

Japanese Navy materials are significantly rarer than Army items, especially charts related to the South Pacific theater.

Condition

Shows age-related wear such as stains, toning, and edge damage.

Please review all photos carefully for condition details.

Own a Piece of History.