Antique 1941 Hiroshima Police History Prewar Japan Book Boxed Errata For Sale

An original 1941 historical publication titled Hiroshima Prefectural Police History, compiled by the Hiroshima Prefectural Police Department and published by the Hiroshima Branch of the Police Association.

The book was issued on February 11, 1941, to commemorate the 2,600th anniversary of the traditional Japanese imperial calendar. It records the development of the modern police system in Hiroshima Prefecture, including its organization, institutional changes, major incidents, administrative duties, and local law-enforcement activities.

What Was the 2,600th Anniversary?

The year 1940 was officially celebrated in Japan as the 2,600th year since the legendary accession of Emperor Jimmu, traditionally regarded as Japan’s first emperor.

The Japanese government organized ceremonies, exhibitions, monuments, and commemorative publications throughout the country. This volume was produced as part of that nationwide effort to preserve the official history of Hiroshima’s police institutions.

The Role of Police in Prewar Japan

Police organizations in prewar Japan exercised considerably broader authority than modern police departments.

In addition to criminal investigation and public safety, they were involved in traffic control, firefighting, public health, commercial regulation, supervision of public meetings, and the monitoring of publications and political activity.

Particularly during the 1930s and wartime period, the police became an important part of the state’s system of social administration and control.

This book is therefore more than a record of crimes and police cases. It provides a detailed view of how government authority operated within local communities before and during the early years of the Pacific War.

A Record of Hiroshima Before the Atomic Bombing

Approximately four and a half years after this book was published, Hiroshima was devastated by the atomic bombing of August 6, 1945.

Government offices, schools, businesses, private homes, and countless local records were destroyed in the resulting blast and fires.

It is not possible to determine how many copies of this particular publication were lost. However, considering the destruction experienced by Hiroshima, the survival of this prewar official history—with its original slipcase and correction sheet—gives it particular historical significance.

This is not simply a history of a police department.

It is a surviving record of Hiroshima’s institutions, administration, and everyday society before the city was permanently transformed in 1945.

The original correction sheet is still present, together with the original cardboard slipcase. These accessories are often lost over time and add to the archival completeness of the set.

A valuable reference for collectors and researchers interested in:

• Prewar Japanese history

• Hiroshima regional history

• Japanese police and administrative history

• Social control and public institutions

• Official wartime-era publications

Condition

The book and original slipcase show substantial age-related wear.

There is discoloration, foxing, staining, rubbing, edge wear, and damage to the slipcase, including worn corners and small areas of loss.

The original correction sheet is included.

Please examine all photographs carefully and understand that this is an approximately 85-year-old historical publication offered in its present condition.

Own a Piece of History.

Fedex or Japan post

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