Yawata Uma Hachinohe Horse \'66 Misawa Air Base Signed Japan Folk Art Vietnam Era For Sale

Item: Vintage Hand-Signed Japanese Yawata Uma Wooden Farewell Horse

Origin: Misawa Air Base, Aomori Prefecture, Japan

Date: 1966 (Vietnam/Cold War Era)

Overview

A rare crossover piece of Cold War military history and traditional Japanese folk art. This authentic, unpainted Yawata Uma (Hachinohe Horse) was presented as a personalized \"Sayonara\" (farewell) gift to an American civil service or military member departing Misawa Air Base in 1966. Covered in bilingual signatures from both American and local Japanese coworkers, it serves as a beautifully preserved historical time capsule.

Key Inscriptions & Translated Signatures

The horse features highly legible vintage black and red ink signatures, including:

• The Head & Neck: Marked \"SAYONARA \'66\", \"MISAWA CUSTOMER SERVICE\", and \"From the New Office.\"

• Heartfelt English Messages: Signed by colleagues Bill Ward, Joe Greenlund, Della M. Redman, Tien Enos, and Jan Wasson.

• Bilingual Japanese Signatures: Includes a poignant quote: “Until the day we meet again...” Clear signatures from local base staff include Jugoro Nakagawa (中川 十五郎), Takako Yamaguchi (山口 隆子), Mamiko Kawasaki (川崎 満美子), Kazuko Nohara, and Shizuko Miller.

Historical Importance

1966 was a defining year for Misawa Air Base. The base was heavily active in Vietnam War logistics and signals intelligence. It also marked a massive administrative unit transition (creating a wave of departing personnel) and the historic \"Great Misawa City Fire,\" where U.S. troops worked side-by-side with local citizens to rebuild the town—forging the exact close-knit community bond seen on this horse.

Condition

• Wood: Great vintage condition with a warm, natural aged patina. No structural cracks or warping.

• Ink: Remarkably crisp and easily legible; very little fading for its age.

• Mane & Tail: Traditional straw-fiber elements are completely intact, clean, and secure.

Ships securely padded with tracking and insurance. Please see photos for close-up cosmetic details.

I have a second one listed on . I am open to reasonable offers , I would love this piece of History to be enjoyed by a collector who can understand it\'s historical significance.