Antique 1925 Imperial Japanese Army Soldier Life Guide Book w/ Slipcase For Sale

This is an original Taisho-era Japanese military book titled:

“From Enlistment to Discharge” (入営から除隊まで)

published on December 15, 1925 (Taisho 14).

The author was Captain Ishii (Ishii Taii), an officer of the Imperial Japanese Army who wrote this book as a practical guide for young men entering military service.

Unlike battlefield manuals or combat reports, this volume explains the everyday life of a Japanese soldier—from the day he enters the army until the day he returns to civilian life.

What Is Covered?

The book contains chapters covering:

• Military conscription examinations
• The first day of enlistment
• Company and barracks organization
• Military etiquette and saluting
• Daily duties and meal assignments
• Rifle training and marksmanship
• Physical examinations
• Army canteens (Shupo)
• Barracks life
• Promotion opportunities
• Discharge from service

In modern terms, this was essentially a “new recruit survival guide” for Imperial Japanese Army soldiers.

Illustrated with Period Pen Drawings

One of the most attractive features of this book is the large number of original pen-and-ink illustrations.

The drawings depict:

• Barracks interiors
• Army buildings
• Haircuts and grooming
• Daily military routines
• Field training
• Infantry exercises
• Soldier life inside the barracks

These illustrations provide a rare visual record of military life during the 1920s.

For historians, researchers, artists, and military collectors, they offer valuable insight into how ordinary soldiers actually lived.

Historical Importance

This book was published in 1925, years before:

• The Manchurian Incident (1931)
• The Second Sino-Japanese War (1937)
• The Pacific War (1941)

Because of this, it documents the peacetime Imperial Japanese Army, rather than the wartime army most people are familiar with.

It shows how young recruits were educated, disciplined, and integrated into military life before Japan entered the era of total war.

Ownership History

A library ownership stamp reading:

“Muramatsu” (村松)

is present inside the book.

This small detail provides evidence that the volume was actually owned and used by a Japanese reader nearly a century ago, adding an additional layer of historical character.

Original Slipcase Included

The original illustrated slipcase is still present.

Military books from this period were often heavily used, discarded, or destroyed during and after World War II.

Finding an example that still retains its original slipcase is increasingly difficult.

Why Collectors Find It Interesting

Many military collectibles tell the story of war.

This book tells the story of something different:

How an ordinary young man became a soldier.

It is a rare glimpse into the daily routines, expectations, discipline, and culture of the Imperial Japanese Army before the world-changing conflicts of the 1930s and 1940s.

A fascinating piece for collectors of Imperial Japanese militaria, military history researchers, museum collections, and film or game reference libraries.

Own a Piece of History.

Fedex or Japan post

Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to offerding or buying.

Thank you for your understanding.