Japan Trade Guide with A Comprehensive Mercantile Directory, 1935 by Shimbun Rengo Sha, ed - 1935

Tokyo: Shimbun Rengo Sha, 1935. Hardcover. Very good condition. A mercantile directory for 1935, compiled by one of Japan's biggest news agencies, during the period in which Japan had recovered from the Depression and its government was making concerted efforts to expand both its military and heavy industry. Japan had created the puppet state of Manchukuo (northeast China), annexed Korea, and developed Taiwan (Formosa) as a "model" colony. The shortage of oil and rubber, which had to be acquired externally, was especially problematic for the Japanese military, which was soon to go to war with China. Contents include: Section 1: General Survey of Economic and Financial Conditions; Section II: Principal Trade Commodities, Their Manufacuterers and Dealers; Section III: Overseas Possessions. This last section lists Korea, Formosa, Kwantung Province (Manchukuo), Saghalien and South Sea Islands as possessions. Under South Sea Islands, the text explains that the "islands now under Japanese mandates were formerly German possessions. They became Japanese mandates after the World War". (p658). Some influential elements in Japan thought the move into the South Pacific and southeast Asia would provide abundant natural resources for the country. This volume also includes many manufacturers' advertisements, many with b&w printed photographic illustrations. With the compliments card loosely inserted, of Mr. Yukichi Iwanaga, Managing Director of the Shimbun Rengo Sha, Tokyo. Thick 4to, xxv, 668pp, Index to Advertisements [2]. Dark blue gilt stamped illustrated boards, gilt title at spine with embossed decorations. Edges a bit rubbed, otherwise very good, with 'Made in Japan' stamp at ffep. OCLC: 813432825.