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UNIDENTIFIED : 1943 ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT DIARY HANDWRITTEN BY A JAPANESE SAILOR WHO FINDS LOVE IN SHANGHAI WHILE SERVING IN THE EMPEROR'S NAVY

32mo - over 4" - 5" tall. On offer is an exceptional, rare, Japanese language, sailor's diary. Dated December 31st 1942 through June 25th 1943, the 22 year old writer begins in Ishiura (Japan) then to Shanghai and ends at Sasebo (Nagasaki, Japan). This diary gives a one of a kind insight into a sensitive Japanese man who finds love during the War with a Shanghai girl, writes poetry and strives to be an excellent soldier for his superiors. Here are some snippets: "December 31st 1942 I'm thinking about 1942 passing by. I'll never forget this year that I joined the navy. This strict army life; this must be a real man's life. I swear to myself that I'll do my best to be a good soldier next year. January 14th 1943 The characteristics of a sailor 1. Protect the life of superiors without question 2. Cheerful and simple all times 3. Tough but friendly. January 15th man's life (how to cultivate / train man's mind) There is sadness about parting. We have to bare some insults. Sometimes we can't say or do when we want to. It's regretful and frustrating. …. We have to embrace these pains and that is how to cultivate our mind. Feb 5th Leaving for Shanghai I've been longing. Feb 12th It's nice to stand on the ground and breathe the fresh air. Feb 22nd I'm filled with faith of winning. Feb 28th I can't get rid of ---(he doesn't write girl's name)'s image. Languages are different but hearts are same. I miss her when I'm away from her. I thought I would want to love her as much as I can (I am allowed to). February of 1943 passed by like a dream, I'll try my best on March too. March 6th I hurried to ---(some place's name). I miss even the sweet name, Rose(?). We don't understand words but understand our hearts each other. March 12th I received a comfort bag. A sweet comfort letter. A cute doll. March 13th The letter from Fumio-san. I'm so glad hear that he became a father. March 30th A mother and soldier, A plum tree and soldier, Heartless dreams Katakana faith Parting Ship Nights in China Streets in Shanghai April 6th Noriko(?) san's letter I've been waiting for so long was finally delivered. I think of the memories, and I swear once again that I will love her forever. That's what man does. May 19th It's been boring without any landing. That's one kind of order? Hahaha May 22nd There is no news, no radio, newspaper. Meaningless life…June 15th It's been very hot. It's decided to leave Shanghai on 18th. Good bye Shanghai, my second home country. June 17th I went to ---- to tell permanent bye to sweet ---. Our countries are different but hearts are same. June 23rd Our country's mountains and lands I haven't seen for an year. It's great to see a fighter, Japan. My mother land that gave birth to me. We have to win for our country. I'll give up my life any time for my country. We are landing at Sasebo port at 2:00. June 23rd The enemy ship appeared. June 24th We left the port and anchored inshore. June 25th We left a port, sea is calm. We are planning to anchor inshore of Roku-island." A more than casual reading by a fluent reader will, we surmise, reveal even more interesting writings. Overall G.. Japanese Language. Book Condition: Good

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