My fascination with “Occupied Japan” collectibles was piqued one day while accompanying a friend to a local flea market. While browsing, I happened upon some small children porcelain figurines marked Occupied Japan. Upon arriving home I began researching the term “Occupied Japan.” I discovered that items with this marking were made at the end of World War II between the time period of 1945 until 1952 when Japan was once again considered an independent state.

The hunt began and I eagerly visited flea markets, estate sales and garage sales hoping to find more treasured Occupied Japan items. The most exciting thing about items marked Occupied Japan is that your collection can take off in many different directions. Typically as one would expect there are many bisque, porcelain and pottery items including planters, dishes, figurines as well as glassware. There are also wood items, celluloid items, paper items, toys, lamps, linens, jewelry, lighters and almost anything else that is collectible.

It is a wonderful day when you come across paper and wood products as well as toys still in the original packaging and marked Occupied Japan. I find it amazing that these items have lasted all these years and remain in such good condition.

One hazard of the pursuit however is many Occupied Japan items might be marked on the original box, but the individual pieces in the box are only marked Japan. It would be impossible without the original box to credit these items with the Occupied Japan title. Many items also slipped through customs unmarked and you can have two identical items, which are marked differently; one with the Occupied Japan marking and the other simply marked Japan. Again it would be impossible to authenticate the Occupied Japan title on the one not marked as such. This does narrow the market somewhat and makes those items that have remained intact and marked properly all the more precious to a collector. Games for example may be marked on the game board Occupied Japan and yet the box is only marked Japan with the manufacturer’s name. Another example of what one might find is salt and pepper shakers in the original box, with the same mark on the shakers as well as the box. Each find is different.

Two books I have found particularly helpful, as well as interesting on this subject are: “Occupied Japan Collectibles Identification & Value Guide” by Gene Florence and “Toys from Occupied Japan” by Anthony R. Marsella with Price Guide.

Cynthia Miraglia
http://www.rubylane.com/shops/cindyscollectibles