Caisson
Camp Younghans, Japan: 1955-1956. Ten issues. Staple bound self-wrappers. Seven issues mimeograph on newsprint; three issues printed halftone on glossy white stock. Some light wear to margins, newsprint issues uniformly toned, rear wrappers of two issues separated but present. About very good. Item #6368
A rare military periodical published during the American occupation of Japan at the base in Higashine, Yamagata, at the northern end of Japan's main island. The dates of publication coincide with the arrival of the American troops who were transferred from Hokkaido to Camp Youghans in 1954. The base returned to Japanese control in 1956, and the last issue here shows units packing up and shipping out. Contents cover the goings on at the base, including births, sports matches, film showings (Roman Holiday, On the Waterfront), and religious services. Special emphasis is placed on continuing education, with courses listed. The early issues also include at least one book review. Early articles mention the opening of a photo lab and a visit to the Yamagata orphanage. The United States Army was officially desegregated in 1948, and the photographs show officers and soldiers working, playing sports, and engaging in the greater Japanese community. A very interesting close-up of military life during the postwar occupation of Japan, in a relatively isolated area. OCLC locates no copies of the present periodical.
Price: $1,500.00