Catalog Archive
Auction 187, Lot 61

Includes Invasion Maps of U.S. Mainland

"[WWII Invasion Maps of U.S. Mainland] [in] Koku Asahi",

Subject: Cartographic Miscellany, World War II

Period: 1942 (published)

Publication:

Color: Printed Color

Size:
7.2 x 10.1 inches
18.3 x 25.7 cm
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The Koku Asahi monthly magazine was launched in 1941 by the Asahi Newspaper Company to promote the superiority of the Japanese air force and describe in detail foreign fighting crafts. The issue offered here contains a three-page article with a series of maps showing alternate plans for invading both coasts of the United States, several including the participation of Nazi Germany. The article includes a peculiar small map of Tokyo in English and its surrounding area highlighting the locations of war industries and military bases. The issue also features a fold out summary of American planes, by manufacturer, with details of their capabilities. The editor was Torao Saito who became a friend and traveling companion of Ian Fleming after the war. After helping Fleming with the background for You Only Live Twice, Fleming modeled after him the character of “Tiger” Tanaka, head of the Japanese Secret Service, and also dedicated the novel to him.

References:

Condition: B+

There is light toning internally with some minor foxing on the wrappers.

Estimate: $180 - $220

Sold for: $60

Closed on 4/27/2022

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