Description

A color lithograph patriotic fan sample print, likely created between 1939 and 1941 during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945), picturing a mother wearing the white apron and sash of the National Defense Women's Association (see IHL Cat. #1936) waving the Japanese national flag and her young son in military attire waving the flag of the Imperial Japanese Army. Photographically reproduced war bonds dominate the scene. While difficult to decipher, the date Shōwa 14, 1939, can be seen on the lower bond.[1] The slogan, 国債でせめて銃後の御奉公 胸に愛国 手に国債 ("At least through government bonds, serve your country in its time of need, with patriotism in your heart and government bonds in your hand") is superimposed on the bonds. 

War bonds issued by the Japanese Ministry of Finance and sold at the post office, along with bonds issued by local governments and private companies, were the primary source of war funding, paying for "86.4 percent of the total cost of the Second Sino-Japanese War. and World War II."[2]

In the 1930s and 1940s, “voluntary” savings were so greatly encouraged to finance the Japanese war effort that by 1944 (Showa 19) Japanese households were saving an incredible 39.5% of disposable income.[3]

By way of comparison, war bonds raised about half of the total expenditures for US military efforts during WWII and the savings rate of disposable income peaked at just over 25%.[4]