Original Items: Only One Lot of 8 Available. Ephemera are transitory creations which are not meant to be retained or preserved. Its etymological origins extend to Ancient Greece, with the common definition of the word being: "the minor transient documents of everyday life". Ambiguous in nature, various interpretations of ephemera and related items have been contended, including menus, newspapers, postcards, posters, plastic champagne glasses, portable classrooms and stickers.

Since the printing revolution, ephemera has been a long-standing element of everyday life. Some ephemera are ornate in their design, acquiring prestige, whereas others are minimal and notably utilitarian. Virtually all conceptions of ephemera make note of the matter's disposability.

Ephemera has long been collected by the likes of families, hobbyists and curators, with certain instances of ephemera intended to be collected. Literature by collectors and societies has contributed to a greater willingness to preserve ephemera, which is now ubiquitous in archives and library collections. Ephemera has seen academic interest as a beneficial prospect to humanities and for its own sake, illustrating or providing insight into diverse matters, such as those of a sociological, cultural, or anthropological background.

The ephemera in this lot includes:
- Japanese Aircraft and Ships Recognition Cards: During WWII, many decks of cards were designed and issued to help military personnel identify enemy aircraft and ships. This deck features black and white photos of Japanese ships and black and white photos of Japanese aircraft with illustrations on the reverse.

- “Japanese English Conversation Vade Mecum” by Jakob Fischer: This is a phrase book dated 1945 and shows Japanese phrases with english translations.

- TM 30-641 Japanese Phrase Book, War Department February 1944: The TM was published for military personnel only, and is a “survival” guide on emergency expressions, general expressions, personal needs, location and terrain, roads and transportation and much more.

- TM 30-341 Japanese Language Guide dated 1943: “The guide is not intended to give you a complete command of the Japanese language. For a thorough course in Japanese, write to the United States Armed Forces Institute, Madison, Wisconsin. Even without a thorough course, however, the instructions given in this handbook will enable you to carry on simple conversations in the language.”

- Soldier’s Guide To The Japanese Army dated 1944: The guide contains about everything you would need to know about the Japanese soldier during WWII. It shows illustrations as well as information on the various uniform types, weapons, vehicles, ordnance and more.

- The Jap Soldier dated 1943: The book was prepared by Captain Arthur Goodfriend, Army of the United States, and is an adaption of the training film The Japanese Soldier produced by Director of Military Training, Army Service Forces.

- Pocket Paper Guide of English and Japanese Phrases: This is a small guide that would have been easy to keep in your uniform pocket. It has basic English and Japanese phrases.

- A Pocket Guide to Colloquial Japanese For Foreigners Staying In Japan With a List of Useful Words dated 1945: This is another small paper pocket guide with English and Japanese phrases.

All items are in good but worn condition and are all able to still be read with clear images. This is a must have for the Pacific Theatre collectors!

Comes more than ready for display or even use!