Published in 1930 (Showa 5) by the Kahei Gakkai (Artillery Science Society), this is the rare technical reference book “Kayaku Jutsugoshu” (Glossary of Explosives Terms).
What makes this copy especially desirable is the surviving ownership stamp:
“Naval Technical Research Library”
This indicates the book was once held inside a technical research library connected to the Imperial Japanese Navy.
This is not simply an old book—it is a surviving artifact from the knowledge network that supported Japanese naval weapons development.
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What was the Naval Technical Research Institute?
The Imperial Japanese Navy maintained research organizations responsible for:
These institutions were effectively the scientific brain of the Navy, where engineers and officers studied modern warfare technology.
A library-marked volume from such an environment carries far more historical meaning than an ordinary civilian copy.
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Contents of the Book
This volume is a multilingual glossary of military technical terms in:
Examples include:
During this era, Japan relied heavily on foreign military science literature, especially German sources. Books like this were practical tools for:
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Why It Is Rare
1. Working Reference Books Were Used Hard
These were practical technical books, not decorative keepsakes. Many were worn out, discarded, or destroyed.
2. Specialist Material Was Often Lost After the War
Families frequently preserved medals or photographs, but technical glossaries were often thrown away.
3. Naval Library Provenance
The Naval Technical Research Library stamp makes this copy significantly more desirable than a standard example.
4. Early Prewar Date
Printed in 1930, before the major expansion of wartime Japan, this reflects the earlier stage of Imperial Japanese military modernization.
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Condition
Size: approx. 130 × 187 mm
203 pages
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Final Note
Collectors often focus on swords, medals, or uniforms.
But behind every weapon was research, terminology, engineering, and study.
This book represents that hidden side of history.
Own a Piece of History.
ShippingFedex or Japan post
International Buyers - Please Note:Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to offerding or buying.
Thank you for your understanding.
