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This rare c1942 photo depicts a Japanese Navy military officer standing with Miyuki Yamanaka (phrased Yamanaka Miyuki within Japan), who was a singer and actress at the time. The signature across the photo is hers.
Approximate size: 2.6 inches x 3.5 inches
It is assumed she went to Nanjing China, recently conquered as part of the Sino-Japanese War, to entertain the troops there. She was a popular singer in Japan at the time.
The signed photo is very rare. In my research, I haven't come across anything of hers for sale online currently, with or without a signature. Items having to do with her don't seem to come onto the market hardly often at all. For Japanese history or Japanese historical pop culture collectors, this is a must-have.The reference photo is from The Washington Times (Washington D.C.), published on June 21, 1937. It discusses Miyuki as observed from an American newspaper.As a summarized version, it reads:
Today's Foreign Short-Wave Radio Schedule
Santiago, ChileSelected music and news.
TokyoStage music of the Kabuki Plays.
RomeNews in English; opera; new additions to literature.
MoscowTwenty Years Ago
Prague, CzechoslovakiaLight music
London"Empire Exchange," points of view by travelers.
Buenos Aires, ArgentinaJazz orchestra and female trio.
CaracasAmateur hour.
LondonThe International Horse Show, a commentary.
BerlinOutdoor dance.
TokyoPopular songs, sung by Miss Miyuki Yamanaka.
Lyndhurst, AustraliaNational program.
Please inspect the pictures, as they give the best representation of condition.May have discoloring, edge or corner wear, marks, creases, fading, smudges, corner or edge bends, tears, or corners missing.
In particular, there is some irregularity to the top left edge portion of the photo, along with some discoloration on the back.
(A11 inventory number)