Commemorative Book of the Chinese Garrison-This beautiful book commemorates the 1931 Manshu incident. This episode is also known as the Mukden Incident, or Manchurian Incident, and is known by the Chinese people as the 9.18 Incident. This is recognized as a false flag event staged by Japanese military personnel as a pretext for the 1931 Japanese invasion of Manchuria. On September 18, 1931, Lieutenant Suemori Kawamoto of the Independent Garrison Unit of the 29th Japanese Infantry Regiment detonated a small quantity of dynamite close to a railway line owned by Japan's South Manchuria Railway near Mukden (now Shenyang). The explosion was so weak that it failed to destroy the track, and a train passed over it minutes later. This was not sanctioned by the Japanese government, and due to this, the Imperial Japanese Army accused Chinese dissidents of the act and responded with a full invasion that led to the occupation of Manchuria. This is the invasion that was the pre-text that allowed the Japanese to establish its puppet state of Manchukuo six months later. This act contributed to the international isolation of Japan and is seen as a crucial event on the path to the outbreak of World War II. The Japanese wanted to control Manchuria, in Northeastern China as this area of the country was loaded with natural resources that the Japanese needed for their war efforts. The deception was exposed by the Lytton Report of 1932, leading Japan to diplomatic isolation and its March 1933 withdrawal from the League of Nations. This book is fascinating piece of history. You’ve had your history lesson, so now let’s talk about the book. It is beautifully covered in a dark green velvet, that is embossed with gold kanji and a small leather relief showing Japanese soldiers. As with most traditional Japanese books, this book is read right to left. The first page of the book shows a photo of the Emperor, and then continues with many black and white prints of the Garrison and the soldiers. Some maps, and paintings are included as well. Printed in 1932 by the Seihan printing company in Osaka which is actually still in business. This book comes with its original green cardboard box that is still in terrific shape, especially considering its age. Beautiful book.