Researching an Individal?

[Dieter3]

Hello!! New here, and new to medal collecting, looks like a great forum! I'm interested only in Japanese items for the moment. With regards to documents issued to individuals - are there any avenues of research for these individuals like a national archive?

[Paul L Murphy]

Almost all military records were destroyed in the fire bombing of Tokyo in WWII. Of those that remain, the authorities here will not release information unless you can prove you are the next of kin of the person concerned. If it is an officer who made it to General or Admiral there are published books in Japanese that show what they did after reaching that rank. In addition, the roll of all naval officers has been published but the amount of information is mixed, and after the Taisho era there is little information held. The easiest is if you have other documents with the certificates which will give you a unit, you can then research the unit rather than the individual.

Having said all that, they are still a lovely item and from time to time you can uncover some very interesting groups.

Regards,

Paul

[Dieter3]

Thank you Paul. I figured it would be very difficult at best. That's unfortunate, it sure would be interesting to learn more about these individuals.

[Richard LaTondre]

Hello!! New here, and new to medal collecting, looks like a great forum! I'm interested only in Japanese items for the moment. With regards to documents issued to individuals - are there any avenues of research for these individuals like a national archive?

Yes Dieter - try http://www.jacar.go.jp and good luck,

Dick

[Dieter3]

AWESOME!! Thanks for that link. :)