Japanese Showa School Boys Military Recruits Photograph Vtg Black White PH167 travel Katagami is a Japanese stencil

Katagami is a Japanese stencil pattern for dying textiles used for Kimonos

42 cm wide x 27 cm long

都々逸 Dodoitsu (song title)

Some characters: 南洲神社 Nanshu shrine

Japanese Showa School Boys Military Recruits Photograph Vtg Black White PH167 travel Katagami is a Japanese stencilVintage Japanese Army Reserve Photograph This is an original vintage Showa era commemorative photograph of a group of schoolboys with what appears to be teachers and military officers in black and white. They stand next to the imperial rising sun flag at the steps of a temple. In the lead up to WWII, schools began including military education in the curriculum to prepare graduating boys for service. They often wore partial military uniforms as well.