Help with identifying a book.

[wayne lane]

In short the kids recently purchased a house built in the 30’s and war connections from the 40’s upon renovations found this tin hidden away under the floor boards containing what appears to be WW2 items. The tag JD CURRAN, would love to have the book identified its in Japanese.
Question.. why would this book be in this tin with Australian badges?!
Any help would be much appreciated.

[wayne lane]

Photos are here. Any help would be appreciated

[Mike Cecil]

Wayne,

There are a number of possibilities for JD Curran - what is the service number stamped on the ID disc? That will lead you to his service record held by the National Archives.

The book appears to be a momento, taken by JD Curran from a Japanese, and it obviously meant something to him. The problem you have in getting it translated is that it will be in the 'old' Japanese - the written language symbols were revised after WW2. Talk with the Military History Section at the AWM - there were people there (at least there used to be!) who know or know others who can translate at least a small part of the book to find out what exactly it is.

Mike