Original U.S. Psychological Operations Leaflet 2008 Pacific War Propaganda Campaign, Japan, 1937-1945

Original double-sided Japanese propaganda leaflet produced during World War II in the Pacific theater. Printed in Japanese, the leaflet presents Japan as surrounded by hostile forces, emphasizing encirclement and the need for national unity and resistance.

Leaflet Number: No. 2008
Operation: Pacific War Propaganda Campaign
Conflict / War: World War II
Year: 1937–1945
Country / Theater: Imperial Japan / Pacific Theater
Language(s): Japanese
Format: Original printed leaflet, double-sided
Provenance: Airdropped leaflet acquired from the family of a U.S. military commander.

Translation:

Front:

Look at this map.

The enemy nations surround our homeland from all directions. They seek to encircle and destroy us.

But this also reveals their weakness.

Though they spread across vast distances, their strength is divided. Their lines are stretched thin.

If we stand united, defend our land, and strike with determination, their encirclement will collapse.

Victory belongs to the nation that maintains resolve and unity.

Pink text (slogans):

“Strike down the encircling enemy!”
“Protect the homeland!”
“Certain victory through national unity!”

Back:

At the time of the great decisive battle, the spirit of the nation must be unified as one.

Now is precisely the moment to demonstrate the true character of the Japanese people. Each person must fulfill their duty in their respective position, exhausting all strength in service to the state.

The war situation is becoming increasingly intense. The enemy grows more desperate by the day, employing every means to resist. However, our nation, grounded in righteousness and unity, will not yield.

Victory is achieved not through words, but through action. Each individual must cast aside selfish concerns, devote themselves fully, and contribute to the success of the war effort.

Those who falter in spirit endanger not only themselves but the nation as a whole. Therefore, one must maintain firm resolve, endure hardship, and press forward without hesitation.

The future of the nation rests upon the determination of its people.

Imagery:
The front shows a globe centered on Japan, with multiple weapons or projectiles pointed inward from all directions, visually representing encirclement. The composition is stark and diagrammatic. The reverse consists of dense vertical Japanese text within a bordered frame.

Objective:
To instill a sense of total encirclement by enemy forces and reinforce the necessity of unity, endurance, and resistance among the Japanese population.

Featured in American War Propaganda Leaflets, 1990–2022, Khajistan Press.

Exhibited in Khajistan: Office of War Information (O.W.I.) at Pioneer Works, New York, May 08 – Aug 09, 2026.