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On February 20, 1947 the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP) in Japan issued the instruction SCAPIN 1535, stating that all export items must be identified with an engraving “Made in Occupied Japan". This decree was repealed on December 5, 1949 through SCAPIN 2061. Many camera manufacturers continued to use the "Made in Occupied Japan" markings until 1951, even though they could have substituted it with "Made in Japan". The latter became standard once the U.S. occupation of Japan formally ended in 1952.

Sources[]

Feb 20, 1947: SCAPIN 1535
Subject: Marking of export articles [excerpt].
The Imperial Japanese Government is hereby directed to take immediate steps to insure that every article prepared for export after 15 days of receipt of this directive will be marked, stamped, branded or labeled in legible English with the words ”Made in occupied Japan”.
[Signed:] For the Supreme Commander, John B. Cooley, Colonel AGD. :(Nippon Times (Directives) 1947).[1]
 
 
Dec 5, 1949: SCAPIN 2061
Subject: Marking of export articles [excerpt].
Rescinds SCAPIN 1535. Except as specified, all articles prepared for export, the immediate container thereof and the outside package will be marked, branded or labelled in legible English with the words 'Made in Occupied Japan," 'Made in Japan" or "Japan." [2]

Notes[]

  1. Source: Bertrand M. Roehner [Some Examples of SCAPINS] (SCAP Instructions to the Japanese Government) 1 September 1945–31 March 1952.
  2. [Finding aid] to National Archives and Record Administration (Washington, DC) Record Group 331 "Supreme Commander for the Allied Poers Directives to the Japanese Government (SCAPINs)."

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