Similar to their ally, Nazi Germany, the military minds that governed Imperial Japan had their say in all civil matters. They toyed with the idea of putting everyone in a “national uniform” while limiting the sales of milk, butter and eggs and outlawing recreational skiing, opulent fashions and luxury consumer goods, all the while indulging in price fixing across the board. They plunged their nation into a world of rationing and promised only greater restrictions as their military adventures took center stage. This new world of Lack, they called the New Order, and no one was immune from it (except the Emperor, and his generals and admirals).
“September 16 has been set aside as a date for honoring the rabbits who have given up their skins to keep the army warm. Prayers are to be sent up yearly for the eternal repose of the souls of these heroes who are doing their bit for the fatherland. ‘Dog Day’ will no doubt come next, for, by order of the Ministry of Forestry and Agriculture, the canine population is to be cut down with the triple objective of using the hides for soldiers shoes and gloves, and thus relieving the leather shortage, of saving rice and protecting the public from mad dogs.”
1942 Germany and Italy were scarred by food shortages – you can read about it here.
Click here to read about food rationing in pre-war Nazi Germany.
Click here to read about laws and restrictions in peace-time Germany.
More articles about home front Japan can be read here…
A new order was also ushered in by General MacArthur in 1945 – click here to read more…
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