The first tag is a repurposed dog tag blank used as some kind of signage. It reads 右 (right) X 正 (primary, correct), which is unlikely to be a name.
The second tag is a nonregulation item in many aspects. The tab itself is not an issue blank, as clear from comparison with the first tab. Secondly, the wording also does not follow regulations for officers. Although during WW2, officer tags were to show their unit ID code followed by their official title (Army, Rank) and full name, this one says "Japan Officer Masaaki Amano".
From 1943, even tags for officers were issued, not privately purchased, so this big departure from regulations is concerning. As these tags were for internal use by the army, starting with "Japan Officer", is meaningless and really makes it sound outlandish. The calligraphy is good, but I cannot say that it is authentic.
右手正
Ute Akira
The surname can also be read as Migite [yes ... it means "right hand").
-- Guy
Thank you guys. As for authenticity, these are finds of metal detector.
Did these come out of Russia? I saw another dogtag recently that had "Japanese Officer" written on it and the officer had been interned in Russia post WWII.
some tags i noted dont have ranks... i wonder if thats because another promotion seems likely (which doesnt appear like that on this tag since they left no space to add that) or he did not want to privately buy new tags all the time just because he got a raise in rank or so... could it also be possible his ultimate unit and rank was not yet decided????
i have a tag to a guy later transferred to new guinea... the handengraved contrast of tsusho number vs. his name / rank are heavy to say the least... probably unit code was only put on after arrival in new guinea would be my assumption... ill include picture.
probation officer yoshio okamura
79 infantry regiment part of the 20th division
That is exactly according to regulations ie Unit, Rank and full name, no funny wording like Japan Officer.
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