Following the expansion of the war in China, Japan established a strict food rationing system in 1940 for items like sugar, rice, and seafood. Similar to campaigns in Germany ("Eintopfsonntag" literally "One-Pot Sunday" or "Stew Sunday"), the Japanese government encouraged civilians to live simply and donate savings to the war effort. In late 1940, the Konoe Cabinet developed a "New Economic Order" focusing on materials mobilization, strict rations and centralizing control of food resources to meet the rising demands of troops.
Specimen from the collection of Raymond LaBar. Photos courtesy of the owner.
Obverse
大政賛翼 - Imperial Rule Assistance [Association]
二食 - Two Meals [per day]
宣誓 - Oath