Pilot graduation badge

[Wartime Collectables]

Boxed and excellent with the mini and an odd lapel button. Looks right to me but no markings on the badge. Knowledgeable input greatly appreciated!

[Wartime Collectables]

Thanks in advance!

[Dean Brock]

Badge is cast replica with wrong clasp

[Wartime Collectables]

Thanks! Box and mini's right? I sent pics to two folks I thought would know but neither could give any help. Appreciate the forum!

[imperialjapan]

Box was made for the replica badge; therefore, it's a replica, too. The small piece is marked 'Hiroshima Youth Aviation Association.'

[Wartime Collectables]

appreciate the further info. Anymore info anyone can share on the Hiroshima Youth Aviation Association?

[imperialjapan]

appreciate the further info. Anymore info anyone can share on the Hiroshima Youth Aviation Association?

Youth Aviation schools were established by the J Army in 1933, with enrollment beginning the following year. Some of these schools (they were located in various cities) accepted children as young as 10 and trained them in various fields. The schools obviously ended in 1945.

Over the 11 year period, over 45,000 students were in these schools.

I suspect that your piece is a post-war item made for those who attended the schools and who joined Hiroshima's alumni group. The presence of 'kai 会' shows that it is not a school-issued badge, but rather an alumni piece.

[Wartime Collectables]

I suspect that your piece is a post-war item made for those who attended the schools and wsued badge, but rather an alumni piece.

Fits right in with the badge