INJ Vessel No. 161 lighter box
Date1966
Object number00054824
NameBox
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 20 × 90 × 80 mm, 34 g
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Jeff Allan
DescriptionThis Hadsan liquid gas lighter and box is a piece of Japanese naval memorabilia featuring DD-161 an Akizuki-class destroyer laid down in July 1958, launched in June 1960 and commissioned by the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) in February 1960. The lighter features a Japanese flag, an Australian flag set within an outline map of Australia, a rising sun flag and an outline of a vessel inscribed No. 161 above a scroll inscribed with the year 1966 accompanied by Japanese characters. The vessel visited Australia as the flagship of a six-day goodwill visit in 1966. The visit was part of a tour and training cruise involving a fleet of four JMSDF vessels visiting ports in New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan and a number of Pacific Islands to promote international friendship and coinciding with the 21st anniversary of the end of the Second World War. The item includes a hand written inscription purportedly from a Gen. Makiyama dated 17.8.66.HistoryThis Hadsan liquid gas lighter and box is a piece of Japanese naval memorabilia featuring DD-161 an Akizuki-class destroyer laid down in July 1958, launched in June 1960 and commissioned by the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) in February 1960. The lighter features a Japanese flag, an Australian flag set within an outline map of Australia, a rising sun flag and an outline of a vessel inscribed No. 161 above a scroll inscribed with the year 1966 accompanied by Japanese characters. The vessel visited Australia as the flagship of a six-day goodwill visit in 1966. The visit was part of a tour and training cruise involving a fleet of four JMSDF vessels visiting ports in New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan and a number of Pacific Islands to promote international friendship and coinciding with the 21st anniversary of the end of the Second World War.SignificanceThe lighter is significant in terms of Australian-Japanese post-war political and economic relations. It is also significant within the context of the collection of naval souvenirs acquired by Vanessa (Zena) Roberson during the period between 1950 and 1980 because it represents a rare departure from the US Navy memorabilia she usually collected and includes a hand written inscription on the back of the box purportedly from a Gen. Makiyama dated 17.8.66.
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