This is a highly unusual commemoration item - a pair of very large sea shells - giant clam shells. The shells have words written inside. On one (the one on the front of the picture) are "Giant Clam Shells" "Hainan Island Landing in front of the enemy". The other is "Giant Clam Shells" "Navy 1st Class Logistics Soldier Commemoration" "South Seas (Nanyang) area campaign" and the person's name Okumura. These shells exist in the South China Seas - so would be pretty unusual for a Japanese, which may be why he decided to take them as a souvenir back home. They sure are unique.

The Hainan Island Operation was Japan's invasion of Hainan island as part of its invasion of China. The island was under KMT control and allowed the shipping of materials to the KMT through sea routes - taking Hainan shut those routes down. It was also a step in preparation of the invasion of Indochina in a couple years. The island became an IJN controlled area and the forces participating in the campaign were mostly SNLF troops.

Condition: The writing is a bit faded, and the shells are a bit damaged although most of it is probably natural erosion over time.

Size: Approximately 10" wide and 6" tall