The Manchurian Incident in 1931 (Showa 6), the Sino-Japanese War, World War II. The early Showa era was a time of war. As the war goes on, materials such as metal and leather come into short supply, and all manner of items from postal boxes to benches and wire screens, even temple bells are turned in. In 1943 (Showa 18) and order declares that "Telephones are weapons. Private telephones should be turned in," and the following year a collection drive receives 7,600 telephones, which will eventually be swallowed up in air raids.

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