Occupied Japan

Q: I have several figurines marked ‘Occupied Japan.’ My father was stationed in Japan after World War II and he brought them home. My favorite is a Japanese boy playing a squeeze box. Other figurines look Victorian, but they too are marked ‘Occupied Japan.’ Please explain.

A: Anything marked ‘Occupied Japan’ was made between 1945 and 1952, the years U.S. forces occupied Japan after World War II. Ceramic figurines were made in countless varieties. While there are lots of collectors who enjoy buying Occupied Japan (‘OJ’) figurines, prices are not high. Most single figurines sell for $10 to $50.