Second Sino-Japanese War : The War against China never denied Japan's interest in Chinese culture.

In the late 1930's, Japan was at war against China, yet, its deep interest in Chinese culture was never lost, as it had been lasting since the ancient time.

(Related link in my collection website)
http://japanwarart.ocnk.net/product-list/60

My collection on this subject is inclined towards "Propaganda-like",
yet, it is true many postcards or other art materials on Chinese culture were published in Japan at that time, being away from hostility to China as an enemy country.

Very different from what was happening in the Pacific Wartime.

"Attitude Instructions to Japanese soldiers visiting The Temple of Mencius"

"Attitude Instructions to Japanese soldiers visiting Temple of Mencius"

1 : Mencius, along with Confucius, is the historical person most respected by Chinese people. 

Also, he is our great benefactor for the Japanese spiritual culture.

2 : Therefore, visitors to his temple should be modest in acting just the same way as we do to temples & shrines in Japan.

3 : You soldiers should never forget that your

moral behaviors in this place will contribute to raising the honor of the Imperial Army & putting  familiarity to us in mind of Chinese people 

far more than the activities of our pacification teams.

by Tsugawa, The Unit Commander

"Notice" (about the Yungang Grottoes)

 "Notice" (about the Yungang Grottoes)

"The Yungang Grottoes is the worldwide famed historic site.
Army takes an effort in protecting it. Any looters and destroyers, even Japanese soldiers,  shall be severely punished according to the the martial law."

(1930's Sino Japanese War time Postcards China "Hangzhou West Lake")

(1930's Japanese Postcard : China "Manchuria Region Custom")

(1930's Sino Japanese War time Postcard " Qianshan East Gate")

(1930's Japanese Postcards : Chinese Traditional Culture Art by South Manchuria Railway Co.)