Soshu Workshop - Collection guide for novice enthusiasts of Imperial Japanese Army uniforms and gears.

Detailing Techniques Recommended for Beginners.

In this article, I’d like to introduce some detail-up techniques for military gear that even beginners can try. While it may require a bit of sewing skill, you can easily make these using materials you have on hand, so give it a shot! Collar Cloth A “collar cloth” (Eri-fu/襟布) refers to the fabric sewn onto the collar of a military uniform to prevent it from getting dirty. It’s the same concept as the collar protectors found on modern Japanese student uniforms. Military uniforms cannot be frequently laundered, so the collar cloth is removable for washing purposes. It is part of…

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October 6th, 2024

Clothing / Field Gears

Type 98 Sun Hat (Late Model)

This time, I'm comparing the late model of the Type 98 Sun Hat with the HIKISHOP replica. The authentic Type 98 Sun Hats occasionally appear on Yahoo Auctions, usually trading for around 30,000 to 50,000 yen. The Type 98 Sun Hat has early and late models. The version established in 1930 (Showa 5)1 featured a metal star insignia and had ventilation holes at the top and on both sides. The one I'm introducing this time is the Sun Hat revised in 1941 (Showa 16)2, where the metal star insignia was replaced with a woven yellow star, and the ventilation holes…

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September 9th, 2024

Clothing / Field Gears

Red Cross Patch

I have obtained an authentic Red Cross Patch that medics and military nurses wore on their left arm. The easiest replica of the Red Cross Patch to obtain is the one from HIKISHOP. In this article, I would like to summarize the evolution of the Red Cross Patch and provide a comparison between an authentic Red Cross Patch and the HIKISHOP replica. The Evolution of the Red Cross Armband Meiji 41 (1908) Established Red Cross Patch According to historical documents from the Japan Center for Asian Historical Records, the details of the Red Cross Patch were officially standardized in 1908…

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August 25th, 2024

Clothing / Field Gears / Weapons

Handmade Pistol Lanyard

A lanyard used to suspend a pistol is called a "Kenchu" (懸紐). While many replicas of kenchu are available for purchase, none of them felt quite right to me, so I decided to make one myself. Here is a photo of the completed piece, right off the bat. I used 100% Japanese-made cotton braided cord, and the leather parts are made of cowhide. Some overseas replicas use synthetic leather, which doesn't have the same quality and texture. The original color of the lanyard was black, but it was later changed to khaki. This time, I've recreated the khaki version. The…

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July 16th, 2024

Example of Attire / Field Gears / For Beginners / Weapons

Method of Pistol Carrying for Non-Commissioned Officers and Soldiers

In the case of the Japanese Army, certain non-commissioned officers and soldiers with specific duties or roles carried pistols. Here are examples. Cavalry Tank Crew Military Police Heavy Machine Gunners and Light Machine Gunners in the Infantry In this article, I would like to introduce the general method of carrying pistols for non-commissioned officers and soldiers. Procedure for Wearing a Pistol Holster First, hang the Bread Bag (Zatsu-no/雑嚢) on the right side and the canteen on the left side. Position the left edge of the Bread Bag so that it is roughly in the center of your body. Normally, the…

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June 24th, 2024

Clothing / Field Gears / Weapons

Modification of Replica Type 14 Nambu Pistol Holsters

I have two types of replica Type 14 Nambu Pistol Holsters. One is an early model made by HIKISHOP, and the other is a late model from an unknown manufacturer. There are no issues using them to store and use the Marushin gas gun, but I would like to make the following modifications for detail improvement. Modify the storage pocket to fit the pistol cartridge paper box. Add a loop to store the cleaning rod. The left is an early model made by HIKISHOP, the right is a late model from an unknown manufacturer Expansion of the Storage Pocket To…

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June 10th, 2024

Clothing / Uniforms

Comparison of the Authentic and Replica Tanker Overalls

I would like to compare the authentic and replica Tanker Overalls worn by tank crew and mechanics of the Imperial Japanese Army. Incidentally, the correct Japanese term for Tanker Overalls is "Daini-shu Sagyou-iko" (第二種作業衣袴), Type 2 Workwear. Since childhood, I have been interested in tank models and developed an interest in the Imperial Japanese Army. During my university years, I wrote my graduation thesis on the production of Japanese Army tanks. As a result, I have a particular affinity for the gear of tank crew members. As part of this interest, I have also collected Tanker Overalls. My authentic Tanker…

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May 22nd, 2024