Introduce the attire of the Imperial Japanese Army, which encompasses not only uniforms such as military clothing but also personal equipment such as canteens, mess kits, backpacks, and footwear.
In my private collection, I have carrying cases (Shūyō-nō/収容嚢) for the Type 97 Sniper Scope (Kyūnana-shiki Sogeki Gankyō/九七式狙撃眼鏡), designed for the Type 97 sniper rifle (Kyūnana-shiki Sogeki Jū/九七式狙撃銃). As a matter of fact, I have two of them. It's not a standard piece of equipment, and originally, I had planned to introduce it at a later time. However, due to a recent opportunity, I've decided to pass one of them on to an acquaintance. With that in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to compare the two carrying cases for the sake of record-keeping, leading me to…
In a previous article discussing replicas of the Type 98 Summer Tunic, I introduced S&Graf's products. While the fabric texture and overall silhouette are good, there are some disappointing aspects, making it a bit hesitant to wear as is. Therefore, I decided to create a modification by drafting a pattern from the authentic item, and I will share the details in this article. The process involved painstakingly undoing stitches and sewing anew, which took a considerable amount of time. However, the result is quite satisfying, significantly improving the overall condition. Comparison with the Authentic Item From left to right: the…
I'd like to explain how to collect the basic infantry equipment for an Imperial Japanese Army soldier. Trying to assemble a complete uniform from the start can be quite challenging. Therefore, I'll provide guidance on what to collect, prioritizing items, over several installments. PriorityStandardBeginnerCollecting a military uniform.IntermediateCollecting official military-issued gears.AdvancedCollecting full kit In this advanced edition, I will introduce items that are not only essential for full kit but also pay attention to details that may not be readily visible. If you have been able to collect items up to this point, you should be well-equipped to participate in strict…
I will introduce a method for modifying the officially designated rank insignia known as "Zabuton" (cushion/座布団), which was standardized in 1938 (Showa 13), into pin badges. When enjoying various military uniforms of different ranks, it can be quite cumbersome to sew on rank insignias onto the collars every time. Not only is it inconvenient, but repeatedly threading the needle can also cause damage to the rank insignias themselves. While enthusiasts might not approve, feel free to give it a try as it won't be noticeable at a glance. You can create it through crafting using only adhesive without the need…
I'd like to explain how to collect the basic infantry equipment for an Imperial Japanese Army soldier. Trying to assemble a complete uniform from the start can be quite challenging. Therefore, I'll provide guidance on what to collect, prioritizing items, over several installments. PriorityStandardBeginnerCollecting a military uniform.IntermediateCollecting official military-issued gears.AdvancedCollecting full kit In this intermediate section, I will introduce the equipment that was left out in the beginner's section due to budget considerations. By completing the intermediate section, you'll have most of the essential items for a Japanese Army infantryman's basic uniform. Once you can pull off this look, you'll…
I'd like to explain how to collect the basic infantry equipment for an Imperial Japanese Army soldier. Trying to assemble a complete uniform from the start can be quite challenging. Therefore, I'll provide guidance on what to collect, prioritizing items, over several installments. PriorityStandardBeginnerCollecting a military uniform.IntermediateCollecting official military-issued gears.AdvancedCollecting full kit In this beginner's guide, our goal is to make you look like a Japanese soldier. By mastering the equipment in this article, you can confidently participate in regular airsoft games, especially those with a loosely regulated World War II theme. The veterans on the field will likely welcome…
One of the essential items of clothing for Imperial Japanese Army soldiers when assembling their military attire is the Field Cap (Ryaku-bō/略帽). Particularly during the Greater East Asia War period, decorative military caps disappeared from the battlefield, and soldiers began to wear field caps. In the Japanese military, the field cap was not only worn outdoors but also served as an undercap when wearing a steel helmet, making it an essential item, second only to the military uniform. During the process of establishing this field cap, various prototypes of field caps in different shapes were developed and actually tested by…
