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

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

Clothing / Field Gears / For Beginners

The shape of the HIKISHOP-made Type 90 Steel Helmet

Recently, I acquired a authentic Type 90 Steel Helmet shell. Lately, the market price for authentic Type 90 Steel Helmets has significantly risen, with clean ones equipped with liners fetching over ¥50,000 on Yahoo! Japan Auctions. What I acquired this time was just the helmet shell, missing items like the star-shaped pin to secure the liner. However, I managed to obtain it for less than ¥10,000, including shipping. Despite some rust, the photos in the listing made it seem worse than it actually was, but upon inspection, the original paint was still intact, making it a decent purchase overall. The…

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April 12th, 2024

Clothing / Field Gears / Weapons

Type 14 Nambu Ammunition Box (By Dekunobo)

I made paper box assembly kits for the Type 14 Nambu ammunition by Dekunobo. I apologize for introducing it here, but unfortunately, this paper box kits are already sold out. Well… to be honest, I bought up all of Dekunobo's last stock… Assembly is done following the instructions on Dekunobo's blog, and it takes about 15 minutes to complete one. Since the empty boxes seemed like they could be crushed during airsoft games, I decided to fill them with something. Things to Prepare Dekunobo's paper box assembly kit. 10 pieces of fishing sinkers (size 4) The actual Nambu rounds weigh…

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March 28th, 2024

Clothing / Field Gears / Weapons

Detailing of the Type 89 Grenade Discharger (Replica) Part 1

A grenade discharger (Tekidan-tō/擲弾筒) is a unique light mortar used by the Japanese military. One grenade discharger is operated by a team of three, and a grenade discharger squad consists of three teams totaling nine members, along with a squad leader, making a total of 10 members. Each platoon is organized with one to two grenade discharger squads. The grenade discharger is an infantry's direct support weapon, alongside the light machine gun, so I've taken the time to collect replicas as I'm keen on reproducing them. Ideally, I'd like to acquire authentic ones someday, but for now, I'm sticking with…

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March 2nd, 2024