Authentic - Soshu Workshop

Hinomaru Ring and Sword Hanger Belt

This time, I’d like to introduce the Hinomaru Ring and Sword Hanger Belt used by soldiers authorized to carry swords, specifically those who were classified as sword-bearing enlisted personnel. Among non-commissioned officers and enlisted men, the following types were typically permitted to carry swords: Cavalry NCOs and enlisted men (from Private Second Class upward) Transport Troops NCOs and enlisted men (from Private Second Class upward) Military Police NCOs and enlisted men (from Private First Class upward) Infantry NCOs assigned to regimental or battalion headquarters Senior NCOs at the rank of Sergeant Major (Sōchō) However, there are numerous examples of NCOs…

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June 18th, 2025

Clothing / Field Gears

LMG Cleaning Kit Pouch

In this post, I’d like to introduce the cleaning kit pouch (teiregu-nō / 手入具嚢) carried by the No.1 gunner—the shooter responsible for the light machine gun—in a light machine gun team equipped with either the Type 96 or Type 99 Light Machine Gun. We’ll take a look at an authentic example of the pouch, a reproduction made by Nakata Shōten, and finally, the process of crafting my own replica based on an original. If you're interested in Japanese WWII gear or looking to improve your reproduction accuracy, I hope you'll find this useful. The gunner operating the Type 96 or…

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May 24th, 2025

Clothing / Field Gears

Type 5 Canteen

The Type 5 Canteen was used by non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the Imperial Japanese Army. Contemporary primary sources refer to it as the "New Model Canteen." While the older tokkuri-shaped canteen had a capacity of 0.6 liters, the Type 5 Canteen was designed to hold 1 liter. It is said that variations in the stopper and strap cord were distinguished using terms such as Kō (甲), Otsu (乙), and Hei (丙), or alternatively, I-gō (伊号), Ro-gō (呂号), and Ha-gō (波号). However, I have not been able to locate any original historical sources that explicitly describe these classifications. The minor…

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February 5th, 2025

Clothing / Field Gears

Detailing of the Type 98 Sun Hat (Late Model)

I added authentic woven star insignia to both the authentic Type 98 sun hat and the HIKISHOP replica that I introduced in my recent article. While I was at it, I also made some detailing enhancements to the HIKISHOP replica Processing the Woven Star Insignia Here is the authentic woven star insignia that I used. In my case, I happened to find it listed with an incorrect title on Yahoo Auctions, allowing me to acquire it at a low price. If you try to buy it online, each star generally costs around 3,000 to 4,000 yen. I fold this star…

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November 19th, 2024

Clothing / Personal Belongings / Uniforms

Rank insignias and identification Insignias after the Type 98

This time, I would like to introduce the changes in rank insignias and identification Insignias worn on the Type 98 military uniform established in Showa 13. When aiming to accurately reproduce past military attire, the specific year and month is an important factor. It is crucial to understand when the new regulations were implemented if one is to wear military attire according to the revised standards; otherwise, it may result in a uniform that does not actually exist. However, in the case of wearing military attire based on older regulations, it is acceptable even if it is after the new…

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November 5th, 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