HIKISHOP - Soshu Workshop

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 / For Beginners / Uniforms

How to Collect Imperial Japanese Army Infantry Equipment (Advanced)

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…

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December 23rd, 2023

Clothing / Field Gears / For Beginners / Uniforms

How to Collect Imperial Japanese Army Infantry Equipment (Intermediate)

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…

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November 30th, 2023

Clothing / Field Gears / For Beginners / Uniforms

How to Collect Imperial Japanese Army Infantry Equipment (Beginner)

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…

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October 21st, 2023

Clothing / Field Gears

Bandage Kit and Medical Kit

In the previous article, I introduced attire example of Imperial Japanese Army medic. Here, I would like to take a closer look at the Bandage Kit (Hōtai-nō/包帯嚢) and the Medical Kit (Iryō-nō/医療嚢) that were carried by Japanese Army medics, while referring to primary sources and more. Recipient of the Kit The brown leather bags used during the Greater East Asia War period, including the Bandage Kit and Medical Kit , were standardized in Meiji 40 (1907) after the Japanese-Russo War, and they are referred to as the Type 40 Bandage Kit (Yonju-nen-shiki Hōtai-nō/四十年式包帯嚢) and the Type 40 Medical Kit (Yonju-nen-shiki…

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September 29th, 2023