Nakata Shōten - Soshu Workshop

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

For Beginners / Weapons

How to Collect Imperial Japanese Army Infantry Equipment (Weapons)

As for the most fundamental military attire for Imperial Japanese Army soldiers, I have explained how to gather infantry equipment. This time, I'd like to provide an explanation about essential weapons indispensable for military attire. In contemporary Japan, it is legally prohibited for civilians, excluding Self-Defense Force personnel and police officers, to possess or carry firearms. However, if one applies and obtains permission from the police, it is possible to possess shotguns or rifles for the purpose of target shooting or hunting, provided it is within the approved scope of use. In Japan, it is impossible for civilians to possess…

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February 24th, 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

Example of Attire

Medic (Tropics 2/3 Sleeves Shirt)

Overview This is an example of the attire worn by Army medic wearing a Tropics 2/3 Sleeves Shirt (Bōsho-juban/防暑襦袢). Also, wearing the Type 98 Summer Trousers on the lower half. A medic in tTopics 2/3 Sleeves Shirt (front view)A medic in tTopics 2/3 Sleeves Shirt (rear view) Imperial Japanese Army's tropical clothing includes three types: Tropics Tunic (Bōsho-i/防暑衣) :It has a jacket-like shape that can be worn with an open collar, and it also has ventilation holes on the sides. Tropics Half Shirt (Bōsho-ryakui/防暑略衣) :It has a shape similar to a short-sleeved open-collar shirt. Tropics 2/3 Sleeves Shirt (Bōsho-juban/防暑襦袢) :It…

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September 24th, 2023