S&Graf - Soshu Workshop

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

Example of Attire

Medic (Type 98 Summer Tunic / Post-Showa 18)

This is an example of the attire worn by Army Medical Department non-commissioned officers and soldiers using the Type 98 Summer Tunic. In this example, the rank is Sergeant, and the individual is wearing the Medical Department identification insignias established in Showa 18. A medic in Type 98 Summer Tunic (front view)A medic in Type 98 Summer Tunic (rear view) As explained in the article on medics wearing the Tropics 2/3 Sleeves Shirt, non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the Medical Department carried bags marked with the Red Cross. The medic's bag was called a Bandage Kit (Hōtai-nō/繃帯嚢), while the medical…

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November 21st, 2024

Clothing / Uniforms

S&Graf-manufactured Type 98 Summer Tunic Modification

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…

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January 4th, 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