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

Detailing Techniques Recommended for Beginners.

In this article, I’d like to introduce some detail-up techniques for military gear that even beginners can try. While it may require a bit of sewing skill, you can easily make these using materials you have on hand, so give it a shot! Collar Cloth A “collar cloth” (Eri-fu/襟布) refers to the fabric sewn onto the collar of a military uniform to prevent it from getting dirty. It’s the same concept as the collar protectors found on modern Japanese student uniforms. Military uniforms cannot be frequently laundered, so the collar cloth is removable for washing purposes. It is part of…

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October 6th, 2024

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