"JAPAN"
The Steel Helmet.
This sailor has both a field cap (Rikusenbou) and Type 90 helmet on him, field cap is worn under the helmet here. The helmet cover is required but helmet net is optional. All Japanese infantry would carry helmets into battle. No matter how poorly equipped or backline the unit was.
Primary Weapon.
In a regular squad every man minus the machine gunner is armed with the Type 38 Arisaka. The Type 99 Arisaka is also usable however keep in mind that the navy did not begin to receive the Type 99 in any meaningful numbers for the entire duration of the war.
Showa 15 Summer Green Tunic.
The Summer Green Tunic is worn witha khaki undershirt. Sailors should have round ranks while the post 1942 regulation introduces the shield type rank.
Belt Kit.
Naval infantry were not expected to carry gear to sustain themselves for more than a few days in the field. Kit includes a Haversack worn on the left, Water Bottle on the right, Leather Belt and 2 front pouches, 1 rear pouch and a bayonet frog. Important items here for eating, hydration!
Showa 15 Summer Green Trousers.
The Summer Green Trousers are being worn here, these are the standard issue for the summer green uniform.
Footwear.
Beneath the Japanese Navy puttees you can see Imperial Japanese Navy Boots.
Rikusentai "Suiheichō"
Guadalcanal, 1942
Here is one of our community member's (Japanese reenactment association UK) Imperial Japanese Navy Landing, or Rikusentai forces, that would have been seen on the Solomon Islands. This kit based on the Showa 17 (1942) regulation and is from late 1942 to late 1945. As this was the universal kit for Rikusentai, it would have been seen wherever the navy had ground troops.
Here is a break down of the kit being worn;
Head;
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Type 90 Helmet
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Type 90 Helmet Cover
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Rikusenbou Field Cap
Torso;
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Showa 15 Summer Green Tunic
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Khaki Undershirt
Belt & Kit;
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Leather Belt
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2 Front Pouches
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1 Rear Pouch
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Water Bottle
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Bayonet frog
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Haversack
Weapon;
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S&T Type38 Arisaka
Legs;
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Showa 15 Summer Green Trousers
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Japanese Navy Puttees
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Japanese Navy Boots
What other weapons could I use?
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Type 38
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Type 38 Carbine
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Type 96 LMG
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Type 100 SMG
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MP18
What about a sidearm?
If you limit your rifles to under 370fps / 1.27j you wont need a side arm, and this will allow you to storm enemy positions up close an personal. A rubber bayonet is far more effective than your rifle at such close quarters.
Can I use Officer kit? ?
We would NOT recommend coming to an event as an Officer or NCO. These roles are reserved for crew and people in command appointments.