Gents,

I have a Japanese tunic and I ask for opinions.

The tunic is well made and in excellent condition except for age, a bit of spotting, and one small hole. I believe it is the post 1942 style Army tunic?

It has the single belt support loop on the left side and ventilation flaps under each arm.

The collar has a central back seam and there is a central seam down the center of the back. As you can see, there is some typical white spotting on the left side of the back but nothing excessive. The tunic retains good color.

The insignia is the later style with a wool backing. I believe this is post 1943 insignia? This tunic insignia is for a Senior Private and it is all hand sewn onto the tunic as would be expected.

Interior view of the tunic construction.

View of the markings. I have been told that it is dated 1943 but I do not read Japanese. Any translation would be helpful.

Thanks for looking.

George

George, it's my opinion that the insignias were added post war to a mint, unissued/surplus tunic. I'm very skeptical when tunic has no hand written issued name to interior stamp. From my experience the Japanese were sticklers for putting owners names on most uniforms & issued equipment. These tunics are being offered daily from Japan & turn up on ebay frequently.

Hi Jareth,

While the insignias seem OK to me (PFC instead of Sr. Pvt.) and are properly sewn on, I don't disagree with your opinion at all. As long as the tunic is original I am satisfied with it as a type example.

Do you see any red flags otherwise?

George

George-
The stamps do read that the manufacture date is 1943. It is also a size "large." The third column is likely the manufacturer but the kanji there is above my ability to translate.
Bob

George, most obvious mistake being that they no longer used branch of(discontinued in 1941) service "M" insignia on a tunic dated 1943.The stitch technique is not the style I like to see. Of the few (yes enlisted mans are very rare)100% original enlisted tunics with period applied rank insignias the type of stitch encountered has been the "invisible stitch". The person who attached tabs used very small tack stitches that do not show from reverse of collar. This said it doesn't mean there weren't other ways stitches were applied. The most obvious, incorrect style being red thread with long loop stitches.

Jareth,

Thank you for your analysis. I noticed the branch insignia should probably not have been there too as it had been discontinued by 1943. Frankly, I felt the insignia had probably been added postwar. To the plus side, the thread used to sew them on is actually loosely twisted brown thead, so probably Japanese. And, the stitch does not show on the front of the insignia, only on the back of the collar. I can live with postwar application of the insignia for a type tunic.

Bob,

Thanks for translating the kanji for me. Beyond my abilities I am afraid.

All in all I think I am happy with it as long as the tunic and insignia are of the period. As Jareth says, untouched enlisted tunics are very rare to find today. And, I might add usually very worn and stinky.

George

George, last comment...I think tunic would be more authentic displayed with an open neck shirt underneath rather than the tie. Most enlisted men would be issued a short sleeve shirt as an under garment. I've only seen officers of the navy landing force wear ties with their tropical tunics.

Jareth,In your opinion did the "Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces"consider themselves a more "Elete"group,Than the regular Navy??Geoff.