The Japanese Army of WWII was very much a mystery to the American and Allied military during the Pacific War. Their equipment always seemed to be somehow sub-standard when compared to equivalents in the US and British Armies. They were also supposed to be excellent jungle fighters and able to live off the land without any real hardships.

Well, perhaps. The truth is that the Japanese soldier did what he could with what he had. The actual training and development of the Japanese Army soldier was quite different from those of Western armies. Their training was much more physical and there was a definite hierarchy amongst soldiers that one just didn't see elsewhere.

There was a lot more physical abuse from senior to junior members. Not only was it tolerated, it was encouraged by senior personnel and accepted by those in receipt. The result was a soldier that would always obey the orders of those above them, even to their detriment at times. The thought was that despite the somewhat lower quality of most gear and weapons, that the spiritual will of the individual soldier and his willingness to give all for his Emperor and country would overcome any odds.

It turned out somewhat differently.

In this book, the author goes through the complete cycle of training of a fictitious soldier. This includes how he was selected for service, initial military training and all the equipment he would have received. There are sections on rank, military weapons and standard items of kit for each of the various theaters of combat.  There are sections on pay, awards and basic battle tactics.

Throughout the book is superbly illustrated with detailed drawings of the various items described. There are also small vignettes that show a variety of operational situations and the materials used during those situations.

A fascinating look into an area that few Western military enthusiasts truly consider when discussing the war against Japan.

November 2005

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