Japanese Military Uniforms 1841–1929

This volume in the Asia@War Series offers a fascinating look at the development of Japanese military uniforms during one of the most transformative periods in Japan’s history. Covering the years from the late Tokugawa era through to the early twentieth century, the book traces how Japan’s armed forces evolved visually and structurally as the country modernised and emerged as a major military power.

One of the most interesting sections focuses on the final decades of the Shogunate. Here the author explores the mix of traditional Japanese dress and early Western military influence that began appearing in the 1840s and 1850s. These uniforms reflect a military establishment in transition, experimenting with foreign styles while still rooted in older traditions.

The book then moves into the dramatic changes that followed the Meiji Restoration. During this period Japan rapidly restructured its military along European lines, and the uniforms documented here show clear influences from French and later German designs. Nakanishi does a good job highlighting how these imported styles were adapted to Japanese needs, producing distinctive uniforms that blended Western military fashion with local practicality.

Another key section covers the period around the Russo-Japanese War. By this point Japan had developed a professional modern army, and the uniforms illustrated in the book reflect a force that had come into its own. Field uniforms, parade dress, and specialist equipment are all examined, showing the increasing sophistication of the Japanese military establishment.

Visually, the book is one of the strongest entries in the series. The numerous and detailed colour illustrations provide clear views of different ranks, branches, and uniform variations. For readers interested in military history, wargaming, or historical modelling, these plates are particularly useful for understanding how uniforms changed over time.

Overall, this is a concise but informative study that successfully captures the evolution of Japanese military dress from the twilight of the samurai age to the modern army of the early twentieth century. Accessible and lavishly illustrated, it’s an enjoyable and useful reference for anyone interested in the military history of Japan. 

Of course, this volume will be invaluable for anyone motivated by my recent reviews of Sunstruck Giant, covering the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895 to dig deep into the uniforms of the Japanese armed forces. I include myself in that category......

ISBN: 978-1-804517-73-4                        88 Pages                          Paperback

Sino-Japanese War 1894–1895

 

John Dong’s hefty second volume of Sunstruck Giant, The Sino-Japanese War of 1894–1895 is a confident, clear-eyed continuation that picks up exactly where the first left off—immersing the reader in the closing stages of the First Sino-Japanese War with the same calm authority, sharp detail, and unshowy narrative control that made volume 1 such a pleasant surprise.

Where the first volume established the foundations such as structures, doctrines, and the contrasting cultures of two late-nineteenth-century militaries, the second moves decisively into the meat of the campaign. Dong analyses the war’s later operations with an admirable balance: he neither romanticises nor ridicules either side, and instead opts for a measured assessment grounded firmly in contemporary sources. It feels refreshingly even-handed.

The real strength of this volume is how Dong explains both success and failure without resorting to simple caricatures. Japanese efficiency is not portrayed as an inevitability, nor is Qing collapse treated as pre-ordained. Instead, Dong takes the reader through the unravelling of systems—logistics under strain, command structures buckling, political interference compounding battlefield weaknesses. His analysis of decision-making at the operational level is one of the book’s real highlights.

As in the first volume, the battles are described cleanly and without clutter. There is enough tactical detail to give the wargamer or military historian something to chew on, but never so much that the wider picture becomes obscured. The final chapters, dealing with the campaign’s aftermath and the broader consequences for East Asia, are particularly effective—crisp, confident, and never slipping into textbook detachment.

Production-wise, Helion continue to play to their strengths. The maps are clear, the colour plates are as one would expect, being vividly colourful and full of action. The black and white illustrations are numerous and well chosen, and the overall presentation supports rather than overwhelms the narrative.

In short, this volume is a worthy continuation of what the first started: a thoughtful, well-constructed, and highly readable account of a war that deserves far more attention than it has traditionally received. Dong closes out his study with assurance and insight, making this pair of volumes an easy recommendation for anyone interested in late-Qing military history, Meiji Japan, or the shifting balance of power that shaped modern East Asia.

ISBN:978-1-806721-53-5 430 Pages Paperback

An interesting find…….

These are 1939 Winter War Soviet infantry. They produce a good range of figures, equipment and vehicles.

It will not have gone unnoticed that I’ve gone over to the dark side and dipped my toe (or more like my whole leg!) into early WW2 gaming, in the shape of the 1939-1940 Winter War. In my search for suitable miniatures (and because I wanted to jazz up the many Strelets plastic  figures already in my collection. These detailed and quite dynamic figures are from a company I’d never come across before called 1/72 Scale Miniatures, webstore  Here. They appear to be British expats based in Spain and the turnaround of the mail order service is about 10 days or so (based on my limited experience) which is fine. 

The figures are either metal or resin of some sort, and whatever medium is used the detail is good. Overall I’d say for me they represent good value for money.

Second Sino-Japanese War Nationalist infantry.

More Nationalists - command and ‘big sword’ troops.

More Soviets with rifle grenades

The Chinese are part of an extensive range and will go nicely with the box of Caesar Miniatures plastic Chinese Infantry. If I can ever get my 3d printer set up I shall run off a load of AFVs and other vehicles for both the Chinese and Japanese.Why not?