Japanese Army 1931-45 (Volume 1, 1931-42)

An excellent overview rich with many specific details on uniforms, insignias, and weapons of the IJA. Included are color illustrations of uniforms from each theater of Japanese operations including Burma, China, Malaya, the Philippines, and of course the Pacific Islands defense. Perfect for modelers, reenactors, and plain old WWII history nerds. Less than 50 pages total, has a table of contents and helpful index.

Provides operational background on pp. 3-4, chronology on pp. 5-12, a half page on Tarwawa (p. 18), organization on pp. 13-24, and uniforms, rank (including charts), and gear on pp. 24, 33-42, with bits about training ans selection scattered throughout. There are photos with explanatory text throughout the book, and the 8 plates (24 figures) and the accompanying text discuss uniforms, gear, and equipment, with occasional side notes on selection, training or organization. Bibliography on p. 42, Index on p. 48. Issues: Jowett claims that the average American in the Pacific campaign had 4 tons of equipment, but the average Japanese had 2 pounds. A loaded Nambu weighs more than 2 pounds. I'd love to see the footnote. James D Glick Fort Campbell Austin Peay Clarksville, TN

Nice compilation of Japanese army uniforms of the early and bulk of World War II years. Comes with good pictures and an English text which is easy to read. This book traces the early years of the 1930's into the 40's when Japan became an aggressive juggernaut in the Far East..

Great book

Awesome series

The Japanese Army 1931-1945 (1-1931-1942) Osprey Man at Arms series has done it once again with this compact booklet by Philip Jowett and illustrated by Stephen Andrew. Jowett has authored other Osprey books. He gives us a solid 20 pages of text on the organization of the Imperial Army in the years up to 1942 with each division located at particular times, weapons descriptions and so on but he also gives us some understanding of the odd political situation in Japan at the time where the armed forces often acted as a government unto themselves. The rest of the book us take up with the 24 color drawings by the talented Mr. Andrew, who by the way has illustrated several other Osprey books, including another co-project with Mr. Jowett. Very detailed text describes the uniforms and equipage of the soldiers and officers. The special uniform items issued to the troops stationed in frigid Manchuria are not neglected nor are the pith helmets of the men in tropical climes. In common with all of the Osprey offerings that I have examined, the quality of the text and photos are high. Jowett manages to give a great deal of factual information in a few pages. I now have enough information to know some of what I don't know. I can delve further in the Imperial Army with a good deal more confidence having been exposed to this small but important book.

I was highly facinated with Letters from Iwo Jima so I got this little book and its companion in order to understand what I was seeing in the film. Unlike the German army there really isn't that much information available on the Japanese forces of WWII. I suppose Germans make better villeins where as the Japanese have always been copiers throughout the twentieth century though their attrocities in the field were among some of the most savage of the war. This book and its companion are highly informative in regards to uniforms, equipment and organization. As such I would say it is a must for those interested in the subject. However I wish they had put more out on the Gunzoku auxilieries other than what they had on Korean prison guards since both Army and Navy had them as civillian Labor troops and other auxiliaries. (Perhaps another book on this subject might be produced). Overall I would say these two are good books to have.

My book came Damaged the spin was messed up, the cover has a large fold crease!

Just as described. Typical osprey book, received on time in good order.

Sehr interessant

Dieser Band, wie fast alle anderen meiner mittlerweile über 200 Osprey-Bände ist sehr informativ, mit guter bis sehr guter Bildauswahl sowie tollen Farbdarstellungen. Ein weiterer toller Osprey-Band eben.

Useful, dispatched quickly, no complaints.

Excellent book & fast delivery thanks