Japanese in M1930 Uniforms, Final Sculpts (Warning, Picture Heavy!)

[Doc Twilight]

Here are the final versions of Leandro's work on the Japanese in Cherry Blossom helmets. It goes without saying that I am extremely pleased with these. All details of the uniforms and equipment are accurate, with the exception of Colonel Toro's facemask, which is at least feasible historically. (But he's definitely intended for pulp play, so I won't be offended if you choose not to use him for strictly historical work.)

A few bits of trivia for those interested.

The Cherry Blossom helmet was Japan's copy of the Adrian. It was used throughout late twenties through the early second world war, and Allied troops occasionally encountered these through 1945. Based upon pictoral evidence, a large number were employed during the undeclared Soviet-Japanese War of 1938-1939. They have been found as far north as the Aleutians and as far south as New Guinea.
The helmet was light and comfortable, but it was made of inferior steel, and had a tendency to crack like an eggshell when hit with direct shots. The star in the center was the Imperial Army insignia at the time; Naval insignia was a stylized Anchor and Chrysanthemum. Plain examples were also made, so it wouldn't be hard to file these off if you have different plans for them (SNLF, for example). I collect helmets, and needless to say, the Cherry Blossom ain't cheap.

Another key difference was that the uniform trousers were full length, worn with leg wraps or long boots, as opposed to Japanese trousers issued in 1935, which were short cut breeches.

There are also some tailoring differences in the tunic, if you look closely enough at examples.

From the left: Colonel Washiji Toro of Special Unit 66, Kawashima Yoshiko, NCO with Nambu, 3 Infantrymen with Arisakas


A view of the infantrymen and Colonel Toro compared to other miniatures for size.


The three soldiers and the NCO will all come with alternate heads. The gasmasks are intended to depict soldiers of Special Unit 66, but
could easily be used for historical purposes as well, since the Japanese had a tendency to wear them on special operations in China. Leandro has done two types of gasmask, one with a hose and respirator (as seen on the NCO), the other with a directly attached respirator box. Both were in use with Japanese forces at the time.



Finally, a close up shot of the NCO and Kawashima Yoshiko. Note that the NCO sculpt has since had a helmet added, but Leandro didn't have the fig to take a photo of close up, as he's already shipped them to me;)



The plan is to sell the three infantrymen as a set, whilst the NCO, Toro, and Kawashima will be sold as individual figures. Don't have a precise release date yet, but crossing fingers for February.

Hope you enjoy:)

Update: Unfortunately, these pics are too large to post as attachments. I'll try to find a solution.

-Doc

[Prof.Witchheimer]

Update: Unfortunately, these pics are too large to post as attachments. I'll try to find a solution.

You could post them to Forum Gallery and link them from there.

[Doc Twilight]

Thanks for the tip:)

Will see what I can do.

-Doc

[commissarmoody]

I completly missed these guys, they look great!

[Doc Twilight]

Thanks:)

They're at the caster, and have been for a while. There were some issues organizing the molds. But I should have them available for sale very soon. I'm excited about these - I suspect they'll do well.

-Doc

[former user]

are the alternative heads separate?

[Doomhippie]

Certainly interesting looking miniatures. Very well done.

[Doc Twilight]

Thanks, DH:)

Yes, former user, the alternate heads are separate. They will be provided, along with rebreather canisters, in each pack. The three infantrymen will be sold as one pack, and the NCO as a pack by himself, along with his optional head. Toro and Eastern Jewel will also be sold as individuals.

-Doc

[rob_alderman]

Interesting...

The heads may be useful for other things too...

[Christian]

I want these!!!!

[Steve F]

Kawashima Yoshiko makes me think of a Japanese Tintin.  Is he a real person, an already established fictional character, or just a name for this mini?

[Aaron]

She was real according to Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshiko_Kawashima 

[Steve F]

She ...

Oh!  Fascinating life story, that.  Thanks.

[Doc Twilight]

Sorry I didn't get the chance to answer but yes, that is correct, she is definitely a real dame, Steve. And quite a controversial one at that. Even today, most of the Chinese -hate- her, whilst the Japanese adore her.

She fits in quite well with the Shanghai milieu.

-Doc

[carlos marighela]

Just a word of caution..... You might want to  think twice about marketing 1930s era Japanese in gasmasks as being part of a 'Special Unit'. Whilst it's doubtless not your intent, it does rather recall the infamous 'special' units responsible for experimenting with gas and bilogical warfare on the Chinese civilian population. I doubt that your tarket market is mainland China but it's still a sensitive topic there and Chinese cyber hackers have a very long reach. Just a thought.