Hokuchin Museum (Imperial Japanese Army Arms & Uniforms)

[Sakuragi Miniatures]

The best museum for arms and uniforms of the Imperial Japanese Army isn?t in Tokyo, but in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. This is the Hokuchin Museum, which commemorates the history of the 7th Division. This division was built off the pre-existing tondenhei farmer-soldiers and was stood up in 1896 to defend the north from invasion. It would go on to fight in the Russo-Japanese War, Second Sino-Japanese War and the Pacific War. Notably, elements of the division were sent to fight on Guadalcanal and the Aleutians, they were killed to a man in a last ditch banzai charge in the latter theater.

To say visiting here gave me a childish level of excitement is an understatement. Though they don't have everything, the museum has a lot of what Japanese soldiers carried or used. Since it?s run by the Ground Self-Defense Force, it?s also free!

I wrote more about it here: https://www.wayfarerdaves.com/3562/

[Basementboy]

This looks fantastic! Had never heard of this museum before, thanks for bringing to my attention. If I'm ever in Japan I'll be sure to check the place out.

[fred]

A great blog post - thanks for sharing!