Videos tagged with Imperial Japanese Army

This video focuses on the Arisaka Type 99 rifle, a bolt-action firearm used by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. The description details its development, stemming from the need for a new rifle cartridge to replace the Type 38's 6.5×50mm round, aligning with the superior 7.7mm cartridge of the Type 92 heavy machine gun. The Type 99 was based on the Type 38 but chambered in 7.7mm and was produced across nine arsenals, including locations in Japan, Manchukuo, and Korea.

The Arisaka Type 2 TERA was a specialized takedown rifle developed for Imperial Japanese paratroopers in WWII, addressing the issue of standard rifles being too long for airborne deployment. This rare variant of the Type 99 features a unique wedge-lock mechanism for quick separation and reassembly, along with distinctive AA sights. Testing shows it performs comparably to standard Type 99s, though its palm safety can be cumbersome.

The Japanese Type 96 150mm Howitzer, adopted in 1936, was a significant artillery piece based on French Schneider designs. It featured a rotating interrupted thread breech and could elevate up to 70 degrees, functioning as a large mortar. Despite limitations like wooden wheels hindering high-speed towing, it proved more tactically useful than 105mm guns for the Imperial Japanese Army, notably used for harassment fire on Guadalcanal.

The Japanese Type 92 105mm Field Gun, nicknamed 'Pistol Pete,' was a WWII artillery piece based on a French Schneider design. Adopted in 1932 and produced by Osaka Arsenal, only about 200 were made. It was used for harassment fire on Guadalcanal from Mt. Austen onto Henderson Field. The gun featured a rotating interrupted thread breech and semi-fixed ammunition for variable velocity and high-angle fire, though early models had structural weaknesses in their trails.

This video showcases a rare Japanese Baby Nambu pistol, specifically a presentation model gifted by Emperor Hirohito. It details the pistol's historical context, including its limited production of approximately 10,000 units and issuance to Japanese officers. The presentation includes a close-up of the Kanji inscription and a demonstration of the original holster, cleaning rod, spare magazine, and period-correct ammunition.

The Type 94 37mm antitank gun, a rare find in the US, was a key Japanese weapon in the Pacific theater. Developed in 1934, it served as an infantry support gun capable of firing AP and HE rounds. Despite being outclassed in Europe, it could penetrate M3 Stuart light tanks. Its design allowed for disassembly and portability, crucial for jungle warfare.

This video delves into the critical events of the Guadalcanal campaign, specifically the Red Beach landing on August 7th, 1942. It details the United States' first major offensive in World War II following a series of early defeats. The description highlights the strategic importance of securing the Japanese-constructed airstrip to protect Allied shipping routes. It also discusses the intelligence miscalculation regarding Japanese forces and the subsequent supply challenges faced by the Marines after a naval defeat. The video is presented by Forgotten Weapons and promotes their various platforms and merchandise.

The Type 95 Shin Gunto was a mass-produced NCO sword for the Imperial Japanese Army, adopted in 1935. It mimicked traditional katana styles but used machine-made components like cast aluminum handles and steel blades without a hamon. Variations exist in arsenal markings (Tokyo, Nagoya, Kokura) and construction details, with late-war examples simplifying materials due to resource shortages.

This video announces the release of 'Swords of the Emperor: A Guide to the Identification of Imperial Japanese Swords, 1873–1945,' a new book by Headstamp Publishing. The book details the evolution of Japanese military, police, diplomatic, and court swords during a significant modernization period. It features over 600 pages with more than 2,000 original photographs and archival material, covering over 220 swords, including both traditional and machine-made examples. Written by prominent Japanese sword collector John E. Plimpton, the guide is intended for collectors, curators, and researchers, as well as enthusiasts interested in this under-studied area of Japanese swordmaking history.

The Arisaka Type 99 was tested for practical accuracy out to 500 yards, revealing its unique sight system's challenges and combat-oriented design. Despite a learning curve with the barley-corn post and aperture, the rifle proved capable of hitting targets at extended ranges. Its smooth, fast bolt action and combat accuracy philosophy made it well-suited for the Imperial Japanese Army's doctrine.

This video tests the durability of a World War II Japanese Type 90 helmet against modern firearms. A .22 LR Glock 44, a 9mm Smith & Wesson EZ, and an 8mm Mauser Kar98k are used. The helmet is penetrated by all calibers, with the 8mm Mauser round completely destroying a concrete block behind it, highlighting the limited protection of vintage steel helmets against modern ammunition.

This "From the Vault" video features Brownells GunTech Keith Ford providing an overview of the collectible Type 99 Japanese Arisaka rifle. Ford discusses its design by Colonel Arisaka Nariakira, its use by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II, and its key features like the wire monopod and anti-aircraft sight. The description also mentions the rifle was chambered in 7.7x58mm and produced in four variants: Short, Long, Paratroop, and Sniper, noting that late-war "last ditch" models are characterized by crude manufacturing and poor finishes. The video invites viewer suggestions for future "From the Vault" features.