Japan - Revision history

Admin1: /* Japanese Camouflage Patterns */

2025-08-25T00:26:56Z

Japanese Camouflage Patterns

Admin1 at 14:57, 23 June 2024

2024-06-23T14:57:29Z

Admin1: /* Japanese Camouflage Patterns */

2024-06-23T14:52:54Z

Japanese Camouflage Patterns

Admin1: /* Experimental and Unofficial Camouflage Patterns */

2024-05-19T20:05:45Z

Experimental and Unofficial Camouflage Patterns

Admin1: /* Experimental and Unofficial Camouflage Patterns */

2024-05-19T20:05:08Z

Experimental and Unofficial Camouflage Patterns

Admin1: /* Experimental and Unofficial Camouflage Patterns */

2024-05-19T20:04:48Z

Experimental and Unofficial Camouflage Patterns

Admin1: /* Experimental and Unofficial Camouflage Patterns */

2024-05-19T20:03:38Z

Experimental and Unofficial Camouflage Patterns

Admin1: /* Experimental and Unofficial Camouflage Patterns */

2024-05-19T20:00:34Z

Experimental and Unofficial Camouflage Patterns

Admin1: /* Experimental and Unofficial Camouflage Patterns */

2024-05-19T19:51:56Z

Experimental and Unofficial Camouflage Patterns

Admin1: /* Experimental and Unofficial Camouflage Patterns */

2024-05-19T19:49:53Z

Experimental and Unofficial Camouflage Patterns

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 [[File:Japan9.jpg|200px]]
-* The first contemporary camouflage pattern of Japanese design was introduced circa 1965 on the "Type 1 Camouflage Uniform." The design, having black, reddish-brown, and medium green woodland shapes on a pale green background, was initially issued to members of the 1st Airborne Brigade and is often associated with that unit. Some Japanese sources have referred to the design colloquially as "Hokkaido," "Northern," and "Kunai" camouflage, the latter of which may refer to a medieval trowel or hand-tool with a spike on one end. By 1980, a second version of the camouflage pattern had been printed. The early version of this camouflage design has earned the nickname "gapped" due to the appearance of gaps between some of the shapes in the design not present in the later version; however, close examination reveals that, in fact, there are distintive differences in the shapes found within the early (1st) and later (2nd) versions. By the early 1980s, the pattern would see use by conventional Japanese ground units. Within Western collecting circles, the pattern is sometimes referred to as "Fang" pattern. This design became outdated in 1992 with the introduction of the "dots" design.
+* The first contemporary camouflage pattern of Japanese design was introduced in 1968 on the "Type 1 Camouflage Uniform." The design, having black, reddish-brown, and medium green woodland shapes on a pale green background, was initially issued to members of the 1st Airborne Brigade and is often associated with that unit. Some Japanese sources have referred to the design colloquially as "Hokkaido," "Northern," and "Kunai" camouflage, the latter of which may refer to a medieval trowel or hand-tool with a spike on one end. By 1980, a second version of the camouflage pattern had been printed. The early version of this camouflage design has earned the nickname "gapped" due to the appearance of gaps between some of the shapes in the design not present in the later version; however, close examination reveals that, in fact, there are distintive differences in the shapes found within the early (1st) and later (2nd) versions. By the early 1980s, the pattern would see use by conventional Japanese ground units. Within Western collecting circles, the pattern is sometimes referred to as "Fang" pattern. This design became outdated in 1992 with the introduction of the "dots" design.
 [[File:Japan11.jpg|200px]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:57, 23 June 2024
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	[[File:japan-opfor.jpg\|200px]]		[[File:japan-opfor.jpg\|200px]]
		+	[[File:japan-opfor2.jpg\|200px]]

	* Ground Defense and Airbase Security Personnel of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force were the first Japanese military personnel to be issued a [[digital patterns\|pixelated]] camouflage design, as seen here. This pattern was originally introduced in 2009. It is interesting to note that the colors chosen are actually quite similar to the original JSDF pattern introduced in the 1980s.		* Ground Defense and Airbase Security Personnel of the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force were the first Japanese military personnel to be issued a [[digital patterns\|pixelated]] camouflage design, as seen here. This pattern was originally introduced in 2009. It is interesting to note that the colors chosen are actually quite similar to the original JSDF pattern introduced in the 1980s.

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 [[File:japantricolor.jpg|200px]]
-* Located at Camp Takigahara ((滝ヶ原駐屯地) in Shizuoka Prefecture, the Fuji Training School is a primary training facility for units of the JGSDF and home to the Training Evaluation Unit, whose duties include acting as Aggressor Force (OPFOR) during training exercises. A re-coloration of the original Type 1 Camouflage Uniform "Fang" pattern with a strong yellow tint is often worn by the TEU when operating in the Aggressor role. Use of this pattern can be traced back to 2009.
+* Located at Camp Takigahara ((滝ヶ原駐屯地) in Shizuoka Prefecture, the Fuji Training School is a primary training facility for units of the JGSDF and home to the Training Evaluation Unit (部隊訓練評価隊), whose duties include serving as Aggressor Force (OPFOR) during training exercises. A re-coloration of the original Type 1 Camouflage Uniform "Fang" pattern with a strong yellow tint is often worn by the TEU when operating in the Aggressor role. Use of this pattern can be traced back to 2009.
 [[File:japan-opfor.jpg|200px]]

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 == Experimental and Unofficial Camouflage Patterns ==
-* Historians of [[Tiger stripe|Tiger Stripe]] pattern camouflage know that the vast majority of designs worn by personnel during the Vietnam War were fabricated outside the [[Republic of Vietnam]], even though they were being produced for Vietnamese (and allied) soldiers. Manufacturers in Japan (and Okinawa) certainly produced some of these wartime patterns, although thorough documentation still eludes the collecting community as to precisely which designs made their way to Southeast Asia. A piece of tiger stripe history that is seldom mentioned, however, is that the Japanese Ministry of Defence also considered adopting tiger pattern camouflage for its personnel, as early as 1961 or 1962. Although extant samples are incredibly uncommon, they are known to exist, as do (reputedly) photographs of JSDF personnel wearing what were presumably only test or trial uniforms. Several Japanese trial tiger patterns are referred to in a number of Japanese collector forums, and have been given various names based on the manufacturing companies, such as "Kitadokoro Tiger" (made by Kitadokoro Coporation), "Matsudo Tiger" (produced by Matsudo Supply Center), and apparently another design made by Northern Supply Shop. It is unknown precisely when these shops were producing tiger stripe camouflage for testing by the JSDF, but it would be logical to conclude they may all have had some connection to the Vietnam War era tiger stripe production uniforms that were supplied to South Vietnam and American forces. The example seen here is very closely related to the Vietnamese Marine Corps design and Japanese researchers seem to refer to it as the "Northern Army Tiger" (aka "Hokkaido Tiger"), possibly tested by the 32nd Regiment. It seems likely this actually pre-dates the adoption of the VNMC pattern, as it seems to lack a specific "hook" feature found in the Vietnamese design. Sadly, the manufacturer and date are as yet undocumented.
+* Historians of [[Tiger stripe|Tiger Stripe]] pattern camouflage know that the vast majority of designs worn by personnel during the Vietnam War were fabricated outside the [[Republic of Vietnam]], even though they were being produced for Vietnamese (and allied) soldiers. Manufacturers in Japan (and Okinawa) certainly produced some of these wartime patterns, although thorough documentation still eludes the collecting community as to precisely which of the Japanese designs made their way to Southeast Asia. A piece of tiger stripe history that is seldom mentioned, however, is that the Japanese Ministry of Defence also considered adopting tiger pattern camouflage for its personnel, as early as 1961 or 1962. Although extant samples are incredibly uncommon, they are known to exist, as do (reputedly) photographs of JSDF personnel wearing what were presumably only test or trial uniforms. Several Japanese trial tiger patterns are referred to in a number of Japanese collector forums, and have been given various names based on the manufacturing companies, such as "Kitadokoro Tiger" (made by Kitadokoro Coporation), "Matsudo Tiger" (produced by Matsudo Supply Center), and apparently another design made by Northern Supply Shop. It is unknown precisely when these shops were producing tiger stripe camouflage for testing by the JSDF, but it would be logical to conclude they may all have had some connection to the Vietnam War era tiger stripe production uniforms that were supplied to South Vietnam and American forces. The example seen here is very closely related to the Vietnamese Marine Corps design and Japanese researchers seem to refer to it as the "Northern Army Tiger" (aka "Hokkaido Tiger"), possibly tested by the 32nd Regiment. It seems likely this actually pre-dates the adoption of the VNMC pattern, as it seems to lack a specific "hook" feature found in the Vietnamese design. Sadly, the manufacturer and date are as yet undocumented.
 [[File:Japan-johnwayne.jpg|200px]]

@@ Line 81: / Line 81: @@
 == Experimental and Unofficial Camouflage Patterns ==
-* Historians of [[Tiger Stripe]] pattern camouflage know that the vast majority of designs worn by personnel during the Vietnam War were fabricated outside the [[Republic of Vietnam]], even though they were being produced for Vietnamese (and allied) soldiers. Manufacturers in Japan (and Okinawa) certainly produced some of these wartime patterns, although thorough documentation still eludes the collecting community as to precisely which designs made their way to Southeast Asia. A piece of tiger stripe history that is seldom mentioned, however, is that the Japanese Ministry of Defence also considered adopting tiger pattern camouflage for its personnel, as early as 1961 or 1962. Although extant samples are incredibly uncommon, they are known to exist, as do (reputedly) photographs of JSDF personnel wearing what were presumably only test or trial uniforms. Several Japanese trial tiger patterns are referred to in a number of Japanese collector forums, and have been given various names based on the manufacturing companies, such as "Kitadokoro Tiger" (made by Kitadokoro Coporation), "Matsudo Tiger" (produced by Matsudo Supply Center), and apparently another design made by Northern Supply Shop. It is unknown precisely when these shops were producing tiger stripe camouflage for testing by the JSDF, but it would be logical to conclude they may all have had some connection to the Vietnam War era tiger stripe production uniforms that were supplied to South Vietnam and American forces. The example seen here is very closely related to the Vietnamese Marine Corps design and Japanese researchers seem to refer to it as the "Northern Army Tiger" (aka "Hokkaido Tiger"), possibly tested by the 32nd Regiment. It seems likely this actually pre-dates the adoption of the VNMC pattern, as it seems to lack a specific "hook" feature found in the Vietnamese design. Sadly, the manufacturer and date are as yet undocumented.
+* Historians of [[Tiger stripe|Tiger Stripe]] pattern camouflage know that the vast majority of designs worn by personnel during the Vietnam War were fabricated outside the [[Republic of Vietnam]], even though they were being produced for Vietnamese (and allied) soldiers. Manufacturers in Japan (and Okinawa) certainly produced some of these wartime patterns, although thorough documentation still eludes the collecting community as to precisely which designs made their way to Southeast Asia. A piece of tiger stripe history that is seldom mentioned, however, is that the Japanese Ministry of Defence also considered adopting tiger pattern camouflage for its personnel, as early as 1961 or 1962. Although extant samples are incredibly uncommon, they are known to exist, as do (reputedly) photographs of JSDF personnel wearing what were presumably only test or trial uniforms. Several Japanese trial tiger patterns are referred to in a number of Japanese collector forums, and have been given various names based on the manufacturing companies, such as "Kitadokoro Tiger" (made by Kitadokoro Coporation), "Matsudo Tiger" (produced by Matsudo Supply Center), and apparently another design made by Northern Supply Shop. It is unknown precisely when these shops were producing tiger stripe camouflage for testing by the JSDF, but it would be logical to conclude they may all have had some connection to the Vietnam War era tiger stripe production uniforms that were supplied to South Vietnam and American forces. The example seen here is very closely related to the Vietnamese Marine Corps design and Japanese researchers seem to refer to it as the "Northern Army Tiger" (aka "Hokkaido Tiger"), possibly tested by the 32nd Regiment. It seems likely this actually pre-dates the adoption of the VNMC pattern, as it seems to lack a specific "hook" feature found in the Vietnamese design. Sadly, the manufacturer and date are as yet undocumented.
 [[File:Japan-johnwayne.jpg|200px]]

@@ Line 81: / Line 81: @@
 == Experimental and Unofficial Camouflage Patterns ==
-* Historians of [[Tiger stripe]] pattern camouflage know that the vast majority of designs worn by personnel during the Vietnam War were fabricated outside the [[Republic of Vietnam]], even though they were being produced for Vietnamese (and allied) soldiers. Manufacturers in Japan (and Okinawa) certainly produced some of these wartime patterns, although thorough documentation still eludes the collecting community as to precisely which designs made their way to Southeast Asia. A piece of tiger stripe history that is seldom mentioned, however, is that the Japanese Ministry of Defence also considered adopting tiger pattern camouflage for its personnel, as early as 1965. Although extant samples are incredibly uncommon, they are known to exist, as do supporting photographs of JSDF personnel wearing what were presumably only test or trial uniforms. This example is from a uniform produced by the Marubeni Corporation with a 1965 manufacturing date <ref>photograph borrowed with respect from https://twitter.com/yamasannsou</ref>, the same date of the earliest known examples of JSDF "Fang" camouflage uniforms.
+* Historians of [[Tiger stripe]] pattern camouflage know that the vast majority of designs worn by personnel during the Vietnam War were fabricated outside the [[Republic of Vietnam]], even though they were being produced for Vietnamese (and allied) soldiers. Manufacturers in Japan (and Okinawa) certainly produced some of these wartime patterns, although thorough documentation still eludes the collecting community as to precisely which designs made their way to Southeast Asia. A piece of tiger stripe history that is seldom mentioned, however, is that the Japanese Ministry of Defence also considered adopting tiger pattern camouflage for its personnel, as early as 1961 or 1962. Although extant samples are incredibly uncommon, they are known to exist, as do (reputedly) photographs of JSDF personnel wearing what were presumably only test or trial uniforms. Several Japanese trial tiger patterns are referred to in a number of Japanese collector forums, and have been given various names based on the manufacturing companies, such as "Kitadokoro Tiger" (made by Kitadokoro Coporation), "Matsudo Tiger" (produced by Matsudo Supply Center), and apparently another design made by Northern Supply Shop. It is unknown precisely when these shops were producing tiger stripe camouflage for testing by the JSDF, but it would be logical to conclude they may all have had some connection to the Vietnam War era tiger stripe production uniforms that were supplied to South Vietnam and American forces. The example seen here is very closely related to the Vietnamese Marine Corps design and Japanese researchers seem to refer to it as the "Northern Army Tiger" (aka "Hokkaido Tiger"), possibly tested by the 32nd Regiment. It seems likely this actually pre-dates the adoption of the VNMC pattern, as it seems to lack a specific "hook" feature found in the Vietnamese design. Sadly, the manufacturer and date are as yet undocumented.
-[[File:Japan-marubeni.jpg|200px]]
+[[File:Japan-johnwayne.jpg|200px]]
-* Additional Japanese trial tiger patterns are referred to in a number of Japanese collector forums, and have been given various names based on the manufacturing companies, such as "Kitadokoro Tiger" (made by Kitadokoro Coporation), "Matsudo Tiger" (produced by Matsudo Supply Center), and apparently another design made by Northern Supply Shop. It is unknown precisely when these shops were producing tiger stripe camouflage for testing by the JSDF, but it would be logical to conclude they may all have had some connection to the Vietnam War era tiger stripe production uniforms that were supplied to South Vietnam and American forces. The example seen here is very closely related to the Vietnamese Marine Corps design and Japanese researchers seem to refer to it as the "Northern Army Tiger" (aka "Hokkaido Tiger"), possibly tested by the 32nd Regiment. It seems likely this actually pre-dates the adoption of the VNMC pattern, as it seems to lack a specific "hook" feature found in the Vietnamese design. Sadly, the manufacturer and date are as yet undocumented.
+* This tiger stripe example is from a uniform produced by the Marubeni Corporation with a 1965 manufacturing date <ref>photograph borrowed with respect from https://twitter.com/yamasannsou</ref>, the same date of the earliest known examples of JSDF "Fang" camouflage uniforms. Unfortunately as yet the full print of the design has not been made clear, so we can only guess which ARVN tiger pattern it may be related to.
-[[File:Japan-johnwayne.jpg|200px]]
+[[File:Japan-marubeni.jpg|200px]]
 * Personnel of the 1st Airborne Brigade were the first Japanese troops to utilize sections of US "spot" pattern parachute fabric to create covers for their helmets in the 1970s, a practice which was later adopted by conventional JSDF troops as well.

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:49, 19 May 2024
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	[[File:Japan-marubeni.jpg\|200px]]		[[File:Japan-marubeni.jpg\|200px]]
		+
		+	* Additional Japanese trial tiger patterns are referred to in a number of Japanese collector forums, and have been given various names based on the manufacturing companies, such as "Kitadokoro Tiger" (made by Kitadokoro Coporation), "Matsudo Tiger" (produced by Matsudo Supply Center), and apparently another design made by Northern Supply Shop. It is unknown precisely when these shops were producing tiger stripe camouflage for testing by the JSDF, but it would be logical to conclude they may all have had some connection to the Vietnam War era tiger stripe production uniforms that were supplied to South Vietnam and American forces. The example seen here is very clearly based on what is generally referred to as the "John Wayne Dense" design, although there appear to be some differences in the specific details. Sadly, the manufacturer and date are as yet undocumented.
		+
		+	[[File:Japan-johnwayne.jpg\|200px]]

	* Personnel of the 1st Airborne Brigade were the first Japanese troops to utilize sections of US "spot" pattern parachute fabric to create covers for their helmets in the 1970s, a practice which was later adopted by conventional JSDF troops as well.		* Personnel of the 1st Airborne Brigade were the first Japanese troops to utilize sections of US "spot" pattern parachute fabric to create covers for their helmets in the 1970s, a practice which was later adopted by conventional JSDF troops as well.