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Description
Imperial Japanese Army (IJA), Guadalcanal, 1943
World War II

This young private is taking part in the battle of Guadalcanal, which was the first major land offensive by Allied troops against Japan. Lasting from 7 August 1942 - 9 February 1943, it was a long and brutal campaign. U.S troops got their first real taste of jungle warfare and the Japanese saw what the Americans had in store for them in the years to come as they would begin to be pushed back further and further towards mainland Japan. Fighting was brutal and tropical diseases like malaria killed thousands on both sides. Starvation became widespread among the Japanese soldiers as the U.S Navy blocked supplies from coming in. Most soldiers had nothing to eat but rice.

While a victory for the Allies it of course came at a cost. Over 7,100 men were killed and almost 8,000 wounded, while for the Japanese the toll was much higher. Almost 20,000 soldiers died, but only 8,500 were killed in combat. The rest either died of disease or starved to death. Starvation would sadly become a common theme for Japan in WWII as it is estimated that over 1 million of the 1.7 million Japanese military deaths were caused by starvation or malnutrition.

Now let's talk about the uniform. It is extremely simple. He is wearing the standard issue army tunic and trousers with putties wrapping his lower legs and he has the distinct ‘tabi’ boots. Made as an alternative to traditional leather combat boots, they were suited for jungle combat, however their distinctive patterned sole made them easy to track. On his head he has the standard IJA helmet with the imperial star on the front, and he is wearing a cap with side covers underneath to protect against the sun and insects.

Description
Imperial Japanese Army (IJA), Guadalcanal, 1943
World War II

This young private is taking part in the battle of Guadalcanal, which was the first major land offensive by Allied troops against Japan. Lasting from 7 August 1942 - 9 February 1943, it was a long and brutal campaign. U.S troops got their first real taste of jungle warfare and the Japanese saw what the Americans had in store for them in the years to come as they would begin to be pushed back further and further towards mainland Japan. Fighting was brutal and tropical diseases like malaria killed thousands on both sides. Starvation became widespread among the Japanese soldiers as the U.S Navy blocked supplies from coming in. Most soldiers had nothing to eat but rice.

While a victory for the Allies it of course came at a cost. Over 7,100 men were killed and almost 8,000 wounded, while for the Japanese the toll was much higher. Almost 20,000 soldiers died, but only 8,500 were killed in combat. The rest either died of disease or starved to death. Starvation would sadly become a common theme for Japan in WWII as it is estimated that over 1 million of the 1.7 million Japanese military deaths were caused by starvation or malnutrition.

Now let's talk about the uniform. It is extremely simple. He is wearing the standard issue army tunic and trousers with putties wrapping his lower legs and he has the distinct ‘tabi’ boots. Made as an alternative to traditional leather combat boots, they were suited for jungle combat, however their distinctive patterned sole made them easy to track. On his head he has the standard IJA helmet with the imperial star on the front, and he is wearing a cap with side covers underneath to protect against the sun and insects.