This release sees the introduction of a range of new and replacement units for the Japanese in what is one of our biggest releases yet!
First up are the additions to the HQ units – models to represent a Senior officer or a Kempei, both along with a second to act as an aide. There is also a more combat orientated officer team termed the “Banzai officer” for those who want their commanders to look a little more pro-active!
Next, the SNLF make an appearance with both an SMG squad and a rifle squad (with LMG) bulking out the infantry selections for the Japanese.
Finally, support arrives in the form of some Big Guns! Single and twin mounted light AA options, a light AT gun and a pair of howitzers (light and heavy) round out the available options.
As for replacements, the standard rifle squad, officer, light mortar and MMG teams all get new models, designed as the rest of range are by the talented designers of Studio Grozny.
As always, here’s a little background on the various new units…..
Kempeitai team
The Kempeitai were the Japanese military police from 1881-1945. However, due to their additional roles covering counter-intelligence, espionage and secret police activities, the Kempeitai were more akin to the NKVD or Gestapo than the Feldgendarmerie or Royal Military Police.
Charged with the organisation and running of the Japanese internment and POW camps, the Kempeitai’s reputation in WWII was one of cruelty and brutality as they enforced strict rules with summary executions and massacres against both their charges and civilians. They were also responsible for the procurement of human subjects for Unit 731 and the “comfort women”.
SNLF SMG squad
The Special Naval Landing Forces (SNLF) were Japanese naval infantry units during WWII. They were not dedicated marines, but were instead formed of members of a ship’s crew who had infantry training in addition to their naval basic training. As with regular IJA soldiers they were trained in the use of infantry tactics, rifles, SMGs, mortars, machine guns and various other small arms and heavy weapons.
Type 96 25mm AA gun (twin mount)
The Type 96 25mm AA gun was a Japanese variant of the Hotchkiss 25mm and was used during WWII. A dual purpose weapon, designed for AA duty and as a light anti-vehicle weapon, it was most frequently deployed for AA cover in a single, dual or triple mount. It was the standard medium AA weapon used by the Japanese navy, though was vastly inferior to similar weapons in use by the navies of other nations due to its slow reload (manually changing a 15 round magazine), elevation and traverse.
Type 1 37mm AT gun
The Type 1 37mm was a light anti-tank gun used by the Japanese during WWII. Essentially a modified Type 94 37mm AT gun, it suffered many of the drawbacks of its predecessor, most notably a lack of penetration against heavier US tanks such as the M4 Sherman. However, it had a low profile and was effective as an ambush weapon. It was also used as the main armament in light tanks such as the Type 2 Ke-To and Ka-Mi.
Type 98 20mm AA gun (single)
The Type 98 20mm AA “machine cannon” was a light AA weapon used by the Japanese during WWII. Introduced in 1938, it was the most common light AA gun in service with the Japanese Army. It was an effective weapon and generally considered to be well made and maneuverable. It could be deployed in around 3 minutes, but was also usable (inaccurately) from the carriage. The high rate of fire combined with an AP round also saw it used as an emergency anti-tank weapon at times.
Type 41 75mm howitzer
The Type 41 75mm light howitzer was a Japanese artillery piece of the early-mid 20th century. Built as a licensed copy of the Krupp M1908, it saw service from 1908 to 1945. Due to how it was fielded, the crew could number as high as thirteen with the majority being gunners and ammunition carriers. It was also designed to break down into manageable components that could be carried by packhorse.
Type 4 150mm howitzer
The Type 4 150mm howitzer was a howitzer of WWI vintage used by the Japanese throughout WWII. Despite being outdated by the late 1930s, lack of a suitable replacement in sufficient numbers meant it continued in frontline service until 1945. While it had some good points – it was relatively light for its size which made transportation over rough ground easier, and it had excellent elevation; it was also considerably underpowered compared to contemporary howitzers and its crew were out ranged and out gunned when facing Allied artillery.
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Hopefully you found this bit of background history interesting and our models will be reinforcing your Japanese armies.
