Is this tunic even Japanese from WW2?

[Richard]

I acquired a lot of items among with was a tunic the seller told me was WW2 Japanese. I don't have much in it as the lot was purchased mainly for the other German items it had, so I won't be sad if this fizzles and turns out to be some type of post war item. Any help with ID would be greatly appreciated.

The tunic itself is in mint condition, the first thing that bothers me. It appears as if it could be pre 1945 construction but has no insignia other than some sown in characters in the inside of the jacket. The sleeves each have three snaps for something to be snapped on. There are no other tags other than in one pocket was a piece of paper on which was written "officer's name Kawa".

I don't collect Japanese and haven't been able to find any tunic in threads that looks similar to this one. I would be thankful for any help some more experienced collectors might be able to provide. Thanks in advance.
Richard V

[Richard]

More pics.

[Richard]

More

[Richard]

One more.

[zachb]

I'm inclined towards wartime officer uniform modified for civilian wear or veteran wear. The collar in particular looks to have been modified as well as the buttons.

[GHP]

His Name ...

The embroidered name
川井
Kawai

A family name meaning "River Well". Though, it is pronounced ka-wai. If you say "kawa-i" enough times, it morphs to ka-wai.

Not to be confused with kowai [scarey] or kawaii [cute]. (^_^)

--Guy

[Richard]

Thanks very much for the replies and information. So this may have been a military issue jacket at one time and then modified. Any idea what the odd 3 snaps at the opening of each sleeve would have been for?
Richard V

[J7W22007]

Hi Richard,

These were called 国民服 (Kokuminfuku) - People's Cloth or Civilian Uniform (Men' s)

Notice the uniform on right, it's the exact same example as yours! (Chest pockets and the buttons)

They were first past the regulation in 1940. Used all the way through the Pacific War.

During 1945 (Shouwa 20) new regulation passed that the use of military uniforms could be substitute by Kokuminfuku. In the Battle of Okinawa, some civilians, 防衛隊 (Boueitai) - Defence Team (similar to the WWII German Volkssturm or "People' s Army"), and even students were saw combat wearing Kokuminfuku.

Here is the Wiki site for reference, unfortunately Japanese only.
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%9B%...B0%91%E6%9C%8D

You have a very great example !

Thank you for posting.

Regards,
Taka

[hc8mm]

Thanks very much for the replies and information. So this may have been a military issue jacket at one time and then modified. Any idea what the odd 3 snaps at the opening of each sleeve would have been for?
Richard V

I think to attach a white liner so the inside edge does not get dirty. I have seen a few pictures with it on parade frock coats, not sure if this tunic would have it.

[Jareth]

great photos Taka!

[Richard]

Thanks so much for the help guys, especially Taka. This appears to be a very little worn garment and its nearly mint state even had me questioning how old it was.

I also received this hat and am wondering if it also belongs to this line of uniforms as it doesn't appear to be military? The color doesn't match the tunic as it is a more deeply green color. These didn't come together, so they were never a set but both these items have confused me. Again, much of that may be due to the fact I have absolutely zero knowledge of Japanese militaria.

Also, does anyone have any idea what a fair price for these items might be if I list them on the e-stand? Since I don't collect Japanese militaria, I'd like to have these go to someone who would really appreciate them. Thanks for all the help.
Richard V

[Richard]

More pics

[J7W22007]

Thanks so much for the help guys, especially Taka. This appears to be a very little worn garment and its nearly mint state even had me questioning how old it was.

I also received this hat and am wondering if it also belongs to this line of uniforms as it doesn't appear to be military? The color doesn't match the tunic as it is a more deeply green color. These didn't come together, so they were never a set but both these items have confused me. Again, much of that may be due to the fact I have absolutely zero knowledge of Japanese militaria.

Also, does anyone have any idea what a fair price for these items might be if I list them on the e-stand? Since I don't collect Japanese militaria, I'd like to have these go to someone who would really appreciate them. Thanks for all the help.
Richard V

You are welcome, Richard.

The cap is nice, for sure part of Kokuminfuku. I would say that the cap would be dated around early~mid war, by quality and the materials. No need to worry about the difference of color. They are absolutely fine.

Regards,
Taka

[Richard]

Thank you again Taka for your information. If I list these for $200 for the set on the e-stand, would that be asking too much or too little?
Richard V

[J7W22007]

Thank you again Taka for your information. If I list these for $200 for the set on the e-stand, would that be asking too much or too little?
Richard V

Hi Richard,

For $200, I think they are too much.

Can't say much about pricing range maybe $80~$100 for the set.

Here's one for reference but with patches: http://www.germanmilitaria.com/Japan...s/J007161.html

Hope it helps.

Best regards,
Taka