of the Imperial Guard, the cavalry were distinguished by red bands and piping on their service caps. Red trousers were also worn by army bands and by the Military Police (Kenpeitai). The dark blue uniform adopted under the 1886 Regulations was retained with only minor modifications until 1905. As such it was worn during the early months of the Russo-Japanese War. A khaki summer uniform had been introduced shortly before the outbreak of war and this became general issue for front line infantry during June–August 1904. Cavalry and artillery were subsequently issued with the new khaki uniform but some second line units continued to wear dark blue until the end of the War in September 1905. During the winter of 1904-05 the heavier blue uniforms were again worn but often under the loose fitting summer khaki drill for camouflage. The white canvas leggings continued to be worn without darkening, until after the war. Following the Russo-Japanese War the Japanese Army adopted khaki for all occasions – the first major army to discard colourful parade dress. Only the cavalry squadrons of the Imperial Guard and officers of all branches were authorized to retain their coloured uniforms for certain ceremonial and social occasions, until 1939. Khaki uniforms 1904 enlisted khaki uniform This was basically a khaki cotton version of the 1886 uniform with a shorter jacket. First appearing as a fatigue dress in 1900, it was being issued as a hot-weather uniform in 1904 as there was an order to dye their white uniforms khaki. The practical advantages of khaki drill over dark blue became obvious in the opening stages of the Russo-Japanese War and it became general issue for troops on active service as stocks became available. In 1906 a khaki serge cold-weather uniform and greatcoat had also been adopted. Meiji 38 (1906) The Meiji 38 was introduced in 1906 as the first fully Khaki uniform for the army. This uniform looks very similar to the future Type 45 uniform however, the Meiji 38’s sleeve was cut with a true cuff while the 45 had a false cuff. In addition, the Meiji 38 was produced with Meiji 19 style buttons while the Type 45 would be produced with a newer type of brass button. The home service uniform was still produced in a blue color. 1911 (45 Shiki-Gun-i) The 1911 or Type 45 uniform replaced the Meiji 38 uniform as a