internal pockets with flaps. It also had a fold-down collar and reinforced elbows. Cheaper materials were used in fabrication with many variations in material and color. Both winter and summer weight variants were produced. Imperial Guard – Until 1939 the Cavalry of the Imperial Guard wore a French-style parade uniform consisting of a dark-blue tunic with red Brandenburg braiding, a red kepi and red breeches. The red kepi had a white plume with a red base. Off-duty members wore a dark blue tunic with 5 rows of black mohair froggings and dark blue breeches with a red stripe down each seam. Prior to the general adoption of khaki by the Japanese Army after the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–1905, an all-white linen uniform had been worn in hot weather. The Infantry of the Imperial Guard wore a dark blue uniform with white leggings for both parade and service wear until 1905. It was distinguished from that of the line infantry by a red band and piping on the peaked service-cap (instead of yellow). Following the adoption of a khaki service-dress the Guard Infantry wore this on all occasions. In the field the army's basic uniform was worn. It was worn with either a chrysanthemum or a star in a wreath. Accessories Senninbari were red-sash 1,000 stitch belts worn around the waist of uniforms. They were supposed to bring good luck, confer courage, and make the wearer immune to bullets. Hachimaki (鉢巻) is a stylized headband (bandana) in Japanese culture, usually made of red or white cloth, and worn as a symbol of perseverance or effort by the wearer. Shin guntō – The shin guntō (新軍刀?, "New Army Sword") was a weapon and badge of rank used by the Imperial Japanese Army between 1935 and 1945. See also Ranks of the Imperial Japanese Army References "Uniforms and Equipment of the Imperial Japanese Army in World War 2" by Mike Hewitt "Imperial Japanese Army and Navy Uniforms and Equipment" by Tadao Nakata and Thomas B. Nelson "Imperial Japanese Army and Navy Uniforms and Equipments" by Lionel Leventhal Limited "War Department Technical Manual-Enemy TM-E 30-480 Handbook On Japanese Military Forces, dated 15 September 1944" "Japanese Military Uniforms 1841–1929" by Ritta Nakanishi "Japanese Military Uniforms 1930–1945" by Ritta Nakanishi "The Japanese Army 1931–45" by Philip Jowett "The Russo-Japanese War 1904–05" by A Ivanov and P Jowett "JAN#1 Joint Army-Navy Publication: Uniforms and Insignia" External links