Given the large amount of original equipment available for affordable prices on auction sites or from private sellers, we always recommend spending just a little bit more for those items. Of course, originals in large sizes can be difficult to come by, and certain items (like magazine pouches) have been driven up by the collector market, which is where quality reproductions fit in. Unfortunately, unlike most other major powers in the Second World War, Japanese reproduction equipment is no where near perfect, even from the best sellers. There will always be little details missed or items that can be improved with some DIY elbow grease.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but this is the approved list, and subject to change if a particular seller’s quality decreases/increases. Certain vendors also sell far more than what is listed here, such as Hikishop, Nakata Shoten, and S&Graf, please remember to cross-list against your event’s authenticity guidelines. Quality differs greatly from product to product, and not everything is evenly decent.
If it is not listed here, it is likely a sub-par item and we recommend you avoid those retailers. If you would like to submit a non-listed item for approval, please message us.
Alternative contact: Hasegawa Shoutai
Furuta offers the best cap reproduction on the market. He utilizes original manufacturing specifications as well as original material from new/old stock or damaged uniforms repurposed for equipment.
Hat sizing is in cm.
We recommend purchasing a Showa 14 regulation pattern as it is more versatile for the entirety of the Japanese Greater East Asia War. Other flexible options are the felt substitute model and the Showa 12. He also offers quality navy related caps and navy cap badges. Havelock made to original specification can also be purchased for additional cost.
Hikishop offers the best, readily available type 90 helmet on the market. The paint isn’t perfect, the liner isn’t perfect, the rivets are often cheap and break, sometimes the ties are too short, but almost all of this can be remedied with some DIY solutions. Hiki offers navy and army configurations. We recommend skipping the helmet cover and picking up a Sakurai one if possible.
Avoid the 3rd Pattern Sun Hat unless you intend to vismod to an earlier model.
Alternative contact: Hasegawa Shoutai
Furuta at one point offered a repro of the first pattern Type 98 Sun Hat. These are quite rare however and we have not been able to convince him to do another run. If you’re lucky enough to find one, you should immediately buy.
Nakata Shoten is one of the old guard of Japanese militaria. Nakata Sr. passed away a few years ago but Nakata Jr. has taken over to continue the business.
Theoretically you can purchase these directly from Nakata through a proxy service.
Rumor has it that nakata shells are actually refurbished originals, at least on the early production or rare models (like the Sakura Helmet). Typically they are one of the nicer off the rack helmets available if you can find one.
World War Supply does a lot of things wrong. But they surprised us when they released a repro of the experimental “Sakura” vent helmet. They are not perfect but they get many of the details correct. The liner is better than most of the WWS helmets and really just needs a repaint to get the perfect look.
We still wouldn’t recommend anything else though.
Alternative contact: Hasegawa Shoutai
**2023 Update: We are currently monitoring the degrading quality of the Faisal boots, review update tbd
Faisal offers the best off-the-shelf reproduction of the Showa 5 style army boot for the price. Quality can sometimes vary in the smaller details and the leather can be a little soft, but usable. Faisal only takes Western Union, but having spent thousands with him at this point, we have no concerns about sending payments. Navy model boots are acceptable quality at this time.
Shoe size should be measured in cm, recommend half size up for modern insoles if the wearer desires. Shoe laces must be replaced
Alternative contact: Hasegawa Shoutai
Furuta offers a superior boot reproduction of the Showa 5 pattern army boot, complete with production stamps and size stamps. This is the ultimate reproduction one can acquire, complete with accurate shoelaces (shoelaces can be purchased seperately as well).
**Note: Furuta boots have not been in stock for quite some time, second hand is likely your only source.
Leather quality differs greatly depending on manufacture run, ranging from top quality to sub-par coated leather. If you are unlucky and receive the latter, they are basically unusable. The leather scuffs horribly and grease does nothing to help change the vibrant orange brown color.
Nakata also offers the most accurate repro tabi on the market, however these are only available second hand.
Nakata also offers a variety of other footwear for officers, garrison use, and cavalry.
Jika-tabi
Tabi are one of the more unique footwear that were seen quite often in field use. For most events, we do not recommend them as primary footwear, but they are the most affordable and easily accessible “accurate” footwear on the market.
There are a variety of sellers who make split and round toe modern reproductions with the correct amount of rear clips. The isssue is usually the amount of rubber on the top of the shoe. Ultimately, they are a cheap addition to your kit worth picking up.
Decent quality reproductions from China. The leather gear seems to be of good quality, at least on par with Hikishop. Occasionally they also have reproduction shovels, which we highly recommend purchasing when available. The shovels need treatment and some de-farbing but overall they are the most affordable option on the market.
COVID has decreased their current products and amounts fluctuate regularly
We recommend S&Graf shelter halves due to their availability and standardized sizing. We have tried a number of “better” shelter halves, but the issue is usually the pattern size for each is different making assembly impossible. Originals also tear easily.
Hiki has a variety of sustainment equipment available. We recommend the type 99 pack, the meiji 45 pack, body net, canteens, haversack (modified), and other items. Always consult event guides for further breakdowns. We also recommend all of Hiki’s leather field equipment.
Bespoke reproduction rations, labels, and other pack filler. We have worked closely to ensure the products meet our needs in the field and our need for authenticity. Utilizing archival research, each product has been meticulously reproduced. Look for listings specifically made by [Artelschik № 1]
Nakajima
Alternative contact: Hasegawa Shoutai
Nakajima offers a number of high end reproductions for soft equipment, including early war variants. We typically recommend his juban sets, as they are a good balance between affordability and quality.
***Unfortunately second hand is the only option for Nakajima as COVID has restricted their production. Most items have been out of stock for over a year and a half. We will update here when they have restocked 03/03/2022
Custom sized uniforms ranging from good to okay quality depending on what you are looking for (usually between 5-10% variation from originals). This is a good option if you are larger than the average Japanese soldier. The price is considerably higher, but the uniform will be tailored to your size.
He can also make niche reproductions of hard or impossible to find uniform items, however it can be difficult to get the item exactly right if you do not have a direct line of communication. Contact him directly, he speaks some English and ships overseas. Note: Expect a long lead time on orders
Like many of the Nakata items, there are a number of issues with some of his equipment, particularly in the fitment and cut of his Type-98 set. Unfortunately the set was patterned off of possibly a small size, late production uniform and has a number of issues as a result. This is the same for all uniforms that would be usable for 1937-45 events.
The navy items are generally quite good, but heavily sought after. If you have the chance to get a set for an affordable price, we won’t say no, but just know it is not always worth the premium these days.
Type-98 is acceptable within about 10-15% variation from an original, mostly in small details, making it okay for those unable to fit larger uniforms and a step above Nakata and certainly Hikishop. However, it should be noted the sleeve length is shorter than the Nakata XL sizing.
We do not recommend any of their other tunics at this time.
Sakurai
Alternative contact: Hasegawa Shoutai
Custom tailor in Japan producing high quality reproductions of popular Pre-1940 regulation army uniforms and equipment. If you are lucky enough to acquire some of these items, they are some of the better reproductions on the market (within 5% of originals). They are also quite expensive, but you get what you pay for. We definitely recommend the puttees, haversacks, and gasmask bags. If you intend to do early Sino-Japanese or Pacific, Sakurai items are must haves.
However, Sakurai currently does not sell to overseas markets and often has limited inventory. We are fortunate enough to have good accord, and he allows us to hold group buys occasionally. If you miss out on a group buy, second hand is your only option.
While most Pacific events require helmet covers, A&S restorations provides a one stop shop for correcting the issues with most reproduction Type 90 helmets to add versatility to your investment and that extra layer of detail to help you stand out. They have a multi-layered process that will leave your helmet looking its best. You will have to ask for a very specific paint job to avoid a Boomer (TM) bait paint job. Reach out if you would like references.
Makes a variety of “pocket litter” and other field equipment. Generally, the prices are fair but there are other options on the market and many times originals are actually cheaper/more affordable, especially after proxy and shipping costs. The store has been listed and unlisted at various points. Some items are NLA
Military Harbor While the pictures are quite inviting and there are a number of niche and rare items, the quality is cosplay level at best. This is coupled with a number of “fantasy” items, especially in the Navy section.
All Taobao or ebay reproductions are too numerous to list, but if you find something you think is worth looking at, please send our way.