Imperial Japanese Army Field Cap - WWII.
This is an Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) field cap that was introduced in 1938. These soft cloth caps replaced the flat-topped peaked cap that was previously worn and they were originally issued in khaki, but later they were issued in other shades of green. The cloth field cap sometimes had a short leather peak but more usually boasted a stiffened cloth peak as seen in this example.
The Imperial Japanese Army uniforms often reflected the same uniforms worn by countries who acted as the Imperial Japanese Army's principle advisors at that time. This style of field cap was worn from 1939 through to 1945 during WWII, although this actual cap is from 1942. On the front of the cap there is a five pointed star that is yellow in color and it also features an embroidered badge that symbolizes the Imperial Japanese Army.
This cap also has a chinstrap made from leather on it at the front and this is attached to the cap by a couple of buttons made from brass that feature two images of cherry blossoms on. The strap was worn under the chin to allow the cap to stay in place. The back part of the cap is held together with a set of ties made from sturdy string while green cloth lines the inside of the cap.
NB: This was previously identified as a WWII Japanese Marine officer's hat that is made of wool. Although identified as a "marine" officer's hat, the insignia on this hat is the Army general issue star. The hat is circa 1942.
Sources:
ExordioLa Segunda Guerra Mundial (1939-1945), Rokubetsu Rikusentai - Fuerzas Navales Especiales de Desembarco, 29 August 2012, from:
http://whttp://www.exordio.com/1939-1945/militaris/fuerzas-armadas-JAP/tokubetsu-rikusentai.html
Imperial Japanese Navy, Wikipedia, 29 August 2012, from: http://http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_Japanese_Navy
Image Credits:
Zaricor Flag Collection
