Japanese Army of World War II (Osprey)

In one sense, this book is still useful. Unlike German Armed Forces in WW2, little has been published on Japanese uniforms in the last 30 years. Many accounts of tactics, training, weaponry, and the like have been published, but not much on the uniforms & insignia of the Emperor’s army. The color plates are simplistic, but that was the style of the original Osprey artwork 30 years ago. They do illustrate some unique uniforms and items–Japanese paratroopers, tankers, take-down rifles, submachine guns, and “turtle armor.” The reader used to the more exact artwork of current Osprey titles may find these older plates a bit disappointing. Still, the subject matter of the plates is comprehensive–as well as the subjects listed above, there are officers, infantrymen, and even a JAAF pilot. The photos are numerous and of good quality.