Minifigure – Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) Infantryman – 7th Division (Type 45 Khaki Uniform Variant) WWI (LEGO Compatible)

Character Identification

Specific Name: WWI Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) Infantryman – 7th Division (Type 45 Khaki Uniform Variant)

This custom minifigure represents a soldier of the Imperial Japanese Army during the World War I and Interwar period. The specific mention of the “7th Division” combined with the khaki uniform strongly suggests this figure represents the famous 7th Division from Hokkaido, known for their toughness and distinct presence in historical media (such as depictions of the Russo-Japanese War aftermath and the Siberian Intervention).

Visual Description

• Uniform (Color): Unlike the dark blue uniforms of 1904, this soldier wears the Type 45 (M1912) Khaki Uniform. This earth-tone color was adopted to provide better camouflage than the old blue tunics.

• Collar Insignia: The most distinct feature is the pair of Red Collar Patches (Swallowtail/Parallelogram tabs) on the high standing collar. In the Japanese Army, Red was the branch color for Infantry. This detail is historically precise for IJA soldiers of this era.

• Torso & Gear: The figure features detailed printing of Brown Leather Webbing.

  • He wears the standard leather belt with two large Ammunition Pouches at the front.

  • A diagonal leather strap (part of the pack or haversack gear) runs across his chest.

• Legs: The legs feature a very specific style of Puttees (Leg Wrappings). The printing shows the cloth wrapped around the calf with distinctive criss-cross lacing securing them. This style is iconic to Japanese infantry (often associated with Waraji sandals or hobnailed boots).

• Head: The figure is shown without a hat, revealing a standard “flesh” tone head with a serious, determined expression and contoured cheekbones.

Historical Background

• Japan in WWI (The Allied Connection): This is historically accurate. Japan joined World War I on the side of the Allies (Entente Powers) in 1914. They declared war on Germany and seized the German colony of Tsingtao (Qingdao) in China.

• The 7th Division: The 7th Division was an elite unit recruited from the northern island of Hokkaido. They were famed for their physical strength and ability to fight in freezing conditions.

  • They are well-known in pop culture (like the anime/manga Golden Kamuy) as the “strongest division,” often depicted wearing this exact khaki uniform with red collar tabs.

  • Historically, they participated in the Siege of Port Arthur (suffering heavy casualties) and later the Siberian Intervention (1918), fighting alongside other Allied forces against the Bolsheviks.