Minifigure – Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) Infantryman Russo Japanese War (Type 38 / Meiji 38 Dark Blue Uniform) (LEGO Compatible)

Character Identification

Specific Name: Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) Infantryman – Russo-Japanese War Era (Type 38 / Meiji 38 Dark Blue Uniform)

This figure represents a Japanese soldier from the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905). He is wearing the iconic Type 38 (Meiji 38) dark blue uniform. In the collector community, this specific look—particularly the high collar and distinct colored bands—is often nicknamed the “Sandwich” style due to the layered appearance of the cap band and collar against the dark wool.

Visual Description

This custom-printed minifigure perfectly captures the transition era of the Japanese military before they switched to khaki camouflage:

• Headgear (The “Sandwich” Cap): He wears a distinct Dark Blue Peaked Cap (Visor Cap). The most critical detail is the bright Yellow Band running around the cap. This yellow band was standard for the Type 38 uniform and is likely part of the “sandwich” visual nickname. A gold Star (the IJA insignia) is pinned to the front.

• Uniform: The figure is dressed in the Dark Blue Tunic (Meiji 38). Unlike later WWII uniforms which were tan/khaki, the Japanese army fought the Russians in these dark blue wool coats, which stood out against the landscape.

• Equipment:

  • Leather Gear: He wears brown leather cross-straps (Y-straps) and a waist belt with Ammo Pouches. These pouches were designed to hold ammunition for the Type 30 or early Type 38 Arisaka rifles.

• Legs & Footwear:

  • White Spats (Gaiters): A defining feature of this era is the White Canvas Leggings (Spats) worn over the boots. This high-contrast look (Blue pants, White leggings, Brown boots) is the signature silhouette of the Japanese soldier during the Siege of Port Arthur and the Battle of Mukden.

Historical Background

• The Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905): This figure represents the soldiers who fought in the first major war of the 20th century, where an Asian power defeated a European empire (Russia).

• Uniform Evolution: This Dark Blue Uniform was prestigious but dangerous. During the war, the Japanese realized that the dark blue made their soldiers easy targets for Russian machine guns. Because of this experience, they hurriedly began dyeing their uniforms khaki (brown) during the war, and officially adopted the khaki Type 45 uniform (seen in your previous image) shortly after the war ended.

• “Sandwich” Coat: The term implies the stiff, heavy wool construction and the distinctive high collar and cap bands that made the soldier look “layered” or encased in the uniform, which was necessary for the freezing winters of Manchuria.