The “ Fuyou Unit ” was the common name for a unit formed in January 1945 when the 901st Fighter Squadron, 812th Fighter Squadron, and 804th Fighter Squadron—night fighter units belonging to the Combined Fleet—were reassembled at Fujieda Naval Air Base (present-day JASDF Shizuhama Air Base). Its official designation was the 131st Air Group
芙蓉部隊所属の搭乗員は、フヨウの花の色である薄紅色のマフラーを着用していた。 Crew members assigned to the Fuyou Unit wore light pink scarves, the color of the Cotton rose hibiscus flower.
芙蓉部隊 指揮官 美濃部 正 少佐
Fuyou Unit Commander Major Tadashi Minobe
戦技模型を使っての再現
Reenacting Air Battles Using Wooden Models
英国で活動している日本陸海軍のリエナクタ―たち
Japanese Army and Navy reenactors operating in the UK
He is the only person in the UK engaged in reenactment activities as a pilot of the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service. Despite the scarcity of English-language resources, he has carefully studied period photographs and documents to recreate the uniforms and aviation equipment of Imperial Japanese Navy pilots, and participates in reenactment events.
Once again, he participated in the event wearing the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service flight helmet, life jacket, memo board, and wooden tactical models that I crafted.
I am truly delighted that the items I crafted have made their way all the way to the United Kingdom and are helping to support reenactment activities in this way.
For me, as someone who researches and crafts Imperial Japanese Navy Air Corps equipment, seeing reenactors from all over the world wearing these outfits is both incredibly encouraging and a source of deep gratitude.
Passing down the history and equipment of the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Corps to future generations, transcending national borders.
Please be sure to keep an eye on the future reenactments of Z.W., who is active in the UK!
Thank you so much once again for the wonderful reenactment you presented this time.
Today, I’d like to introduce a request we received from Mr. E.L in Wisconsin, USA, for the production of a Taisho-era Imperial Japanese Navy winter flight helmet.
In the old days, most of the fur was dark-colored. The headpiece is made of four pieces stitched together, and soft, high-quality leather is used. Fur is also attached to the visor and chin guard. When you wear it, you're wrapped in fur and it’s really warm.
鼻口覆いも同じ毛付きです。
The nose and mouth cover also has the same fur.
バックルは包み(くるみ)バックル。耳蓋は大きめ、留め革などは丸みを帯びた作りです。
The buckle is a wrap-around buckle. The ear flap is a bit large, and things like the fastening leather are made with rounded shapes.
I rolled up the ear covers and fastened them with hooks. Not only did it help my hearing, but the rolled-up ear covers also seemed to act as cushions when my ears bumped against things during turbulence on the plane.
せっかくなので、航空眼鏡甲を装着してみましょう。
Since I had the opportunity, I tried on a pair of A-type aviation goggles.