WW2 Japanese Navy Rate Petty Officer 3rd Class Aviation Pilot

The Japanese Navy established the wear of these black geometric shaped rates by an order published on April 1, 1942.

These were intended to replace the earlier round rates which were made in white cotton and black wool. Having a standard rate for wear on all uniforms made more economic sense.

This new rate was intended to be worn on the white uniform, the black winter wool uniform, as well as the sea-green uniform worn by the Japanese naval landing forces and all ground based Japanese naval forces.

This rate has a blue Sakura (cherry blossom) pip which was for aviation.  Most Japanese Navy pilots were not commissioned officers by mid war.  Instead sailors were trained to fly.  Upon graduation from flight school they were promoted to Petty Officer 3rd Class.  These rates were worn on flight suits.

We have seen photographs depicting Japanese ground base forces wearing this type of rate on their tropical shirts, as well as on the issue shirt worn under the sea-green land based tunic.

We like to see these in used original condition.

As was a common practice, the Japanese sailor would tack on his sakura, Chrysanthemum blossom, with thread onto his rate. This prevented damage and loss of the Sakura during laundering.