WW2 Japanese Navy Rate Used Seaman 3rd Class Supply

The Japanese Navy established these 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 where 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.

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 the rate. This prevented damage and loss of the Sakura during laundering.