WW2 Imperial Japanese Paratrooper Training Belt

A WW2 Imperial Japanese paratroopers weighted training belt. The Imperial Japanese Army developed an airborne paratroop force in the late 1930s, but the program did not receive much attention by the Imperial General Headquarters until review of the success of similar German paratroop units during the Blitzkrieg of 1940. They were first deployed in combat during the Battle of Palembang, on Sumatra in the Netherlands East Indies on 14th February 1942

The beige canvas belt has 10 cord tied compartments. This example has 7 of the 10 compartments containing a lead weight. Each of the lead weights has the kanji for ‘Su’ scratched onto them. The belt is secured with 2 leather buckled straps. The inside of the belt has a softer cotton fabric lining along with the owners name stitched on, which reads ‘Suwa’.

The belt from end to end measures 34.5” and is just over 3” tall. With the weights, the belt weighs 2 KGs.

An uncommon item.

Code: 51035