General Situation

The Empire of Japan conducted military operations over a very wide area, and under very opposite climates from the frozen North of China (Battle of Khalkin Gol) or even the Aleutian Islands near Alaska, to the tropical jungles of Indonesia and 90% moist of Burma or Guadalcanal. The equipment was researched and developed under two separate procurement branches: IJA and IJN, the former for what we are concerned, althou we will see both, the Navy also operatin a large numer of armoured and unarmoured vehicles.

Limited resources for the Army

Until 1943, the IJN had a greater budget plus higher priority of steel and raw materials allocation for naval construction in general, and aviation. The laco of armor was not overly problematic in China in 1937-41, but started to be so during the campaigns agaist the allies, especially from 1943-44 as the latter brought many tanks to the battlefield and all sorts of vehicles. This polcy was therefire inflexed in 1944/45, but it was too late to ramp up vehicle production, which stayed at an all-time low. The Imperial Japanese Army had lower priority for raw materials, affecting its use of wheeled equipment and vehicles and affecting tactics towards a greater emphasis on infantry. Cotton, wool, and silk were allocated for the fabrics, wood for small arms stocks, leather for ammunition pouches and belts and from 1943 the latter was even switched to cotton straps. For Vehicles of course wood could be used for paneling, walls and fatbeds, but all the rest needed metal, from the engine to the engine hood and chassis, roadwheels, etc.

Industrial situation

Manufacturers were large zaibatsus, like Mitsubishi (mostly tanks), Kawasaki (mostly like vehicles an motorcycles), Daihatsu (trucks), Toyota, Nissan (staff cars and trucks), Komatsu (tractors), Rikuo (motorcycles).

Towed ordnance

Infantry mortars: Type 89 grenade discharger ('knee mortar'), Type 98 50 mm mortar, Type 11 70 mm infantry mortar, Type 97 81 mm infantry morta, Type 99 81 mm mortar, Type 94 90 mm infantry mortar, Type 97 90 mm infantry mortar, Type 2 12 cm mortar, Type 90 light mortar, Type 96 150 mm infantry mortar, Type 97 150 mm infantry mortar.
Heavy mortars & rocket launchers: Type 14 27 cm heavy mortar, Type 98 320 mm mortar, Type 4 20 cm rocket launcher, Type 3 300 mm heavy mortar on Type 4 Ha-To SP heavy mortar carrier, Type 4 40 cm rocket launcher, Type 5 mortar launcher "Tok", Type 10 and Type 3 rocket boosters.

Field artillery: 7cm mountain gun, Type 31 75 mm mountain gun, 7 cm field gun, Type 31 75 mm field gun, Type 41 75 mm mountain gun, Type 94 75 mm mountain gun , Type 38 75 mm field gun, Type 41 75 mm cavalry gun, Type 90 75 mm field gun, Type 95 75 mm field gun, Type 99 10 cm mountain gu, Krupp 10.5 cm cannon, Type 38 10 cm cannon, Type 91 10 cm howitzer, Type 14 10 cm cannon, Type 92 10 cm cannon, 120 mm Krupp howitzer M1905, Type 38 12 cm howitzer, Type 38 15 cm howitzer, Type 4 15 cm howitzer, Type 96 15 cm howitzer

Fortress and siege guns: Type 7 10 cm cannon, Type 45 15 cm coast defense gun, Type 7 15 cm cannon, Type 89 15 cm cannon, Type 96 15 cm cannon,28 cm howitzer L/10, Type 45 24 cm howitzer (1912), Type 96 24 cm howitzer, Type 90 24 cm railway gun, Type 7 30 cm howitzer (1918)

Infantry guns: Type 11 37 mm infantry gun, Type 92 70 mm infantry gun

Anti-tank guns: Type Ra 37 mm AT gun, Type 94 37 mm anti-tank gun, Type 1 37 mm anti-tank gun, Type 97 47 mm anti-tank gun, Type 1 47 mm anti-tank gun Other Anti-tank weapons: Type 97 automatic cannon, Type 99 mine, Type 93 Pressure Anti-Tank/personnel mine, Type 2 rifle grenade launcher, Type 3 AT grenade, Lunge mine, 57 mm tank cannon, 37 mm tank cannon, Type 5 45 mm Recoilless gun, Type 4 70 mm AT Rocket Launcher

Anti-aircraft weapons: Type 97 automatic cannon, Type 11, Type 96, Type 99 light machine guns, Type 92, Type 1 heavy machine guns, 37mm high elevation angle gun and modified Type 38 75 mm field gun

Light anti-aircraft guns: Type 3, Type 4 heavy machine guns, 13.2 mm Hotchkiss machine gun, Type 92 13mm automotive cannon, Type 98 20 mm AA machine cannon, Type 98 20 mm AA on half-track vehicle "Ko-Hi", 20 mm Anti-Aircraft Tank "Ta-Se", Type 4 20 mm twin AA machine cannon, Type 2 20 mm AA machine cannon, Type 2 20 mm twin AA machine cannon, Type 98 20 mm AAG Tank with Type 98 Ke-Ni hull, Type 96 25 mm AT/AA Gun – main IJN gun, 70/81mm AA mine discharger.

Summary

Trucks

-Toyota 4x4 Su-Ki (Amphibious truck)
-Isuzu Type 94 truck
-Type 94 6-Wheeled Truck
-Type 95 Mini-truck
-Type 97 4-Wheeled Truck
-Type 1 6-Wheeled Truck
-Type 2 Heavy Truck
-Toyota KB/KC Truck
-Nissan 80 Truck
-Nissan 180 Truck
-Amphibious Truck "Su-Ki"
-FB Swamp Vehicle (1935)

Tractors

-Type 92 5 t Prime Mover "I-Ke"
-Type 98 6 t Prime Mover "Ro-Ke"
-Type 92 8 t Prime Mover "Ni-Ku"
-Type 95 13 t Prime Mover "Ho-Fu"
-Type 94 4 t Prime Mover "Yo-Ke"
-Type 98 4 t Prime Mover "Shi-Ke"
-Type 96 AA Gun Prime Mover
-Type 98 20 mm AA Machine Cannon Carrier
-Type 98 Half-tracked Prime Mover "Ko-Hi"
-Type 98 20 mm AA Half-Track Vehicle
-Experimental Heavy Gun Tractor Chi-Ke
-Experimental Crawler Truck
-T G Experimental Crawler Truck
-50 hp Gun Tractor
-Komatsu 3 ton Tractor
-Light Prime Mover
-Clarton Prime Mover
-Holt 30

Staff cars

-Toyota AA/AB/AC
-Type 93 6/4-Wheeled Passenger Car
-Type 95 Passenger Car "Kurogane"
-Type 98 Passenger Car
-Model 97 Nissan Staff Car, Nissan 70

Motorcycles

-Rikuo Motorcycle
-Rikuo Type 97 Motorcycle
-Rikuo Type 93 side car

Misc.

-Type 94 Ambulance
-Type 94 Repair Vehicle

Overview of Wartime Japanese trucks production

During World War II, Japan's truck production was crucial for supporting military operations and logistics. The production of trucks and other military vehicles, however, was impacted by the war, with resources being increasingly diverted to the military, and industries facing shortages of materials and labor as the conflict progressed. Here’s a detailed look at the production of wartime Japanese trucks:

Truck Production Prior to WWII

Before the war, Japan's truck industry was still developing, and the country's industrial base was primarily focused on light vehicles and agricultural machinery. Major manufacturers, such as Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Hino, and Sumitomo, produced a variety of commercial trucks for domestic use. The Japanese automotive industry was heavily influenced by Western designs, particularly from the U.S. and Europe, and many of the early Japanese trucks were based on American or European models.

Shift to Military Production

As Japan entered the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937 and later World War II in 1941, the country's industrial output shifted towards military production, including trucks and other transport vehicles for the army and navy. The need for trucks was immense, as they were vital for moving troops, supplies, equipment, and artillery across difficult terrain.

Military trucks: The Japanese military demanded a variety of trucks for different roles, such as transport, logistics, artillery towing, and medical evacuation. Trucks with 1 to 3-ton payload capacities were common, as they were versatile enough for different needs.

Standardized designs: Japan’s military industry did not always follow strict standardization for trucks like the Allies did with their military vehicles. Instead, the military used a range of vehicles from different manufacturers, sometimes with regional variations. However, over time, the military did push for more uniformity in truck designs, such as the Type 97 and Type 1 trucks, which were based on civilian models but modified for military use.

Types of Japanese Military Trucks

Some of the notable types of trucks produced during the war included:
The Isuzu TX Series: Isuzu, one of the key manufacturers, produced a range of military trucks, including the Isuzu TX40 (1.5-ton), Isuzu TX50 (3-ton), and the Isuzu Type 97 (1.5-ton). These vehicles were adapted to harsh environments and could carry soldiers, supplies, and heavy equipment.

Mitsubishi Fuso: Mitsubishi produced several military trucks, including the Fuso Type 1 3-ton and the Fuso Type 2 2.5-ton trucks. These vehicles were used for everything from troop transport to carrying large artillery pieces.
br> Hino: Another major manufacturer, Hino, contributed to military truck production with models like the Hino Type 1 3-ton truck and the Hino Type 2 2.5-ton truck. Hino vehicles were widely used across the Pacific Theater.

Sumitomo: Sumitomo produced various models as well, including 3-ton trucks. Like other manufacturers, their designs were primarily adapted from civilian versions, with military modifications for reliability and performance under combat conditions.

Challenges in Truck Production

Japanese wartime truck production faced several challenges: Resource shortages: Japan struggled with shortages of critical raw materials like steel, rubber, and gasoline due to the Allied blockade and air raids on industrial centers. This led to a decline in the quality and quantity of vehicles produced as the war dragged on.

Lack of standardization: Unlike the U.S. military, which focused on mass-producing a limited number of standardized vehicles (e.g., the GMC CCKW 2.5-ton truck), Japan's truck production was more fragmented. This lack of standardization sometimes led to inefficiencies in logistics, as different models required different parts and maintenance procedures.

Air raids and industrial disruption: As the war progressed, Japan's industrial infrastructure was increasingly targeted by Allied bombing raids, which disrupted truck production and forced manufacturers to relocate or adapt to difficult conditions. By the end of the war, Japan's ability to produce trucks had been severely hampered.

The Role of Trucks in the Japanese Military

Trucks were essential for the mobility of Japanese forces across the vast territories they occupied, from Southeast Asia to the Pacific islands. Trucks were used for:

Transporting troops: Trucks allowed for the rapid deployment of infantry and support units.
Supply chains: Trucks were used to move food, ammunition, medical supplies, and other logistics to the front lines.
Towing artillery: Some heavier trucks were modified to tow artillery pieces and other heavy equipment.

However, Japan's reliance on trucks was a double-edged sword. While they provided mobility, Japanese trucks were often less reliable and less robust than their American or German counterparts. Additionally, the lack of armored protection made Japanese trucks vulnerable to air and ground attacks, which further hampered their effectiveness as the war progressed.

Post-War Impact on Truck Production

After Japan’s surrender in 1945, its automotive industry had to rebuild from the ground up. Many of the manufacturers that had been focused on military production shifted back to civilian production, but it took time for the country to recover from the devastation of the war. The lessons learned from wartime truck production, including the importance of mass production and standardization, would later influence Japan's post-war industrial policies and contribute to the rapid rise of Japan’s automotive industry in the 1950s and 1960s.

Wartime Japanese truck production was marked by a shift from civilian to military needs, with various manufacturers producing trucks of different capacities for transport, logistics, and artillery towing. Japan's reliance on trucks was essential for its military operations, but the country faced significant challenges, including resource shortages, industrial disruption, and a lack of standardization. While Japan’s truck industry was never as large or as efficient as that of the U.S. or Germany, it played a key role in supporting the logistics of the Japanese military throughout the Pacific War.

Models Released

Isuzu Type 94

Isuzu Type 94 Lorry

The Type 94 had an Otsu diesel engine that was capable of propelling it at speeds of up to 60 km/h . The vehicle itself was unarmed and unarmored but carried two spare tires on the side for maintenance. The only crew required was a single driver but up to 1,300 kilograms of cargo or passengers could also be carried... Full article

Isuzu Type 98 AA Truck (in research)

The Type 98 20 mm AA half-track vehicle was experimental, as a self-propelled anti-aircraft gun armed with a single 20 mm Type 98 AA mounted on the back section. It was also used with the Type 98 Half-tracked Prime Mover Ko-Hi. The Type 98 Ko-Hi production sarted in 1938 by Isuzu. The "4-tonners" were fast prime movers able to reach 40 km/h (25 mph) loaded. Crossing 200 kilometres (125 mi) took about two full hours. Autonomy was procured by a diesel engine, its crew reaching 15. The Type 98 20 mm AA was able to reach a target 5,500 meters away or an altitude of 3,500 meters for a 300 rounds per minute rate.

Toyota Su-Ki

Toyota Su-Ki

This vehicule was a Toyota two tons amphibious truck, developed by the IJA and based on the Toyota 4x4 truck, To-Ki. Apart its "boat shaped" hull it had a transmisson for both 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive. Su-Ki saw service in the Pacific islands. Production was ramped up from November 1943 and August 1944, and the company also developed the "Toyota LVT". Full article

Type 95 Kurogane

The made-in-Japan Type 95 Kurogane, nicknamed "Yonki", was the world’s first mass-produced compact 4WD. Production began in 1936, several years before the iconic Jeep of the United States. Full article.

Nissan type 180

wikimedia CC photo

The Nissan 180 truck was manufactured from 1940 for the Imperial Japanese Army (introduced 1941) as a 2x4, rear transmission 1.5t ton truck. It is just so ellusive that comprehensive data is just missing for a full article. So it's an entry on the main W2 IJA softskin vehicles page, alongside the Nissan 80 COE, Isuzu Type 94, Tokyu Kurogane Type 95 minitruck, or Type 97 4WD truck, same category as the Nissan 180.


Author's illustration

Specs: Weight: 2.90 ton, Dimensions: 5.895 x 2.00 x 2.14(h)m, Speed (max): 60 kph loaded, 75 km/hr light, Engine: Gasoline Engine 80 HP, Loading Capacity: 1.5 ton. It existed in military and civilian versions. The rigid cab and bonnet/grille was reminiscent of the US Dodge truck. It was also very close in appearance to the Toyota Model KB (made from 1938 to 1942), but had a Nissan inline six-cylinder water-cooled engine. Production figures unknown, Nissan continued to produce it up to the early 1950s.

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Unknow, from pinterest

Isuzu Type 97

The Japanese Light Truck Type 97 was based on the Isuzu truck TX40, sharing parts common to the Type 94 Truck. The Type 97 could be found in almost all areas of the Pacific war as a principle truck for the IJA until wars end. It entered service in 1937 and was produced until 1945. Weight : 3.008 ton, Dimensions: 5.865 x 2.17 x 2.25(h) m, top Speed 75 kph, Gasoline Engine 52 HP, 1.5 ton load capacity. It was narrow to suit local roads and had high ground clearance to cope with uneven surfaces. It however tended to be quite heavy compared to British equivalents.

Sources

Books

Links

inf.news
allworldwars.com
wardrawings.be
www3.plala.or.jp
javehicles.weebly.com
ww2wrecks.com
forums.kitmaker.net
mapleleafup.net
ww2f.com threads toyota in ww2

WW1 Vehicles

Allied ww2 Vehicles

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Axis Trucks

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Sd.Kfz 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 were half-tracks designed just before the war as prime movers, to carry supplies, ammunition, personal, and tow artillery. Many were also converted during the war as armored versions carrying AA FLAK guns (Flakvierling, 37 mm, or the legendary 88 mm Rheinmetall als used as tank hunters), or were converted as nebelwerfer (rocket launching armored vehicles). They were built by Hanomag, Steyr, Mercedes-Benz, Bussing and many other manufacturers until 1945, over 20,000 half-tracks.

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Cold War & Modern Vehicles

Modern Trucks