Original Imperial Japanese WWII Navy Pilot Officer’s Tunic - Identified with Research - Hita Hiraki - Yokosuka Air Group

Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is an interesting WWII Japanese Navy officer’s uniform with a nametag stitched on the interior. The uniform came to us with the identification to Hita (Miki) Hiraki, a Naval Pilot who served aboard the Battleship Nagato and Cruiser Sendai. He flew as a pilot and trainer in the Yokosuka Naval Air Group from June 30th, 1944 until the end of the war. The Yokosuka Naval Air Group flew a variety of fighters, and was involved in the Iwo Jima Battle and in intercepting B-29 attacks.

The uniform comes with a printed page that goes through his service history. He was a member of the Naval Academy Graduating Class 71, Naval Aviation Class 40, and was promoted to Midshipman on November 14th, 1942. He served as a Midshipman aboard the Battleship Nagato from then until January 15th, 1943, when he was transferred to the Cruiser Sendai until June 1st, 1943. He joined Pilot Training Class 40 and became a Lieutenant on March 15th, 1944. On June 30th, 1944 he joined the Yokosuka Naval Air Group where he remained until the war’s end.

The uniform has stitched collar insignia which appear to be for the rank of Ensign, and the single loop cuff braiding is also for Ensign. There is a diamond-shaped patch of cloth stitched on the interior with lots of Kanji writing, and we assume that this is what identifies the uniform to Hiraki.

An outstanding example of a Japanese Navy pilot’s uniform, identified and ready to display!

Approximate Measurements:-
Collar to shoulder: 9.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 21”
Shoulder to shoulder: 14.5"
Chest width: 18”
Waist: 19"
Hip: 20"
Front length: 27"