Japanese Banzai Infantry

The expression banzai became associated with Japanese mass infantry assaults during the Pacific War, especially desperate attacks against strongly held Allied positions. Such charges were not a separate branch of the Imperial Japanese Army. They reflected particular tactical circumstances and military culture; Japanese infantry also conducted defensive fighting, infiltration, patrols, and conventional combined-arms operations throughout the war. The term became particularly prominent in Allied descriptions of Japanese attacks, sometimes compressing very different actions into one familiar image. At Saipan and other island battles, desperate mass assaults could produce devastating losses. The failed mass attack on Saipan in July 1944 became an especially prominent example of this costly tactic.

Finish and color

Supplied unpainted and printed in the selected color. Choose from the available product color options.

Tabletop use

Suitable for period-appropriate custom scenarios in Global War 1936, Global Empires, and compatible Axis & Allies games. Use suitable scenario or house rules for unit statistics and any technology upgrades. This piece does not supply additional game rules.

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