We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. You can Modify or Reject the use of the cookies. See our cookie policy.
Japan. Dog tag of a soldier from the 3rd Machine Gun Battalion, 66th Infantry Regiment, number 73.
The Japanese Dog Tag from the Second World War, known as Shōjōhyō (認識票), was the equivalent of the dog tag used by other armies. Its function was to identify soldiers of the Imperial Japanese Army in the event of death or disappearance in combat, although its design and system differed notably from Western models.
These tags were typically made of metal (brass, aluminum, or steel) and had a rectangular or oval shape, perforated with one or two holes to be worn around the neck or attached to the uniform. Unlike the American or British models, they did not include the soldier’s name, but only the identification number, the unit, and sometimes the recruitment group or the soldier’s prefecture of origin. This anonymity was intended to protect personal identity in case of capture. Many also bore engraved or stamped inscriptions in Japanese.
