Ways of tightening the chinstraps of the Japanese M90 helmet.
Every time I look at Japanese helmet chinstraps diagram I simply cannot visualize them. I've been thinking for a while about how to improve the way we can better understand the traditional way of tightening the chinstrap's.
Maybe a different colour strap could help?
Enjoy this presentation of 4 method on a replica M90 helmet.
1- This first method was mainly used by the Rikusentai (Japanese Naval Landing Forces). The final knot is attached in the back of the helmet. A single strap of 1.5 meter (59" ) was used as chinstrap.
Example of Rikusentai single chinstrap going trough the back spiral-ring.
Example of Rikusentai single chinstrap going trough the back strap loop.
This method didn't interfere when wearing the gas mask also the back of the helmet was firmly held in position. This method was difficult to execute & could delay removing the helmet urgently.
Trough the back cotton strap loop.
Trough the back spiral-ring.
A few photos, note this method was not an easy one.
Sometimes in emergency the straps were tied up front.
Note the gunner's strap knot locations.
The next 3 methods used mainly the 2 strap chinstrap system.
The 2 cotton straps totalled approximately 1.5 metres (59"). The long strap 90 cm (36") & the short one 60cm (23"). The strap's width was of 23 mm (.90") until 1943 then reduced to 16mm (.63"). Both straps were attached on the right side of the shell on a spiral-ring system & made their way through 2 more rings before being tied together. Most of the helmet's chinstrap used the two straps system.
2- The "chin cup" method, less popular & seen.
The knot could be under the lip or on one of the cheek.
A few photos.
3- Method used both by the military & civilian alike.
The knot on each side holds the straps solidly.
4- The simple method, not by the book, meaning easy, practical & popular.
A few photos.
Tradition don't vanish overnight.
The post war JSDF M66 helmet was issued with traditional chinstraps, for a while!
The model displayed is an Army replica helmet. To help understand the different techniques I replaced one of the strap with a similar length of green coloured strap.
UPDATE:
I will replaced the RIKUSENTAI helmet display as soon as I confirme the model of chinstrap. Done & updated 20.05.2024.
I've covered a few methods interpreting them the best I could. Many other variants existed for sure.
For great info about Japanese headgear see Nick Komiya excellent thread:
The Evolution of the Japanese Army Steel Helmet (1918-1945) Revised and Expanded Version
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