Japanese Navy Rank Structure
 
Topics:
IJN Ranking System *PIC*
Chihaya and Furukawa
Japanese Army & Naval Air Force Ranks 1941 (New)
 
IJN Ranking System *PIC*
 
Posted By: EMP_204_Rik <mailto:harlow@inreach.com?subject=IJN Ranking System *PIC*>
Date: Monday, 31 July 2000, at 11:03 p.m.
 
Hello All,
I am in need of a URL or any information about the IJN system of ranking. I am the CO of a Combat Flight Simulator Squadron. The 204th IJN. I have been informed that our ranking system may be JAAF. I need to correct this if it is true.
I would appreciate any help here. Please E-Mail me any Info you may have.
"Bows Low"
Taisa Rik 204th IJN CO
204th IJN
 
Re: IJN Ranking System
 
Posted By: Mark E. Horan <mailto:mhoran@snet.net?subject=Re: IJN Ranking System>
Date: Wednesday, 2 August 2000, at 8:23 a.m.
 
In Response To: IJN Ranking System *PIC* (EMP_204_Rik)
 
I don't pretend to be an expert on the IJN, but I do know the ranks of the aircrew in the IJN in 1941-42.
From lowest to highest:
Sea3c
Sea2c
Sea1c
PO3c
PO2c
PO1c
WO
Ens
Lt(jg)
Lt
Lt.Cdr.
Cdr.
It was uncommon for a squadron to contain any personnel of higher rank than Lt., thus those with ranks higher seldom fly on anything near a regular basis.
While most non-american air services contained many non-officer pilots, in the IJN, this was carried to the extreme with rating pilots being the predominant feature on the roster. Most squadrons had only two to four commissioned officers (Ens and above) aircrew, though some went as high as six. Generally, squadrons had 1-2 officers per chutai, with Kansen and Kanbaku having 2-3 chutai's, while Kanko had three.
Also, the IJN was like the Fleet Air Arm and Luftwaffe in that the plane commander in multi-place aircraft was often NOT the pilot. Likewise, more often than not, the unit commander was a non-pilot.
 
Re: IJN Ranking System
 
Posted By: David_Aiken <mailto:David_Aiken@hotmail.com?subject=Re: IJN Ranking System>
Date: Wednesday, 2 August 2000, at 9:30 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN Ranking System (Mark E. Horan)
 
Aloha Mark,
Alebit, the rank of seaman first class and airman first class had the same pay scale, however, the job was different and had a different sleeve insignia. Airman First Class is the lowest aviation rate in aerial combat on 7 Dec 1941 above Oahu.
HTH,
Cheers,
David Aiken
 
Re: IJN Ranking System
 
Posted By: Cruiser K <mailto:cruiserk@wans.net?subject=Re: IJN Ranking System>
Date: Tuesday, 1 August 2000, at 9:32 p.m.
 
In Response To: IJN Ranking System *PIC* (EMP_204_Rik)
 
I tried logging on to your site but it was down. I will give you what information that I know. I am not 100% certain. Ranking for airmen starts with Petty Officer 3rd class, 2nd class, and 1st class. Chief Petty Officer, Warrant Officer, Ensign, Lt.(jg) junior grade, Lt. (1st class), Lt. Commander, Commander, and Captain. Other people may be able to give more exact information. The Japanese names for these ranks I am not exactly sure of but a site eliteguard.org/302 has Japanese Naming equivalent. Japan was most unique in allowing petty officers and master sgt. pilot -(airmen status). Higher ranks were reserved for more social elite graduates from prominate naval academies. Some of Japans best Naval aviators were petty officers. This however can be deceiving and Petty Officer status in Japanese Navy During WWII was most nearly if not equivalent to Ensign status in the US Navy.
 
http://elitegaurd.org/302
 
Re: IJN Ranking System
 
Posted By: Cruiser K <mailto:cruiserk@wans.net?subject=Re: IJN Ranking System>
Date: Tuesday, 1 August 2000, at 9:41 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN Ranking System (Cruiser K)
 
Sorry I misspelled link. Correct link is attached.
 
http://www.eliteguard.org/302
 
Re: IJN Ranking System
 
Posted By: EMP_204_Rik <mailto:harlow@inreach.com?subject=Re: IJN Ranking System>
Date: Tuesday, 1 August 2000, at 11:49 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN Ranking System (Cruiser K)
 
Thanks Cruiser K,
I am a bit embarrassed as the 302nd is one of my squads. LOL. I need to get with their Commander on this. Please try my site again, and check our rankings. The pilots list is under "pilots" on the menu.
Rik_
 
http://eliteguard.org/204/204th.htm
 
Re: IJN Ranking System
 
Posted By: Cruiser K <mailto:cruiserk@wans.net?subject=Re: IJN Ranking System>
Date: Wednesday, 2 August 2000, at 7:31 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN Ranking System (EMP_204_Rik)
 
Thanks Rick visited your site and was real impressed. Sorry about the mix up. I see you have Japanese naming for your ranking system. As I am least familiar with this I would have to say you have done an excellent job. I am only familiar with the English naming convention for Japanese Naval Aviators during WWII. However there is an excellent post here by a fellow message board member (David Aiken)that has additional info for correct ranking badges also. "A Tiger prowls for over 1,000 miles for its prey" Good Hunting.
 
Cruiser "K"
 
Re: IJA and IJN Ranks [FAQ candidate]
 
Posted By: David_Aiken <mailto:David_Aiken@hotmail.com?subject=Re: IJA and IJN Ranks [FAQ candidate]>
Date: Wednesday, 2 August 2000, at 10:27 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJN Ranking System (EMP_204_Rik)
 
Hi Rik,
Once upon a time, the IJN enlisted ranks were posted and was an early FAQ. These got lost in the ether. Recent requests, yours included, have asked for these again. Checked your web page and note that you have used IJA collar tabs with the IJN ranks. This may be remedied using AIR NEWS mag (August 1944), or the book Japanese Uniforms and Equipment (also out of print), or other sources.
Japanese Officer ranks are the same for IJA and IJN. The point of difference is in translation. If we speak of British equivalent terms, then the translation is somewhat different than American terms. The following uses American terms:
Taisho = General or Admiral
Chujo = Lt General or Vice-Admiral
Shosho = Major General or Rear Admiral
Taisa = Colonel or Captain [IJN liked to use "Daisa" instead!]
Chusa = Lt Colonel or Commander
Shosa = Major or Lt Commander
Taii = Captain or Lieutenant
Chui = First Lieutenant or Lieutenant (JG)
Shoi = Second Lieutenant or Ensign
It becomes a problem to compare enlisted ranks with American enlisted ranks. There were also changes in the Japanese Naval enlisted ranks after select dates.
IJA Enlisted Ranks
Juni = Warrant Officer
Socho = Sergeant Major
Gunso = Sergeant
Socho = Corporal
Heicho = Lance Corporal (leading Private)
Jotohei = Superior Private
Ittohei = Private First Class
Nitohei = Private
IJN Enlisted Ranks (pre-June 1941)
Joto (Koku) Heiso = (Air) Chief Petty Officer
Itto (Koku) Heiso = (Air) Petty Officer First Class
Nito (Koku) Heiso = (Air) PO2c
Santo (Koku) Heiso = (Air) PO3c
Itto (Koku) Hei = (Air) Airman 1c
Nito (Koku) Hei = (Air) Airman 2c
Santo (Koku) Hei = (Air) Airman 3c
IJN Enlisted Ranks POST-June 1941
Joto (Hiko) Heiso = (Flight) Petty Officer
Itto (HIko) Heiso = (Flight) PO1c
Nito (Hiko) Heiso = (Flight) PO2c
Santo (Hiko) Heiso = (Flight) PO3c
Itto (Hiko) Hei = Flyer 1c
Nito (Hiko) Hei = Flyer 2c
Santo (Hiko) Hei = Flyer 3c
AFTER November 1942, three changes:
the (Hiko) Heisocho = (Flight) Warrant Officer
was placed above the CPO;
and an (Hiko) Heicho = Assistant (Flight) Petty Officer
and a Joto (Hiko) Hei = Chief Flyer REPLACED the Santo (Hiko) Heiso
The additional term "Koku" or "Hiko" determines the aeronautical nature of the aviator job. This is "understood" in many aeronautical texts and thus eliminated.
The difference between Japanese Naval ratings is similar to US Navy ratings. A Japanese Seaman First Class, for example, has crossed anchors on his rank badge; the Japanese Flyer First Class has crossed aircraft; the Japanese Mechanic First Class has crossed wrenches; etc.
The range of NAVAL aviators in combat is usually "Flyer 1c" and above. Those lower ranks of "Flyer 2c" or "Flyer 3c" are ranks seen in training schools. Again usually the top Naval flying officer on an aircraft carrier is "Hikotaicho" or "Kokutaicho" in land units with the rank of Lieutenant Commander, with the Commander job slot going to a non-flying officer (usually with aviator experience) as "Hikocho". However, as the war progressed, several "Hikocho" positioned men were placed in combat flight "slots" as "Hikotaicho" or "Kokutaicho".
 
HTH,
Cheers,
David Aiken
Director
Pearl Harbor History Associates, Inc.
 
Re: IJA and IJN Ranks [FAQ candidate]
 
Posted By: Jim Broshot <mailto:jbroshot@socket.net?subject=Re: IJA and IJN Ranks [FAQ candidate]>
Date: Wednesday, 2 August 2000, at 10:35 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: IJA and IJN Ranks [FAQ candidate] (David_Aiken)
 
Other sources with colored illustrations (IJNAF and JAAF) include:
AIR FORCE BADGES AND INSIGNIA OF WORLD WAR 2 (Guido Rosignoli) Greenhill Press reprint of U S WAR DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK ON JAPANESE MILITARY FORCES
 
Chihaya and Furukawa
 
Posted By: Andrew Obluski <mailto:aoba41@yahoo.com?subject=Chihaya and Furukawa>
Date: Thursday, 22 March 2001, at 2:48 a.m.
 
In Response To: Lt. Cdr. CHIHAYA, Takehiko (2) *No Text* *PIC* (UCHIDA, Katsuhiro)
 
Hello, Katsuhiro-san
I have few more questions about JNAF aviators. I'd like to know what rank held Takehiko Chihaya and Izumi Furukawa when they were killed in action. Were they promoted two ranks like Shigeharu Murata and Takashige Ekusa to Navy Captain following their heroic death in battle?
Apart from it one more question. How IJN treated the cases of Kenzo Kanno [of Coral Sea] and Sakio Komatsu [of Marianas Islands]? Were they upgraded by two ranks like Kamikaze pilots?
 
Greetings
Andrew
 
Re: Chihaya Kaigun Shosa & Furukawa Kaigun Daii
 
Posted By: UCHIDA, Katsuhiro <mailto:2000gt-b@mui.biglobe.ne.jp?subject=Re: Chihaya Kaigun Shosa & Furukawa Kaigun Daii>
Date: Friday, 23 March 2001, at 9:53 a.m.
 
In Response To: Chihaya and Furukawa (Andrew Obluski)
 
Hello again (x2), Andrew-san,
Chihaya became "Lieutenant Commander" about one month before he was KIA. Furukawa was "Lieutenant (sg)".
According to Chihaya's elder brother Capt. CHIHAYA, Masataka (who helped Dr. Prange writing "Tora!Tora!Tora!"), his brother Takehiko was promoted two ranks after Takehiko was KIA in Marianas.
BTW, Chihaya's elder brother Masataka also wanted to be a pilot, but he could not. If both of two brother were officers, only ONE was chosen as an aviator.
Komatsu? Taiho D4Y1 pilot who tried to crash into US sub's torpedo? I am sorry I do not have the information about his career right now...
Wow! You know more Japanese Navy pilots than I do!
I really cannot catch up with your curiosity! (But I must say that researching the aviator is very hard, but very exciting!)
 
Thanks and best regards,
Katsuhiro
By now, I have no further information of Furukawa.
 
His brother...
 
Posted By: UCHIDA, Katsuhiro <mailto:2000gt-b@mui.biglobe.ne.jp?subject=His brother...>
Date: Tuesday, 13 March 2001, at 8:52 a.m.
 
In Response To: PH or Midway Lt. Chihaya's pilot name ? (Emmanuel)
 
Hi Emmanuel,
His elder brother Cdr. CHIHAYA, Masataka was a staff officer of Combined Fleet.
He helped Dr. Prange writing the novel after the war.
For further information about T. Chiyaya, please visit the URL I posted on Ships page before.
 
Regards,
Katsuhiro
 
Re: Lt. Chihaya and pilot
 
Posted By: Mark E. Horan <mailto:mhoran@snet.net?subject=Re: Lt. Chihaya and pilot>
Date: Monday, 12 February 2001, at 7:31 a.m.
 
In Response To: PH or Midway Lt. Chihaya's pilot name ? (Emmanuel)
 
On 4 June 1942 the Akagi Kanbaku Buntai formed part of the Midway Striking Force. Lt. Chihaya Takehiko (not Lt.Cdr.) led the strike. His pilot was PO1c 
 
Yoshida Kiyoto.
 
Japanese Army & Naval Air Force Ranks 1941
 
Posted By: Klemen L. <mailto:imperia555@hotmail.com?subject=Japanese Army & Naval Air Force Ranks 1941>
Date: Sunday, 14 July 2002, at 2:51 p.m.
 
Hi guys,
I am doing a table of ranks for the Netherlands, Imperial Japan and Great Britain, and I was wondering if anyone could write me down the comparable IJAAF (Army Air Force) and IJNAF (Naval Air Force) Ranks for the following RAF ranks:
Marshal of the RAF
Air Chief Marshal
Air Marshal
Air Vice Marshal
Air Commodore
Group Captain
Wing Commander
Squadron Leader
Flight Lieutenant
Flying Officer
Pilot Officer
I would not like to made any mistakes.
Also an additional question: Does anyone know what kind of ranks did use British Naval Aviation (Fleet Air Arm) during WWII? The same as Royal Navy, or were there any added titles like for instance in Royal Dutch Naval Aviation.
Thanx in advance,
Klemen
 
Re: Japanese Army & Naval Air Force Ranks 1941
 
Posted By: Rob Graham - the ReiShikiSenGuy
Date: Sunday, 14 July 2002, at 5:56 p.m.
 
In Response To: Japanese Army & Naval Air Force Ranks 1941 (Klemen L.)
 
Would this help?
http://www.j-aircraft.com/faq/ijn_ranking_system.htm
--Rob
 
I don't get it...
 
Posted By: Klemen L. <mailto:imperia555@hotmail.com?subject=I don't get it...>
Date: Monday, 15 July 2002, at 5:24 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: Japanese Army & Naval Air Force Ranks 1941 (Rob Graham - the ReiShikiSenGuy)
 
The Japanese Army Air Force used the same types of ranks the Army??? Was there no additional abbreviation "air" to distinct the rank between army and army air force?
The Japanese also had no rank of air force general (??) and the highest naval aviator's rank was Commander???
This site, superb-superb-superb-superb-superb as it is desperately needs a small Glossary section where they would explain some Japanese abbreviations, air force terms and ranks, because I, as a rookie in Japanese air study, am completely lost...
Also, does anyone know what was the Japanese name for: "Imperial Japanese Army Air Force" and "Imperial Japanese Naval Aviation"?
Thanx,
Klemen
 
Re: I don't get it...
 
Posted By: Hiroyuki Takeuchi
Date: Monday, 15 July 2002, at 7:15 p.m.
 
In Response To: I don't get it... (Klemen L.)
 
This page presents it clearer.
The terms IJAAF and IJNAF are not really official. Teikoku Rikugun Kokutai and Teikoku Kaigun Kokutai, in a more literal translation, are Imperial Army Air Corps and Imperial Navy Air Corps. They are not independent organizations from the Army and the Navy but internal units of both services. The Navy had "air" for enlisted ranks as their shipborne equivalents were "sailor" and that didn't quite make sense. The ranks for the Army were the same as the ground troops.
It may also be interesting to note that the Navy called their air crew collectively as "toujouin" (literally "man on board") and the Army called them "kuuchu kinmusha" ("man on duty in the air").
 
Japanese military ranks ; by D. Aiken
 
Re: I don't get it...
 
Posted By: A.E. Hamilton <mailto:AEHamilton1@aol.com?subject=Re: I don't get it...>
Date: Tuesday, 16 July 2002, at 11:59 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: I don't get it... (Hiroyuki Takeuchi)
 
My understanding of Japanese service designations is different that what I see on this thread. My understanding is that service designations were color based with Naval air being blue which appears on the sakura or cherry blossom of the rank indicators adopted by the japanese prior to WWII for enlisted and Petty Officers. Round ratings showing aircraft etc. had been abolished but were still used by those that already had them on their uniforms. The ordinary seaman color was yellow. Officers had a color piping on their shoulder boards.
My recollection is that the Army had a similar color system that had evolved from color flashes on their stand up uniform collars to a small spread out W looking thing on their uniforms.
It seems to me that this is the same time when the Navy soft caps began using one stripe to designate Petty Officers and two stripes to designate Officers.
 
Re: I don't get it...
 
Posted By: Klemen L. <mailto:imperia555@hotmail.com?subject=Re: I don't get it...>
Date: Tuesday, 16 July 2002, at 10:06 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: I don't get it... (Hiroyuki Takeuchi)
 
Hi Takeuchi,
Thanks for your kind and simple explanation. Yes, I am aware that Japanese Armed Forces did not know an independent branch - the Air Force - during World War II, and as such controlled by two separate air force formations, one controlled by the Navy and the other one by the Army.
So theoretically speaking, if we would met each other on Saipan Island in 1944, you as an Army Air Force Major (Sho-sa) and I as the army major, the only thing that would distinct us would be the army pilot badge on your chest, while the subordinated men would both of us called by the same rank -> Sho-sa? Or would you be called Sho-sa Koku?
You mention "Teikoku Kaigun Kokutai" as a kinda official name for "Imperial Navy Air Corps". Is it possible to use in this context the term "Koku Butai" (the Imperial Naval Air Force?, as well?
Thanx in advance,
Klemen
 
Re: I don't get it...
 
Posted By: Hiroyuki Takeuchi
Date: Tuesday, 16 July 2002, at 7:21 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: I don't get it... (Klemen L.)
 
As far as I know, a Shosa would be a Shosa.
Also, "koku butai" would translate more as a generic term "air unit" and not refer to the organization.
 
Re: I don't get it...
 
Posted By: Jim Long <mailto:jimilong@msn.com?subject=Re: I don't get it...>
Date: Tuesday, 16 July 2002, at 12:17 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: I don't get it... (Hiroyuki Takeuchi)
 
Hiroyuki-San,
I find it odd that the Japanese titles of most, if not all, books from Japan omit the term "Teikoku." But in the apparent English translations the term "Imperial" is invariably there. What is the deal on that? Can you tell us? Is the term not to be given, just to be implied, perhaps because they are reverent characters? What can you tell us?
A Japanese writer has given the name of the army as Dai Nippon Teikoku Rikugun and the navy as Dai Nippon Teikoku Kaigun. Do you agree?
Jim Long
 
Re: I don't get it...
 
Posted By: Hiroyuki Takeuchi
Date: Tuesday, 16 July 2002, at 1:59 a.m.
 
In Response To: Re: I don't get it... (Jim Long)
 
Since the official name of the country was Dai Nippon Teikoku, the "official" name would be Dai Nippon Teikoku Rikugun / Kaigun. However, just as the country could be referred to as Teikoku or Nippon, the services could be abbreviated to ;
Nippon Rikugun / Kaigun
Teikoku Rikugun / Kaigun
Rikugun / Kaigun
Or, as far as the IJA is concerned, IJA personnel often referred to themselves as simply "Gun".
 
Re: I don't get it...
 
Posted By: Rob Graham - the ReiShikiSenGuy
Date: Sunday, 21 July 2002, at 7:25 p.m.
 
In Response To: Re: I don't get it... (Hiroyuki Takeuchi)
 
Hiroyuki:
OK, I think I can give a good Japanese-English comparison: Gun is compared to "Soldier." Gunjin is like saying "Army Man."
In the Army, you're a Soldier; in the Navy, you're a Sailor; in the Air Force, you're an Airman; and in the Marine Corps, you're a Marine. Note that this is a very loose term, and usually refers to the servicemen of each branch in general, usually and especially in reference to junior enlisted - NOT NCOs, Staff NCOs, or Officers.
In the US, we have inter-service rivalries. There are also some derogatory terms that have been known to start fights in bars, Army Soldiers are called Dogs or something like that (I think because they just don't seem to be treated very well); Navy Sailors are called Squids (a lower form of sea life, and many women in port towns can attest to the 8 tentacles); Air Force Airman are Wing Wipers (hey, they don't have it so bad...); Marines are Jarheads (their covers on their heads are straight, as though they're screwed on like jar lids). Any Jarhead can call a similar or lower-ranking Jarhead a Jarhead, but if a Squid walked into Club Chesty and started mouthing off and calling anyone a Jarhead, the Squid would quickly find himself being escorted to the front hatch.
I'd guess it's about the same with the JGSDF, JASDF, and JMSDF - a rivalry, but no real horrible malice. Is that the case?
--Rob
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