How to Build Japanese Infantry for Bolt Action

[@TheKsalad]

Did I miss an update to the weapons chart? My V.2 rulebook says Light Mortars are 12-24" range, not 18"

[@HollywoodWargaming]

You may be right. I think I may have gotten confused after playing my free French VB Launchers

[@ludwiggugol2523]

Nicely done, however i'm not particularly enthusiastic about so many smgies. Surely Warlord gave us opportunity to equip 1 per squad, but i think that they've made a mistake. In fact smgies were so rare that ww2 US military intelligence didn't even mention them in their japanese infantry weapon compendium. Moreover I think that they are just not worth taking(i mean in ordinary infantry squads), because they get fully effective in range up to 6 inches when japanese squad would probably charge instead of shooting. I prefer additional dice when in long range and 3 points savings, more historically accurate loadout is a nice bonus.

[@bobdole8830]

You are aware that assault weapons give you the tough fighter keyword and that 2 shots hitting on 4 have a higher potential and absolute damage output than one shot on 3? SMGs are brutal on any unit you intend to get close to the enemy. I run a pretty effective US Airborne list with 5x7 squads equipped with 3bars + pistol and 4SMGS. That's 14 shots on range 0-12 plus 7 tough fighters. I yeeted them into 15 man Japanese Infantry and won. Sure, if you build a Rifle/MG squad that is supposed to sit in the back all game they are useless, but in an agressive squad they are extremely effective.

[@Raptorsified]

Another note about the extra three riflemen in the specialist squad. The Japanese get a 3 man "scout team" that can deploy like snipers and spotters.

[@NapoleonicWargaming]

You deserve way more subs! Love your content

[@SPD3DPrinting]

Investigating how to build Japanese army, thanks for the tips!

[@bobdole8830]

I managed to build 30 Bamboo spear fighter Infantry from 2 unit boxes and a box of bamboo infantry. You can build 12 spear Infantry by kitbashing the AT suicide bomber arms, one officer with katana and the remaining 7 with a little bit more elaborate kitbashing based on matches, not too hard and 30 Bamboo spear infantry is a solid foundation for every japanese list, still strong, but not broken

[@jsizzlesaurusrex]

Grenadiers do really well as regulars vs vets. The light mortars might not seem like much, but if you can manage to get any hits the +1 pen will start killing way above their weight class.

[@mathewkelly9968]

I play Australians in bolt action and pseudo Australians in konflikt47 . These guys are the baddies to me .

[@HollywoodWargaming]

I think a lot of SE Asia would agree with you on that sentiment..

[@braddoc4087]

Just in time for me to listen while painting my Blitzkrieg Germans

[@wifi_soldier5076]

Great timing. I just brought some Japanese for my Indian National Army.

[@mathewkelly9968]

The mortar squads are for suppressing MMG teams and their ilk , while your rifle squads close into Banzai range .

[@HollywoodWargaming]

The problem there is that MMGs have double the range of grenadiers. Thats a lot of ground to close. From my experience they excel against infantry in cover or buildings, which seems accurate. Still, that 18" range is hard to make work with such random dice.

[@mathewkelly9968]

@@HollywoodWargaming Japanese shouldn't be played on an open field

[@mathewkelly9968]

@@HollywoodWargaming if your Pacific table has a couple of buildings and walls you're doing it wrong .

[@HollywoodWargaming]

@@mathewkelly9968 True. I don't really do Pacific Theater though.

[@samfisher4461]

I am new to BA but could it be that it's not a good idea to pair LMG with SMG in a rifle squad? If I want to stay back and shoot I build a small LMG squad without SMG. If I want to go toe to toe, there's no need for an LMG, just lots of rifles and SMG? Can somebody comment on this please? I think this video is not necessarily good build advice.

[@XeioDeSono]

What about Teishin Shudan? Or the Rikusentai? Can they be "mixed" with normal IJA, historically?

[@HollywoodWargaming]

I am actually not sure. At the end of the day dont let it get in the way of your collecting and playing

[@lukenuke8821]

LMG DOESN'T give extra firepower on regulars. Only range. For the same prize on an lmg you can have 2 extra soldiers: 1lmg + reload guy = 4 dice/ 40 points. 4 rifles = 4 dice/ 40 points. I'd much much rather have 2 extra lives with the japanese. Guys don't be afraid to build rifles.

[@rafaeldoespiritosanto8440]

I want to start doing this but I don’t know how to play?😕

[@17blaziken]

So, if I buy: - ija starter - ija expansion - snlf box I should have enough infantry for building up at least 3 full strength squad with full optional? Which the suggested tanks/vehicles to buy next?

[@HollywoodWargaming]

You should yes. For vehicles I would recommend you to go check out my "Top 10 Japanese Vehicles in Bolt Action" video.

[@15mmGustavus]

The warlord chi ha is a really really fun kit and builds the anti tank variant

[@15mmGustavus]

Also if you get an older starter be aware it's a resin kit and just the chi ha and not the shin hoto. The plastic kit is an absolute delight compared to the old one resin and metal ome

[@bobdole8830]

Aporogy not accepturu! You brought grreat shame upon your famiry!