Japanese 8" Coastal Defense Gun Type 38 (1905)
Technical Information

Background
8" Coastal Defense Gun 45 caliber built by W. G. Armstrong-Whitworth, and subsidiary companies including Stabilimento Armstrong–Pozzuoli, Vickers, Sons & Maxims and Nihon Seiko Shi (Japanese Steelworks) at Muroran, Japan In 1903 entered service in the United Kingdom as the main guns aboard heavy cruisers or battelships.

Wartime History
In 1905 entered service in Japan designated as Type 38 (1905) 8 inch gun. These guns were imported by Japan aboard obsolete warships purchased from the British and Italy before World War I plus guns purchased during the Sino-Japanese War. By 1916, these guns deemed obsolete replaced aboard warships and instead installed on land to defend ports and strategic locations. During World War II, a myth emerged that these guns were captured in Singapore and transported to other locations if false.

References
Spennemann, Dirk H.R. (2000). 8-inch Coastal Defense Guns. British, Italian and Japanese Naval Guns and their Emplacements in Micronesia.

Technical Details
Crew  63 (for two guns, plus 12 laborers for moving ammunition)
Caliber  8-inch 45 caliber
Shell  High Explosive (HE), AP
Fuses  Mechanical time fuse, point detonating fuze