Japanese WWII Imperial Army (Banzai) Bugle-Originally, Japanese soldiers signaled battle commands and retreats with conch shell flutes. By the 1800s, western-style bugles like this one replaced them. Documentation states that in WWII, buglers in every company signaled Banzai charges. The bugle is made of heavy brass with a nickel silver plated brass mouthpiece. It still has the original red cord and two tassels which signify the Army. The mouthpiece is marked with a chrysanthemum. Aside from a few dings and dents, this is in very good condition.