also: にっぽんぐん
noun
Imperial Japanese military
Historical term referring to the armed forces of the Empire of Japan (pre-1945).
日本軍は1945年に降伏した。
The Imperial Japanese military surrendered in 1945.
祖父は日本軍の兵士だった。
My grandfather was a soldier in the Imperial Japanese military.
Refers to the modern Japan Self-Defense Forces, established after WWII, distinct from the pre-war Imperial military.
Compound of 日本 (Japan) and 軍 (military, army).