noun
marines (former Japanese Navy)
Historical term for the marine corps of the former Imperial Japanese Navy. Not used for modern marine forces.
戦前、海兵団は海軍の陸戦部隊として重要な役割を果たした。
Before the war, the marines played an important role as the navy's ground combat force.
Compound of 海 (kai, 'sea'), 兵 (hei, 'soldier'), and 団 (dan, 'group, corps'). The term refers specifically to the marine corps of the former Imperial Japanese Navy.