I've noticed that during WW2, Japanese weapons had very unique names. Whereas weapons in America had names like, say, the Thompson, weapons in Japan were called things like, for example, the Type 11 or the Type 92. Why was this? Any answers would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Weapons used by the United States and Japan had a model designation as well as a more common name that referred to its designer.
The Garand "US Rifle Caliber 30 M1". The Thompson was given the designation M1928A1 and there was also an M1 and M1A1 variation. The Grease Gun was called the M3 Submachine gun.
Japanese firearms also made reference to the designer of the firearm. The Type 99 and Type 38 rifle were named the designer Arisaka Nariakira. The Type 14 Nambu handgun was named after Kijiro Nambu, it's designer.
During the Meiji reign , the Japanese numbering system was based on the year of his reign. For example the Type 38 would have been the 38th year of reign. Starting with Hirohito's reign, they adopted a system that took the last two digits of the standard Japanese calendar. The Type 99 would have been adopted in 2599.
I'm honestly not sure what prompted the numerical system in the US. Some use the year of adoption, such as the Model 1911, Model 1903 or Model of 1917. Typically an A1 designates a design change that typically sped up production or reduced cost.
Why the US chose to name their main battle rifle during WWII the M1 I am not sure. I also don't know how they skipped all the way to the M14 during the 50's.