Nihon Silk:
The Designer's Perspective
By Jay Townsend
December 2011

Thinking back on Nihon Silk, Japanese Paratrooper actions of WWII in the Panzer Grenadier series, I found researching and putting the scenarios together as gratifying as playing them. What I really wanted was something to add to the Panzer Grenadier series that would be unique to the series like War On The Equator or Iron Curtain but still in the WWII historical era. Keeping this in mind, I also wanted something in the Pacific. That theater doesn’t get as much attention and included more than two nationalities. Originally I came up with the name Japanese Paratroopers but Avalanche Press produced a better title with Nihon Silk. Most important, I wanted the scenarios to be balanced and fun to play but still remaining historically accurate, maybe by messing with the victory conditions to achieve the afore-mentioned.

Originally I had much simpler Airdrop and Glider Landing rules but developer John Stafford created a much more detailed Airdrop & Glider Landing set of rules. After using them, I really think they are much more enjoyable and add a whole new strategy to the five scenarios out of 10 that actually have Airdrops. Very fun to manage this but it also creates more difficulties for the Japanese in both casualities and planning. A very fun new factor in managing these scenarios in my opinion! I am glad John upgraded these rules.

What I also like about Nihon Silk is that includes Japanese Army and SNLF paratroopers, American Army, Marines & Airborne troops, and Dutch, British and Australian forces. All sides have some unique unit types and face unusual situations, so each scenario has a different feel. There are a lot of new units and the first appearance of the Dutch in the Panzer Grenadier series. There are also vehicles in six out of the 10 scenarios, believe it or not. The Japanese get their Type 2 tank, the Dutch have some AFV’s and for you armor-loving guys, I included one of the larger late-war tank engagements in Philippines just to around out the scenario supplement to ten scenarios. Only one scenario out of ten is hypothetical but it’s not too “out there” as it was an operation planned at one time by the Japanese.

Lastly, but not least, I wanted to give Panzer Grenadier gamers something different to enjoy and help Avalanche Press get their machine rolling again. I wish it could have appeared a printed version but the download has given me a lot of joy and I hope it has the same effect on gamers. Thanks Avalanche for the opportunity and for publishing a fun subject that rarely gets any attention.

Nihon Silk Errata

• The game also requires Guadalcanal to play 4 of the scenarios, besides the other games listed.

• Scenario #2: Koepang, Day One: Should have one Dutch Tank Leader and Eliminated Armored Cars & Tanks should count double for points not just the AC's.

• Scenario #3: Koepang, Day Two: The second group of Allied troops: 2/40th Infantry Battalion (Australian) and VIII Infantry Battalion (Dutch) enter from the West edge of Board 34 NOT the East edge!

• Scenario #7: Valencia: The victory condition should state: the Japanese win if they eliminate three or more American steps, anything else is an American Victory.

Click here to download Nihon Silk at the speed of light.