WW2 Japanese imperial guards enlisted wool cap

This is a very rare wool cap, worn only by Japanese army imperial guards. The imperial guards were the Japanese army personnel who guarded the emperor's palace and properties throughout Japan. Their insignia differs from the army in that the star on the front of the cap also has a wreath around it. This is a late war cap made without air vents or lining. The chinstrap is made of cotton with brass buttons. The sweat band is also made of cotton. Especially in 1945, the emperor  required even more dedicated military forces to guard him during the expected invasion of Japan.  As a result, many more soldiers were assigned to the imperial guards as the war came to an end. This is in unissued condition. It was undoubtedly brought back by a G.I. or Marine at the end of World War II during occupation duty.