At the end of WWII, many Japanese companies and individuals destroyed any records and mementos they had in fear of reprisals from the Allies. It is a shame that this occured as a great deal of information was lost forever. This has made it particularly difficult for researchers who later tried to piece together events and details after the war. It is one of the reasons why we tend to see the same images over and over again in various books.

However, there are at times those who participated who still have some images and are willing to talk to researchers about their experiences. With most WWII veterans now gone due to old age and other events, finding new material is increasingly difficult. However, after 70 years we are probably as well versed on some subjects as we will ever be. Much research went into the development of this book, and that included talking to survivors.

Prior to the start of the Pacific War, Japanese military aviation design concentrated on developing the best dog-fighters around. The result was the A6M for the Navy and Ki-43 for the Army. These were world beating aircraft in 1941, but they had flaws. They were poorly armed, poorly armored (if at all), were not particularly fast, and were unable to operate at altitudes much about 15,000 feet.

Belatedly, it was realized that what was needed was an interceptor. A plane capable of getting off the ground and getting to enemy bombers. The Navy first developed the J2M Raiden to meet this need. It was fast, well armed, and difficult to fly, thanks to its short wings and high wing loading. It also had some difficulty reaching altitude, though unlike earlier planes, could do it. This land based plane was built in relatively small numbers and once it was superceded by the N1K2 Shiden and Shiden-kai, production ceased.

The N1K2 was the Navy's best fighter of WWII. It was fast, maneuvered well, was heavily armed and provided pilot protection. It was also plagued by a troublesome engine and the initial types had landing gear that could collapse when taxying over rough ground. Indeed, even on later plates, maneuvering might cause the landing gear to extend. This was not good. Production was also hampered by US bombing.

This book covers the men who flew these types during WWII. It is perhaps telling that only one pilot ever made ace flying the J2M and the same was true of the N1K2 Shiden, though many were successful with the N1K2-J Shiden-kai. In fact, the 343rd Wing was manned by the best of the best and was quite successful with the type when compared to other units. The author covers first the development of the Raiden  and then the units that flew it, providing a brief operational history of each unit. This format extends to the Shiden and the Shiden-kai as well. The book is well illustrated with images of the planes and the pilots, proving a fascinating narrative of their exploits against American aircraft during this time. The book is further enhanced with some interesting tables and a very nice selection of full color profiles, a feature for which Osprey aviation books are well known.

In all, it makes for a superb look at an aspect of the air war in the Pacific which we rarely see.

 March 2016

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