"KAIGUN SENTO DAI 812 HIKOTAI"

Title: "Kaigun Sento Dai 812 Hikotai - Nihon Kaigun Yakan Sentoki-tai "Fuyo Butai" Ibun"

(The Legend of I.J.N Night Fighter SQ "Sen-To 812" with photo & illustrated)

Authors: Yoshino Yasutaka

Pages: 244

Photos: 118 b/w, 20 in-colour

Size: 21X26cm

Art: 22 colour profiles by Nishikawa Yoshinobu, 4 pages of illustrations by Sato Shigeo & Kunihiko

Published by: Dai Nippon Kaiga, Nov. 2012, p/b

Comments: PERFECT coverage of the unit, mostly equipped with Yokosuka D4Y2-S "Suisei" Night Fighters, but also Nakajima J1N "Gekko". Plenty of maps explain the various combat missions of the unit and pilot biographies. In short, everything you want to know about the unit. The color-detailed illustrations of the "Suisei" by Sato-sama are particularly interesting since they show the cockpit of the aircraft and the various bombs used. Although it's all in Japanese, this publication, for which Yoshino-san and DNK should be commended for all the effort they put in, is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to all Japanese aviation history fans. DO NOT MISS IT!

The publication is in print and available.

Price: $US 33.00 (Postage NOT included)

Send over an email if interested with your name and delivery address (to calculate postage): arawasiorder@gmail.com

"Combat History of the 96 Rikko"

The absolutely best history book on the Mitsubishi G3M "Nell" is entitled "96 Rikko Senshi" (Combat History of the 96 Rikko), authored by Kobayashi Noboru. Kobayashi-san's exhaustive research and personal interviews with surviving veterans make this book an essential gem in the library of Japanese aviation history buffs. It's a Japanese publication, so naturally it's all in Japanese.

Title: "96 Rikko Senshi" (Combat History of the 96 Rikko)

Author: Kobayashi Noboru

Pages: 628

Photos: 385 b/w

Size: 14X20cm

Published by: Kojinsha 2022, h/b

The publication is in print and available.

Price: $US 27.00 (Postage NOT included)

Send over an email if interested with your name and delivery address (to calculate postage): arawasiorder@gmail.com

"Tsukuba Kokutai Fighter Squadron"

About this time last year, Dai Nippon Kaiga released a new book dedicated to the fighter squadron of the Tsukuba Kokutai, written and illustrated by Yoshino Yasutaka. It's a well researched book with plenty of photos and material. Especially interesting to modellers and historians focusing on aerial warfare in Japan during the war's final year.

Contents:

Paint Schemes and Markings of Aircraft Belonging to the Tsukuba Kokutai 

Prologue: What is the Tsukuba Kokutai? 

Part 1 – Naval Pilot Training Courses and Training Kokutai 

Part 2 – Training Aircraft of the Tsukuba Kokutai: Zero Carrier-Based Fighter Kawanishi ‘Shiden’  

Chapter 1: The Pursuit of the B-29. The first enemy the Tsukuba Kokutai engaged: the ‘B-29’

 Chapter 2: Fierce Battles with Enemy Carrier-Based Aircraft. The formidable foe that ran rampant over the Kanto region: the ‘F6F’. Verification of the serial numbers and variants of the Zero fighters from the Tsukuba Kokutai’s Fighter Squadron that participated in the interception missions.

Chapter 3: The Okinawa Air Campaign. Easier to handle than its menacing appearance suggests? The ‘F4U’. Casualties from the Tsukuba Kokutai’s Fighter Squadron.

Title: "Imperial Japanese Navy Tsukuba Fring [sic] Group, Fighter Squadron"

Authors: Yoshino Yasutaka

Published by: Dainippon Kaiga, March 2025

Pages: 176

Photos: 116

Profiles: 40

Size: 21X26cm

The book is available.

Price: $US 39.00 (Postage NOT included)

Send over an email if interested with your name and delivery address (to calculate postage): arawasiorder@gmail.com

"Betty's War History" by "Sato Nobuhiko "

The finest historical book on the kokutai that operated the Mitsubishi G4M "Betty" is named "Betty's War History," authored by "Sato Nobuhiko" and released by Kojinsha. Even though it’s entirely in Japanese, this hardcover is filled with valuable information and includes numerous photos not available elsewhere.

Not ideal for modellers looking for illustrations and technical details, but if you genuinely wish to learn more about the Japanese perspective during the Pacific War, this book is indeed priceless.

It serves as our main source for all content related to "Betty" units.

Can't reccomend it enough!

Title: "Betty's War History - The Navy Attack Land Bomber from the birth to the end" (一式陸攻戦史, 海軍陸上攻撃機の誕生から終焉まで)

Author: "Sato Nobuhiko"

Published by: Ushio Shobo / Kojinsha 2015 h/b

Pages: 480

Photos: 262 b/w

Illustrations: 14

Size: 14X20cm

The publication is in print and available.

Price: $US 20.00 (Postage NOT included)

Send over an email if interested with your name and delivery address (to calculate postage): arawasiorder@gmail.com

Heads Up! - IJAAF Aces Biography by DNK

The very latest release by Dai Nippon Kaiga (DNK) is dedicated to the biographies of IJAAF Aces. It's basically the well-known Hata/Izawa publication but it's full of photos of (almost) every ace and their aircraft and also, more importantly, of color illustrations of the aircraft. There is also a number of photos not included in the original Hata/Izawa publication. Although all in Japanese, this is a most interesting publication and very inspiring for modellers.

Title: "Nihon Rikugun Sentokitai 2 - Ace Retsuden"

(The Imperial Japanese Army Fighter Group 2 - Ace Biographies)

Author: Hata / Izawa

Artwork: Ninomiya Shigeki

Published by: DNK, 2024 p/b

Pages: 208

Photos: 287b/w

Profiles: 80

Size: 21X26cm

The publication is in-print.

Price: $US 40.00 (Postage NOT included)

Send over a PM or email us if interested with your name and delivery address (to calculate postage): arawasiorder@gmail.com

"A History of IJN's Night-Fighter Units" 日本海軍夜間邀撃戦 - Library

The ultimate book on the IJNAF night fighters. Released in 2004 by "Dai Nippon Kaiga" and penned by the most prolific Japanese aviation author, Watanabe Yoji, this hard-back publication details the combat history of all the night fighter units of the IJNAF and is accompanied by hudrends of photos, some never published anywhere else. It is mostly a history book, without any aircraft details the modellers look for for their models but nevertheless the sheer amount of photos and material makes it worthwhile, even though it's all in Japanese with no English whatsoever.
A book that should not be missing in the library of Japanese aviation enthusiasts.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Title: "日本海軍夜間邀撃戦"  (A History of IJN's Night-Fighter Units)
Author: Watanabe Yoji
Published by: Dai Nippon Kaiga,2004
Pages: 496, hard cover
Size: 16X21cm
Photos: 310 b/w 
Price: 35$US
The publication is in-print and limited copies are available through our online store. Send over an email with your name and delivery address (to calculate postage): arawasiorder@gmail.com

"Air Battle off Taiwan" 台湾沖航空戦 - Library

A publication I recently added to my library is this pocket size release, entitled "Air Battle Off Taiwan" by Jinno Masami. It deals extensively with the history of the "T-Kogeki Butai", we first encountered here, with a good number of photos of IJNAF AND IJAAF bomber units (torpedo equipped "Hiryu"), I hadn't seen before. A very interesting publication for aviation historians.

Highly Recommended!

Title: "台湾沖航空戦 T攻撃部隊 陸海軍雷撃隊の死闘" 

(Taiwan-oki Koku-sen T-Kogeki Butai RikuKaiGun Raigeki-tai no Shito : Air Battle off Taiwan - T Attack Force - Death Struggle of the Army and Navy Lightning Strike Corps)

Author: Jinno Masami

Published by: Ushio Shobo / Kojin Shinsha, Sep 24,2024

Pages: 451, soft cover

Size: 10X15cm

Photos: 83 b/w 

Price: 1260Yen

Mitsubishi ‘Babs’ Volume I by Picarella & Abe

Received the other day my complimentary copy of the latest MMP release, dedicated to the Mitsubishi Ki-15 "Babs". 

Title: Mitsubishi "Babs" vol. 1,  The world’s first high-speed strategic reconnaissance aircraft

Authors: Showzow Abe - Giuseppe Picarella

Illustratior: Giuseppe Picarella

Format: 30X21cm, hardback, 192 pages, all in colour

Photos: 117 B&W

Illustrations: 60 in colour, majority in 1:48 or 1:72 scales

Published by Mushroom Model Publications, 2022

The book has five chapters.

Chapter 1: Japanese land-based reconnaissance aircraft 1911-1935

Chapter 2: Made in Japan

Chapter 3: Strategic reconnaissance – uncharted territory

Chapter 4: kamikaze flight

Chapter 5: Changing the rules of the game

They detail the history of the Japanese reconnaissance aircraft types, the design development of the "Babs", short histories of the units that operated the type, the "Kamikaze" flight as well as the other, little-known civilian "Babs".

This is the only publication on the "Babs" in English, excellently illustrated, with plenty of photos and material. It will be accompanied by vol.2 which will feature more technical illustrations. 

RECOMMENDED!

Thank you very much, Joe and MMP for the copy.

Heads Up! - "Pacific Profiles Vol.5" by M.J. Claringbould

"Pacific Profiles Volume five - Japanese Navy Zero Fighters (land-based) New Guinea and the Solomons 1942-1944" by Michael John Claringbould with Ed DeKiep & Ryan Toews, published by Avonmore Books

120 pages, 62 photos of which 10 in colour, 101 profiles all in colour!

Illustrated by unit are abundant examples of varied markings, tail codes, leadership hallmarks and camouflage schemes which appeared on the thirteen Air Groups (Kokutai) operating in the theatre from February 1942 to February 1944. Each of the 101 profiles is supported by primary source material including colour photos, Japanese records, POW interrogations, technical reports, post-war wreck examinations and Allied intelligence summaries. These are accompanied by brief histories of each unit and notes on the changing nature of each unit's markings.

Never before have such accurate profiles been presented. Past errors are corrected, and many new markings including hokoku (patriotic) Kanji are presented for the first time. 

A quite interesting publication, very helpful and inspiring, especially for modellers.

Thank you MC for the sample copy.

Heads Up! - Yokosuka D4Y "Suisei" (Judy) by DNK

A "Heads Up!" today for the three Dai Nippon Kaiga titles on the Yokosuka D4Y "Suisei" (Judy), available from our on-line store, here, here & here.

And let's remember Dan Salamone's brilliant model in 1/48, here.

EE#3 - Mitsubishi Ki-21 "Sally" & Fiat BR.20 in hinomaru - OUT NOW!

After a very long wait, our latest publication in the Eagle Eye series, dedicated to two IJAAF bombers and titled "Mitsubishi Ki-21 "Sally" & Fiat BR.20 "Cicogna" in hinomaru", is NOW OUT!

192 pages, 

2 foldouts including extremely detailed multi-view illustrations in 1/72,

345 (!) photos of which 30 in colour,

70 colour illustrations,

97 drawings and other illustrations including "Sally's" manual,

17 maps.

Extensive coverage of all the campaigns the two bombers were involved in. Special and extensive focus on the Giretsu and other paratroop and glider operations. Special chapters on the Civilian and Green Cross "Sallys" and a lot more with many surprises and material that appear first time in-print!

You can order this monumental work now!

Price is 45+15(postage by air mail for all countries except Japan) = $US60

You can send payment directly to our PayPal address: contact@arawasi.jp 

Please don't forget to include your name and current postal address.

If you're interested to order our other publications in the Eagle Eye series (here & here) or other items from our on-line store, HERE, email us at our new address: arawasiorder@gmail.com with your name, address and a list of the items you're interested in and we'll reply within 24hours with availability and total pricing.

We have already started shipping all pre-orders.

Heads Up! - P-47D Thunderbolt vs Ki-43-II Oscar

Just got my copy of the Osprey publication "P-47D Thunderbolt vs Ki-43-II Oscar" by Michael John Claringbould and illustrated by Jim Laurier and Gareth Hector.

As the publisher says:

"Fully illustrated throughout with artwork and rare photographs, this fascinating book examines these two vastly different fighters in the New Guinea theatre, and assesses the unique geographic conditions that shaped their deployment and effectiveness."

I like it a lot. Particularly well researched and very readable. Plenty of photos and illustrations that help a lot to visualize the combat actions. Very recommended! 

Thank you Osprey for the rare complimentary copy.

Mitsubishi A6M Reisen Zeke - book review

 

Mitsubishi A6M Reisen Zeke Vol. I by Dariusz Paduch
Kagero, Monograph 3072
ISBN: 9788366673014

 

This soft bound volume is a study of the development of the Imperial Japanese Navy carrier-borne fighter. The Japanese were the first to have a purpose built carrier-based aircraft. Paduch takes us through the evolution and development of the naval fighter and how from the earliest days from examined samples from France, Great Britain, U.S.A. and Germany the Japanese were able to synthesise their own superior aircraft. It is filled with historical data and exposes the conflict between the hierarchy, competitors, and demands of experienced pilots and how Jiro Horikoshi with his team developed the most heavily armed of all contemporary single engine fighters. The 12 Shi specification was nigh impossible to entertain, but Mitsubishi persevered and the result was the A6M. It was a marriage of powerplant propellor, aerodynamic efficiency and maximum reduction of weight. This excellent in-depth work contains 104 pages, 119 black and white photos, 8 colour profiles and plan view and scale drawings in 1/72 and 1/48. It's a must for any student of Japanese aviation.

 

- Gary Wenko -

Kayaba Ka-Go & IJAAF Autogyros

19 years ago (!!!) Keith Walker recommended a video in the comments section of a blog post and unfortunately it went overlooked. With the current overhaul I rediscovered it and I'm now presenting this fascinating video mix of various short clips featuring Kayaba Ka-Go and other IJAAF autogyros. Video source is HERE.

There are very very few books specifically on the Japanese autogyros. The classic is this one:

Title: "Rikugun Ka-Go Kansokuki" (Army Ka-Go Observation Plane)

Author: Tamate Eiji

Published by: Kojinsha 2002 h/b, in-print?

Pages: 356, Size: 20X14cm, Photos: 114 b/w, Illustrations: 19

A SUPERB book on the Kayaba Ka-Go. Fantastic photos, many never published anywhere else, detailed manufacturer's illustrations and a small section on the building of a model in 1/24. The best book on the type. Text is all in Japanese.

A few years ago, Dai Nippon Kaiga released this book:

Title: "Nihon Rikugun no Koku Bokan" (The Aircraft Carriers of The Imperial Japanese Army) 

Author: Okumoto Go

Published by: Dai Nippon Kaiga, 2011, p/b, in print

Pages: 128, Size: 30X21, Photos: 120, CG Illustrations: Watanabe Atsushi, Drawings: Okumoto Go 

It's a nice publication but the focus is exactly on what the title says: IJA Carriers. Very few autogyro photos, none new, and about a dozen very nice Ki-76 photos which unfortunately are presented more as an afterthought than a subject of main interest. The all-in-Japanese text doesn't help at all either. 

Below is our original 2011 post.

There are very few photos of this autogyro inspired by the Kellet KD-1A and built by Kayaba.

This one is the Kayaba Ka-go 2 with a Jakobs L-4 M A-7 air-cooled, seven-cylinder engine.

The story goes like this: the IJAAF imported a Kellet KD-1A from the States for evaluation. Unfortunately it was damaged during trials and the Army gave it to Kayaba to repair it. Kayaba installed a Jacobs engine and produced one more experimental test machine designated Ka-2. It was found to be very satisfactory and the Army decided to put it into mass production as the Ka-1 but with a different engine; an Argus As 10c eight-cylinder.

It served as artillery spotter and, according to a Japanese reference, with the 107 Sentai.

It also served in the anti-submarine role equipped with depth charges from the Army aircraft carrier Akitsu Maru. The first in the world to do so.

Those who have the Francillon volume will notice some differences with the text above.   

Heads up!

For the latest issue of "Avions" - September/October issue - featuring a quite interesting article by Bernard Baeza with profiles by Thierry Dekker entitled: "La Chasse De L'Armee Imperial Japonaise Aux Philippines" (The Fighters of the Imperial Japanese Army in the Philippines). 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW MODEL ART!!!

Model Art Profile #14 - Mitsubishi Ki-15 & C5M "Babs", "Kamikaze" and "Asakaze"

Published by Model Art, June. 2019, p/b Pages: 130
Size: 18X26 cm

Comments: A brand new release from Model Art on very overlooked subject. This is actually the first ever Japanese publication dedicated to the Mitsubishi Ki-15 & C5M "Babs" and the civilian "Kamikaze" and "Asakaze". It starts with 17 b/w photos of the military IJAAF and IJNAF "Babs", then two chapters on the development on the type and the engine, followed by 14 pages of the reccord "Kamikaze" flight with manga illustrations and photos. The next 10-page chapter, with 30 photos, is entitled "the Wings of Newspaper Company" and offers a nice photos combilation of newspaper aircraft. 14 pages are saved for the IJAAF units that operated the type, their camo and tail markings followed by 13 pages on the IJNAF units and operational history. The next 11 pages feature line illustrations in-scale of the various types and the maintenance manual of the "Babs". Finally 27 pages feature various "Babs" Fine Molds models including a special on the blue color of the "Kamikaze". The book ends with a presentation of various "Kamikaze" memorabilia.
 A publication that has been very nicely put together and is most helpful to modelers.

ALL PHOTO CAPTIONS ARE TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH.

VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

The publication is available from our on-line store, HERE.

WELCOME ABOARD - NEW book!

 

Title: Welcome Aboard: Memorabilia from the Early Years of Japanese Air Journeys

Author & publisher: Yanagisawa Koji, May 2019, p/b
Pages: 250
Photos: 260+ b/w
Size: 18X26 cm

 

An absolutely amazing publication featuring the private collection of one of the very few experts on the little known subject of Japanese civilian aviation; Yanagisawa Koji. All in color, every page offers a surprise. Hundreds of posters, stickers, pamphlets and incredible images of every kind of memorabilia from the early Japanese airlines but also the Manchukuo and China (under Japanese control) that travel the reader to long gone but most exciting times. A very unique and beautiful publication with VERY high quality photos in an excellent lay-out that makes this book an absolute pleasure to read. All the captions are in English.

One of the best aviation books ever published in Japan!
ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL & VERY, VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Available from our on-line store, HERE.