Fighting Techniques of a Japanese Infantryman 1941-1945: Training, Techniques and Weapons



This fascinating volume on the Imperial Japanese Army relates to the organisation, training, tactics, weapons and most importantly, its mindset and indoctrination. Like many other books on the Japanese military, it has been observed that the Japanese society then was heavily indoctrinated and militarised. Dissidents were eliminated much earlier, as were dissenting points of views.

One particularly interesting aspect is that of the myth of jungle-trained Japanese troops. It is noted that the Japanese troops trained under severely conditions in all kinds of climate and terrain. The distances in their force-marches were incredible as were their ability to withstand hardship. Hence, when it came to jungle fighting, the Japanese were formidable.

The doctrine also discouraged frontal attacks though Japanese commanders were so aggressive that they often organised the hasty, frontal attack. Night attacks, double envelopment, etc.

This is quite a good read. The volume is well-illustrated too.