Introduction
Armies of Japan
Imperial Japanese forces fought from the beginning of the war during their stalemate with China in Manchuria in 1931, through their massive expansion across the Pacific, to the very end - with the dropping of the first atomic bomb in 1945.
The Japanese became known for their fanatical fighting spirit - their soldiers having been subjected to years of indoctrination - they would rather take their own lives than risk the dishonour of being captured at the hands of the enemy. Their equipment wasn’t the best - however they developed an intimate knowledge of their surroundings and would often use guerrilla tactics and ambush to wage an intense psychological war upon the enemy before launching desperate assaults in which they’d throw wave after wave of fanatical troops upon the enemy’s guns.
Army Guide
Japanese Army
The Japanese forces would use their knowledge of the terrain and surroundings to try to gain the upper hand - laying traps and ambushes, and using the harsh environment to their advantage. They were so heavily indoctrinated that there wasn’t a thought of surrender - they would fight to the death.
Get started with: Imperial Japanese infantry, Japanese Veteran infantry, Type 97 Chi-Ha tank
Key Battles: Philippines, Burma, Pacific islands
Special Naval Landing Force
The Japanese SNLF were the marines of the Imperial Japanese Navy - highly trained, high quality troops with excellent morale. Their uniforms were olive drab rather than the Army’s khaki and they carried equipment packs including their distinctive gas-masks.
Get started with: Special Naval Landing Force
Key Battles: Philippines, Dutch East Indies, invasion of Timor
