Historical Pilots of the Tainan Kōkūtai – as of December 7, 1941

[Peiper1944]

Historical Pilots of the Tainan Kōkūtai – as of December 7, 1941
Goal: Identifying and completing full names for use in WitP:AE

Hello everyone,

I'm currently working on a mod project for War in the Pacific: Admiral’s Edition, with the goal of making the Tainan Kōkūtai's pilot roster as of December 7, 1941 as historically accurate as possible – including full names, correct ranks.

Why this project?

Many pilots in-game are only listed with abbreviated names – some historically inspired, others fictional.
By researching real-life counterparts and expanding their profiles, I hope to:

• give the unit more personality and narrative depth
• highlight famous aces
• and offer players a stronger historical immersion when using air units

Confirmed historical pilots (Tainan Ku S-1, Det A & B):

Saburō Sakai- Top ace, 60+ victories, wounded but survived the war, author of Samurai
Jun’ichi Sasai- Charismatic young leader, killed over Guadalcanal
]Hideki Shingō- Mission leader during Clark Field attack on Dec 8, 1941
Toshio Ōta- Wingman of Sakai, killed in action in 1942
Watari Handa- Veteran, mentally shattered after Honda's death, died shortly after
Toshiaki Honda- Fell during recon mission over Port Moresby, May 1942
Nobuo Tokushige- Disappeared near New Britain, August 1942
Yoshisuke Arita- Experienced NCO, killed over New Guinea in May 1942
Takeichirō Hidaka- Shot down and killed during escort over Port Moresby
Masaaki Shimakawa- Original Tainan member, later transferred to Kaga, fought at Midway
Yasuna Kozono- Flight leader and strategist, later involved in rocket weapon development
Tadashi Nakajima- Skilled and reliable combat pilot


What I’m looking for:

I’d greatly appreciate if anyone can…

• confirm additional historical names from my pilot list
• provide full names or verified identities (e.g. “Matsuki, S.” or “Kobayashi, K.”)
• share sources such as books, archives, Japanese databases, etc.


Source Material:

• Scenario 1 pilot rosters from in-game
• Screenshots of Tainan Ku S-1 / Det A / Det B
• Memoirs and reference books (e.g. Samurai, Henry Sakaida’s works, Pacific Wrecks)
• Old forum posts, including Tanaka’s 2009 Tainan thread


Sample entries from in-game roster:

Tainan Ku S-1:
Shimakawa, Masaaki
Tokushige, Nobuo
Nakajima, Tadashi
Kozono, Yasuna
Honda, Toshiaki
Sakai, Saburō
Sasai, Jun’ichi
Shingō, Hideki
Ōta, Toshio

Tainan Ku S-1 Det A:
Handa, Watari

Tainan Ku S-1 Det B:
Arita, Yoshisuke
Hidaka, Takeichirō


Project Goal:

To compile a fully verified historical pilot list for Tainan Kōkūtai as of December 7, 1941 – ideally including:

• Full names
• Rank

Community Call:

If you have insights, resources, or wish to collaborate on historically authentic Japanese air units – I’d be thrilled to hear from you!
Feedback, corrections, or further names are most welcome.

Best regards,
[Peiper1944]

[Leandros]

Cool project!

Fred

[Peiper1944]

Hello everyone,

While reviewing various Japanese sources and historical materials (including Sakaida, Pacific Wrecks, and JACAR), I was able to identify a few additional pilots who likely served with Tainan Ku S-1 and its detachments during the early war period. The original list has been expanded with the following names.

Additionally, I would like to clarify that the famous Hiroyoshi Nishizawa was still assigned to Chitose Ku S-1 as of December 7, 1941, and did not transfer to Tainan Ku S-1 until late January 1942.

Expanded List (with short biographies)

Tainan Ku S-1:

• Shimakawa, Masaaki – Veteran of the first missions over the Philippines; close wingman of Saburō Sakai.
• Tokushige, Nobuo – Flight mate in the early phase, went missing in 1942 over New Guinea.
• Nakajima, Tadashi – Experienced pilot, flew many missions during the southern campaign.
• Kozono, Yasuna – Technical specialist and pilot; later known for radar experiments on Iwo Jima.
• Honda, Toshiaki – Lesser-known but confirmed participant in early battles.
• Sakai, Saburō – The most famous survivor of the unit; author of “Zero!”.
• Sasai, Jun-ichi – Buntaichō (flight leader), charismatic and well-liked, KIA in 1942.
• Shingo, Hideki – Operational pilot; details remain unclear.
• Ōta, Toshio – Close friend of Sasai; died heroically in air combat in 1942.
• Endō, Masao – Active over Luzon early in the war; later reported missing.
• Ishida, Tetsuo – Line pilot of the squadron; survived several engagements.
• Uto, Kenji – Led formations in daylight raids; later active over New Guinea.
• Yokoyama, Kazuo – Sparsely documented, likely served as line pilot.
• Nozawa, Shigeo – Listed in 1942 casualty records.
• Kobayashi, Katsumi – One of the senior pilots; confirmed active since December 1941.
• Motoyoshi, Yoshio – KIA over Port Moresby in May 1942.
• Kudō, Shigetoshi – Later became a night-fighter ace; gained first combat experience with Tainan Ku.
• Kakimoto, Enji – Reinforcement pilot during the early war phase.

Tainan Ku S-1 Detachment A:

• Handa, Watari – Active during the Tarakan operation; likely transferred to 204th Ku later.
• Izumi, Hideo – Participated in early missions over Mindoro; survived initial combat phase.

Tainan Ku S-1 Detachment B:

• Arita, Yoshisuke – Flight officer during the Borneo campaign.
• Hidaka, Takeichirō – Later became commander of the 343rd Ku; began his career in Tainan Ku.
• Saeki, Yoshimichi – Confirmed service over the Celebes; later officer in 201st Ku.

Tainan Ku S-1.png (251.3 KiB) Viewed 777 times

Tainan Ku S-1 Det A.png (228.2 KiB) Viewed 777 times

Tainan Ku S-1 Det B.png (234.3 KiB) Viewed 777 times

Tainan Ku S-1 Reserve Pool.png (42.33 KiB) Viewed 777 times

I would be happy to receive any additions or corrections if anyone has further details about the pilots listed here.

Best regards,
Fred

[Peiper1944]

The Cursed Trio.png (1.51 MiB) Viewed 759 times

[Tanaka]

Oh this is very cool. Looks like we have the same books:

Samarai: Saburo Sakai
Aces of the Rising Sun: Henry Sakaida

Also have

Zero: Okumiya, Horikoshi, Caidin

Completely forgot about my thread it's been so long thanks for posting:

https://forums.matrixgames.com/viewtopic.php?t=165403

Yes Nishizawa was assigned to the Chitose Kokutai until the last week of January 1942.

Nishizawa, Ota, Sasai, Takatsuka and Sakai:

[Peiper1944]

Thanks to the photos you shared, I was able to definitively identify another key historical figure of the Tainan Kōkūtai and assign him correctly in the editor. Your contribution was crucial in further completing the historical picture of this legendary unit.

The following were added:

- Saitō Masahisa – Commanding officer of the Tainan Kōkūtai as of October 1941. A charismatic yet disciplined leader who played a central role in shaping the unit into an elite combat formation.
- Takatsuka Tora’ichi – A veteran of the China campaign and bold close-combat air warrior, whose fearless fighting style left a lasting mark over Luzon and later over Guadalcanal.

With these additions, the unit gains noticeably more historical depth and authenticity in-game.
Once again, thank you Tanaka – this would not have been possible without your help!

new Pilot Takatsuka Tora ichi.png (322.2 KiB) Viewed 675 times

new Commander Saito Masahisa.png (292.66 KiB) Viewed 675 times

A heartfelt thank you to Tanaka!

[Peiper1944]

I have found new pilots for the Tainan Kōkūtai

Tainan Ku S-1:

• Saito Masahisa (Commander)
• Shimakawa, Masaaki
• Tokushige, Nobuo
• Nakajima, Tadashi
• Kozono, Yasuna
• Honda, Toshiaki
• Sakai, Saburo
• Sasai, Jun ichi
• Shingo, Hideki
• Ota, Toshio
• Endo, Masao
• Ishida, Tetsuo
• Uto, Kenji
• Yokoyama, Kazuo
• Nozawa, Shigeo
• Kobayashi, Katsumi
• Motoyoshi, Yoshio
• Kudo, Shigetoshi
• Kakimoto, Enji
• Takatsuka, Tora ichi
• Hori, Mitsuo
• Ishihara, Susumu
• Isozaki, Chitoshi
• Kurosawa, Seiichi
• Oki, Yoshio
• Ono, Takeyoshi
• Sato, Hitoshi
• Shigemi, Katsuma
• Tanaka, Kuniyoshi

Tainan Ku S-1 Det A:

• Handa, Watari
• Izumi, Hideo
• Matsuki, Susumu
• Uehara, Sadao

Tainan Ku S-1 Det B:

• Arita, Yoshisuke
• Hidaka, Takeichiro
• Saeki, Yoshimichi
• Kamihira, Keishu
• Kikuchi, Tesuo

[Peiper1944]

Pilots of the Tainan Kōkūtai from December 7, 1941 to disbandment in November 1942

Saitō Masahisa
The calm but determined commander whose disciplined unit of veterans and rookies formed a fighter group by October 1941. They flew their first mission over Luzon on December 8, making Tainan the spearhead of the Japanese air force.

Sakai Saburō
An experienced flyer from the China War. He scored three kills on the first day (P‑40 & B‑17) and later showed moral courage in January 1942 when he protected a civilian aircraft against orders. He became a heroic, emotionally driven figure who fought and survived even Guadalcanal.

Nishizawa Hiroyoshi
A naturally gifted ace, part of the famous “Cleanup Trio” from December 1941. Known for wild pack flights and spectacular kills, he recorded over 80 kills before his death. His fiery spirit left a lasting legacy.

Sasai Jun’ichi
Only 23 years old in January 1942, he stood out with judo-like bravery and a striking tiger insignia. Rapidly promoted to flight leader, he became a campaign icon over Luzon and Java before falling in combat in August 1942.

Handa Watari
A quiet strategist from the China War, dependable and crucial to unit stability during chaotic early stages. He remained active until the disbandment.

Takatsuka Tora’ichi
An old-school dogfighter who brought his close-combat flair to the skies over Luzon in 1942. His disappearance over Guadalcanal became a legend.

Shimakawa Masaaki
Sakai’s closest wingman. Together, they formed an inseparable team from December 1941 until Shimakawa was transferred to the carrier Kaga in April 1942. He later flew at Midway and Guadalcanal, survived malaria, and returned to Japan in 1943 as an instructor.

Ōta Toshio
Charming but lethally precise, Nishizawa’s close partner. He was killed in action over Guadalcanal in October 1942 with about 34 kills.

Uto Kazushi ("Popo")
Initially a shy ground crew member, he became a surprising talent in the air. By spring 1942, he had scored 19 kills before vanishing on a mission over New Guinea on September 13.

Yamaguchi Kaoru & Itō Tsutomu
Key participants in the May 1942 Port Moresby action. Yamaguchi was killed, and Itō was captured in Australia—a sobering example of the risks they faced.

Kudō Shigetoshi
An unusual hero—originally a reconnaissance pilot, later became a night-fighter ace. In May 1943, flying modified J1N Irving aircraft over Rabaul, he became the first Japanese pilot to shoot down B‑17s at night—a symbol of adaptability and skill.

Isozaki Chitoshi
Part of Tainan in early 1942. Active over Luzon and Java with about 12 kills, he survived the war.

Ishihara Susumu
Flight leader with approx. 16 kills, notably active over the Solomons in 1943.

Hori Mitsuo
Joined Tainan in 1942, scored 11 kills between New Guinea and the Solomons.

Honda Toshiaki
Credited with about 23 kills, he was shot down over New Guinea in May 1942.

Kobayashi Katsumi
Reliable officer, present since December 1941. Structured formations and was the unit’s backbone.

Nakajima Tadashi
Flight commander known for the Lae raid in May 1942, leading comrades like Sakai and Nishizawa.

Kozono Yasuna
The unit’s technical officer and later the brain behind radar testing on Iwo Jima. He combined strategic thinking with field duty.

Other confirmed pilots:
Izumi Hideo, Arita Yoshisuke, Ono Takeyoshi, Saeki Yoshimichi, Hidaka Takeichirō, Kakimoto Enji, Endō Masao, Shingo Hideki, Ishida Tetsuo, Yokoyama Kazuo, Nozawa Shigeo, Motoyoshi Yoshio

Sub-unit involvement:
Izumi flew missions over Mindoro. Arita and Hidaka participated in the Borneo phase and later built notable careers (e.g., Hidaka as 343rd Ku CO). Saeki later commanded the 201st Ku over Celebes, as confirmed by multiple records.

Ranking by significance (until disbandment in Nov. 1942):

1. Nishizawa Hiroyoshi – precise "Devil of Rabaul", lethal and legendary
2. Sakai Saburō – veteran, moral center, living legend
3. Ōta Toshio – deadly and charming, tragic fall
4. Sasai Jun’ichi – youthful tiger, fearless leader
5. Kudō Shigetoshi – night-fighter pioneer, first Irving ace
6. Kobayashi Katsumi – veteran stabilizer of early Tainan ops
7. Yamaguchi Kaoru – fallen hero of Port Moresby
8. Takatsuka Tora’ichi – daring close-combat specialist
9. Nakajima Tadashi – key commander during Moresby ops
10. Izumi Hideo – reliable early-war contributor
11. Shimakawa Masaaki – Sakai's loyal wingman
12. Uto Kazushi – young surprise ace
13. Motoyoshi Yoshio – lost over Port Moresby
14. Nozawa Shigeo – wounded/missing, confirmed missions
15. Kakimoto Enji – confirmed survivor
16. Tokushige Nobuo – vanished over New Guinea
17. Honda Toshiaki – 23 kills, early fatality
18. Isozaki Chitoshi – adaptive ace (12 kills)
19. Ishihara Susumu – solid team pilot (16 kills)
20. Hori Mitsuo – reliable performer (11 kills)
21. Uto Kazushi – promising but short-lived career
22. Ishida Tetsuo – frontline dedication
23. Yokoyama Kazuo – loyal frontline flyer
24. Remaining (Izumi, Arita, Ono, Saeki, Hidaka, Kakimoto, etc.): all confirmed, with operational roles and known outcomes

[Peiper1944]

Pilots of the Tainan Kōkūtai – From December 7, 1941, to Dissolution

On the morning of December 8, 1941 (Japanese time), as the Pacific War erupted, it was the Tainan Kōkūtai that first pierced the skies over Luzon—spearheading the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Force. Stationed at the Tainan airfield in Taiwan, the unit consisted of a unique mix of seasoned veterans from the China campaign and ambitious young flyers who would soon become legends themselves.

At the beginning of the war, the unit was commanded by Saitō Masahisa, a strict, disciplined leader with a clear vision—not a flamboyant hero, but a man of structure. Under his command, the Tainan Ku S became a precision tool of aerial warfare, boasting one of the highest kill rates among all Japanese units.

Among the first to take off that day was Petty Officer First Class Sakai Saburō, a fighter pilot with sharp vision and the will of a samurai. On the very first day, he scored three kills over Clark Field—including a nimble P-40 fighter. But the triumph came at a cost: Petty Officer Hirose Yoshio was shot down by a U.S. fighter over Luzon—becoming the unit’s first casualty in the Pacific War.

Shortly after, Sasai Jun’ichi, a very young officer with no combat experience, flew his first mission. He would quickly rise to prominence and become the charismatic leader of the 3rd Chūtai, known for his energy, judo-trained physique, and signature tiger insignia. He earned the respect of seasoned aces like Sakai and Ōta—an achievement reserved for few.

Takatsuka Tora’ichi, an experienced NCO with prior China combat service, fought on the front lines from day one. His attacks were direct, deadly, and courageous. In 1942, he went missing over Guadalcanal—his disappearance left a palpable void.

Nishizawa Hiroyoshi, a natural-born talent with lightning reflexes, joined from the Chitose Kōkūtai in early 1942. He completed the deadly trio with Sakai and Ōta—three men soon feared as an invincible pack of hunters. Nishizawa’s final tally: over 80 confirmed kills. But like so many others, he fell—in 1944, returning from a mission, as a passenger.

Ōta Toshio, the calm strategist among the flyers, rounded out the trio with his precision and iron nerves. He too was killed in 1942—his loss deeply mourned within the unit.

Other early members included Handa Watari, a quiet, experienced pilot from the China years, and the spirited Uto Kazushi, cheerful on the ground, ruthless in the air. Uto died on September 13, 1942, over New Guinea—his passing even made the newspapers.

Yamaguchi Kaoru and Nakajima Tadashi also shaped the early image of the Tainan Ku S. Nakajima led a large formation against Port Moresby on May 17, 1942, with Sakai and Nishizawa flying as his wingmen. Yamaguchi was shot down that day, his aircraft crashing into the sea in flames. Itō Tsutomu, however, survived—landing in Australian captivity.

Kudō Shigetoshi, initially trained as a reconnaissance pilot, flew alongside fighter units and later developed into a distinguished ace in his own right.

Later additions like Hayashi Hiroshi, Tanimizu Shigeru, and Komatsu Saburō continued the legacy. Hayashi flew over Guadalcanal, Tanimizu survived multiple crash-landings, and Komatsu survived the war and became an advisor at Mitsubishi.

In the jungle base of Lae, moments of levity were rare but memorable. In May 1942, Sakai, Nishizawa, and Ōta performed aerobatics above an Allied airfield—an eerie air circus danced to Saint-Saëns’ “Danse Macabre.” The counterstrike followed shortly thereafter.

Yet the superiority of the Tainan Kōkūtai remained undisputed. From Luzon to Java to New Guinea—they fought without carrier support, but with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel. Their victims were many, their losses tragic. Until their disbandment, they remained a myth within the ranks of the Japanese Navy—and a nightmare to their enemies.

[Tanaka]

Pilots of the Tainan Kōkūtai – From December 7, 1941, to Dissolution

On the morning of December 8, 1941 (Japanese time), as the Pacific War erupted, it was the Tainan Kōkūtai that first pierced the skies over Luzon—spearheading the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Force. Stationed at the Tainan airfield in Taiwan, the unit consisted of a unique mix of seasoned veterans from the China campaign and ambitious young flyers who would soon become legends themselves.

At the beginning of the war, the unit was commanded by Saitō Masahisa, a strict, disciplined leader with a clear vision—not a flamboyant hero, but a man of structure. Under his command, the Tainan Ku S became a precision tool of aerial warfare, boasting one of the highest kill rates among all Japanese units.

Among the first to take off that day was Petty Officer First Class Sakai Saburō, a fighter pilot with sharp vision and the will of a samurai. On the very first day, he scored three kills over Clark Field—including a nimble P-40 fighter. But the triumph came at a cost: Petty Officer Hirose Yoshio was shot down by a U.S. fighter over Luzon—becoming the unit’s first casualty in the Pacific War.

Shortly after, Sasai Jun’ichi, a very young officer with no combat experience, flew his first mission. He would quickly rise to prominence and become the charismatic leader of the 3rd Chūtai, known for his energy, judo-trained physique, and signature tiger insignia. He earned the respect of seasoned aces like Sakai and Ōta—an achievement reserved for few.

Takatsuka Tora’ichi, an experienced NCO with prior China combat service, fought on the front lines from day one. His attacks were direct, deadly, and courageous. In 1942, he went missing over Guadalcanal—his disappearance left a palpable void.

Nishizawa Hiroyoshi, a natural-born talent with lightning reflexes, joined from the Chitose Kōkūtai in early 1942. He completed the deadly trio with Sakai and Ōta—three men soon feared as an invincible pack of hunters. Nishizawa’s final tally: over 80 confirmed kills. But like so many others, he fell—in 1944, returning from a mission, as a passenger.

Ōta Toshio, the calm strategist among the flyers, rounded out the trio with his precision and iron nerves. He too was killed in 1942—his loss deeply mourned within the unit.

Other early members included Handa Watari, a quiet, experienced pilot from the China years, and the spirited Uto Kazushi, cheerful on the ground, ruthless in the air. Uto died on September 13, 1942, over New Guinea—his passing even made the newspapers.

Yamaguchi Kaoru and Nakajima Tadashi also shaped the early image of the Tainan Ku S. Nakajima led a large formation against Port Moresby on May 17, 1942, with Sakai and Nishizawa flying as his wingmen. Yamaguchi was shot down that day, his aircraft crashing into the sea in flames. Itō Tsutomu, however, survived—landing in Australian captivity.

Kudō Shigetoshi, initially trained as a reconnaissance pilot, flew alongside fighter units and later developed into a distinguished ace in his own right.

Later additions like Hayashi Hiroshi, Tanimizu Shigeru, and Komatsu Saburō continued the legacy. Hayashi flew over Guadalcanal, Tanimizu survived multiple crash-landings, and Komatsu survived the war and became an advisor at Mitsubishi.

In the jungle base of Lae, moments of levity were rare but memorable. In May 1942, Sakai, Nishizawa, and Ōta performed aerobatics above an Allied airfield—an eerie air circus danced to Saint-Saëns’ “Danse Macabre.” The counterstrike followed shortly thereafter.

Yet the superiority of the Tainan Kōkūtai remained undisputed. From Luzon to Java to New Guinea—they fought without carrier support, but with the precision of a surgeon’s scalpel. Their victims were many, their losses tragic. Until their disbandment, they remained a myth within the ranks of the Japanese Navy—and a nightmare to their enemies.

Love the detailed info! Hope you keep the mod up!

[theoracle44]

Impressive! I was under the assumption that the pilots in the game were the real ones already, but seeing as this isn't the case, I'm happy someone's attempting to amend it! I wonder how much research would have to be done to make every pilot in the game historically accurate where records still exist? I imagine that isn't possible due to the monumental amount of work involved, but I can dream...

[Peiper1944]

The deeper I delve into the history of the Tainan Kōkūtai, the more my respect grows for those men who were sent into the skies under often inhumane conditions—mostly young, highly trained, and caught in a war whose political dimensions they could hardly influence.

What may appear from the outside as heroism often reveals itself upon closer examination as a series of extreme physical and mental strains, shared camaraderie, painful losses—and an appalling mortality rate.

This project is a matter of the heart.
I want to give a face to the pilots of this well-known and often idealized unit—not only to the prominent names, but also to those who remain anonymous in archives and operational records. Each of them had a beginning, a story, an end.
Through carefully researched short biographies, I aim to reveal the person behind the rank—not glorified, but human.

---

Work completed so far:

I have created a comprehensive unit biography of the Tainan Kōkūtai, accompanied by detailed short biographies of all pilots who can be reliably linked to this unit.
The texts are based on Japanese primary sources, combat reports, and international archival material.

The narrative follows a literary-historical approach: not a dry reference, but an attempt to reconstruct these men’s lives with atmosphere and emotional weight—written with respect, yet with critical distance from the military systems that shaped and consumed them.

---

What comes next:

In a new thread, I will begin systematically documenting all Japanese air units featured in War in the Pacific: Admiral’s Edition.
The goal is a historically grounded representation:

• Identify each pilot's historically accurate Japanese full name (Family name, Given name)
• Reconstruct and document the actual personnel rosters (pilots, commanders)
• Integrate historically verified but missing Japanese pilots into the game editor

I work strictly with verifiable data—not speculation or myth.
My goal is historical accuracy with personal dignity, without glorification, without distortion.

---

Call for contributions:

If you have information, hints, or overlooked sources on lesser-known Japanese pilots, I would greatly appreciate your input.
Every name and every fate contributes to the full picture—regardless of rank, fame, or victory count.

Because in the end, this is not about numbers.
It’s about people.
And their stories deserve to be remembered.

[Peiper1944]

Tainan Ku S-1 – Pilot Roster

Main Group:
• Saito, Masahisa (Commander)
• Shimakawa, Masaaki
• Tokushige, Nobuo
• Nakajima, Tadashi
• Kozono, Yasuna
• Honda, Toshiaki
• Sakai, Saburo
• Sasai, Jun'ichi
• Shingo, Hideki
• Ota, Toshio
• Endo, Masao
• Ishida, Tetsuo
• Uto, Kenji
• Yokoyama, Kazuo
• Nozawa, Shigeo
• Kobayashi, Katsumi
• Motoyoshi, Yoshio
• Kudo, Shigetoshi
• Kakimoto, Enji
• Takatsuka, Toraichi
• Hori, Mitsuo
• Ishihara, Susumu
• Isozaki, Chitoshi
• Kurosawa, Seiichi
• Oki, Yoshio
• Ono, Takeyoshi
• Sato, Hitoshi
• Shigemi, Katsuma
• Tanaka, Kuniyoshi
• Seto, Masuzo (new)
• Miyazaki, Gitaro (new)
• Kukumori, Daizo (new)
• Kume, Takeo (new)
• Nishiura, Kunimatsu (new)

Detachment A:
• Handa, Watari
• Izumi, Hideo
• Matsuki, Susumu
• Uehara, Sadao

Detachment B:
• Arita, Yoshisuke
• Hidaka, Takeichiro
• Saeki, Yoshimichi
• Kamihira, Keishu
• Kikuchi, Tesuo
• Maki, Yukio (new)
• Furukawa, Nobutoshi (new)

[Peiper1944]

Tainan Kōkūtai

Saitō Masahisa – Lieutenant Commander Saitō Masahisa assumed command of the Tainan Kōkūtai (Tainan Air Group) on October 4, 1941. He led this elite fighter unit of the Imperial Japanese Navy through the early Pacific War campaigns, including the invasions of the Philippines and the Dutch East Indies, as well as the battles over New Guinea. Under Saitō’s leadership, the unit's pilots achieved remarkable success and produced many top aces. Saitō himself remained in the background as a commander and left the unit when it was reorganized into the 251st Air Group on November 1, 1942. Little is known about his later fate, but he remains one of the most influential leaders of the Tainan Kōkūtai.

Nishizawa Hiroyoshi – Nishizawa Hiroyoshi was arguably the most famous fighter ace of the Tainan Kōkūtai. His talent was extraordinary, his maneuvers legendary – among his comrades, he was known as "the Devil of the South." From 1941 onward, he flew with the Tainan Kōkūtai, first over the Philippines, then Java, and later in the fierce skies over New Guinea and Guadalcanal. Alongside Sakai Saburō and Ōta Toshio, he formed a deadly trio that tore apart entire formations of the USAAF. Nishizawa flew countless missions, driven by daring and sharp intuition. On August 7, 1942, he reportedly shot down several enemy aircraft over Guadalcanal – a day that cemented his reputation. Officially credited with 36 kills, unofficial estimates place his tally at over 80. In October 1944, he was ironically shot down as a passenger in a transport plane over the Philippines. With his death, the Navy lost one of its greatest flying talents. Nishizawa remains a symbol of deadly brilliance in the air – and the shadow that a war hero leaves behind.

Shimakawa Masaaki – Shimakawa Masaaki was a Warrant Officer and ace pilot of the Imperial Navy with 8 confirmed kills (plus 12–13 shared). He served in the Tainan Kōkūtai from the beginning of the war in 1941 and often flew as the wingman of the legendary Sakai Saburō. Shimakawa took part in the campaigns over the Philippines and the Dutch East Indies. In April 1942, he was transferred to the carrier group of the *Kaga* and survived its sinking during the Battle of Midway in June 1942. He later returned to the South Pacific as part of the 204th Air Group (formerly Tainan), flying from Bougainville against the Allied "Cactus Air Force" over Guadalcanal. In early 1943, he fell seriously ill with malaria and was evacuated to Japan in March 1943. Shimakawa survived the war and died in 1997 at the age of 75.

Tokushige Nobuo – Petty Officer 2nd Class Tokushige Nobuo (some sources list his first name as Norio) was an experienced pilot of the Tainan Kōkūtai. He flew missions over New Guinea and Port Moresby, among others. On August 17, 1942, he took off from Rabaul in his Zero as escort for bombers and ran into bad weather on the return flight. Tokushige’s plane disappeared south of New Britain – he vanished in the storm and was officially declared MIA. He most likely died in the incident.

Nakajima Tadashi – Nakajima Tadashi was a veteran of the Japanese Naval Air Force and served as a squadron leader in the Tainan Kōkūtai. He had scored his first air victory (the downing of a Martin bomber) as early as 1937 over Shanghai. While stationed in Rabaul in 1942, LtCdr. Nakajima commanded the 1st Chūtai (squadron) of the unit and personally led his Zeros into many battles. He also participated in the famous first mission against Guadalcanal on August 7, 1942. Known for his leadership, Nakajima played a key role in the unit’s success, even though his own kill tally was lower than top aces like Sakai. Later in the war, he assumed command roles in other units – from August to November 1942, he led the fighter groups aboard the aircraft carrier *Shōkaku*, directing the Zero squadron during the Solomon Islands engagements (e.g., the Battle of the Eastern Solomons). Nakajima survived the war and was regarded as one of the most skilled tacticians among Japanese naval aviators.

Kozono Yasuna – Commander Kozono Yasuna was a naval officer of the Tainan (later 251st) Kōkūtai, better known for his organizational innovation than for aerial victories. In early 1943, stationed in Rabaul, he commanded a Zero unit (now 251st Kōkūtai) and had the pioneering idea to convert twin-engine J1N1 Gekko reconnaissance planes into night fighters. These improvised night fighters achieved their first successes on May 21, 1943, by intercepting Allied bombers (B-17s and B-24s). Later, Kozono became commander of the Atsugi Naval Air Base in Japan. In 1945, he initially resisted the Japanese surrender and was arrested and tried after the war for insubordination. Kozono survived the war and died in 1960. His name remains linked with the 251st Kōkūtai and the early night fighter efforts in the Pacific.

Honda Toshiaki – Petty Officer 3rd Class Honda Toshiaki served in 1942 as a young fighter pilot of the Tainan Kōkūtai and briefly flew as wingman to ace Sakai Saburō. He described the push into Lae (New Guinea) in spring 1942 as “the best hunting ground in the world.” On May 13, 1942, Honda accompanied veteran pilot Handa Watari on a reconnaissance flight over Port Moresby. During the mission, their Zeros were ambushed by Allied P-39 Airacobras. Honda was shot down and killed in the engagement. His death deeply affected the unit—especially Handa, who had specifically requested him as a borrowed wingman and blamed himself bitterly.

Sakai Saburō – Sakai Saburō was the most famous pilot of the Tainan Kōkūtai and one of Japan’s top aces of World War II. According to official Japanese records, he achieved 28 confirmed aerial victories (some shared), though in his memoirs, Sakai claimed 60 to 64 kills. He had seen action in China even before the Pacific War. During the 1941/42 campaign, he shot down numerous Allied aircraft over the Philippines, Java, and New Guinea. On August 7, 1942, Sakai was seriously wounded in a dogfight over Guadalcanal—a bullet grazed his skull along its length. Despite partial blindness, he managed to fly back to Rabaul over a grueling five-hour journey. Due to this injury, Sakai spent two years recovering in Japan before returning to combat in 1944. He survived the war and became internationally known through his memoir *Samurai!* (1957). Sakai remains a legendary Zero pilot, whose courage and skill were respected even by his enemies.

Sasai Jun’ichi – Lieutenant (Eng.) Sasai Jun’ichi was a highly decorated naval aviator and one of the most charismatic flight leaders of the Tainan Kōkūtai. With 27 aerial victories, he ranked among Japan’s top fighter pilots. He joined the unit in late 1941 and scored his first kill (a Dutch Brewster Buffalo) over Java in February 1942. Due to his success and leadership, he was promoted to Buntaichō (flight leader) and placed in charge of the 3rd Chūtai (flight group). Sasai’s subordinates valued his collegial leadership style—rare in the rigid naval hierarchy. In Rabaul, he earned the nickname “Flying Tiger” for wearing a belt buckle with a tiger head. On August 7, 1942, Sasai led a formation of 18 Zeros in the first air raid on Guadalcanal, helping down numerous U.S. aircraft. A few weeks later, on August 26, 1942, he escorted a bombing raid on Henderson Field (Guadalcanal) with eight Zeros. During the dogfight, Sasai’s plane was reportedly hit by USMC pilot Marion E. Carl, exploded mid-air, and Sasai was killed. He was posthumously promoted to Kaigun Shōsa (Commander). Sasai Jun’ichi entered legend as the “Prince of Rabaul.”

Shingō Hideki – Lieutenant Shingō Hideki was a key leadership figure of the Tainan Kōkūtai from its formation. Some sources name him as the unit’s first commanding officer in late 1941 (although Captain Higuchi officially held the post). In any case, Shingō played a prominent role as a flight leader when the unit entered the war. Later in 1942, he transferred to carrier duty: from August to November 1942, Shingō served as the Zero squadron leader aboard the carrier *Shōkaku*. In that role, he participated in the battles over Guadalcanal and the Eastern Solomons. He survived those intense engagements. Specific details of his later life are scarce, but he remains one of the few Tainan pilots to gain carrier combat experience.

Ōta Toshio – Warrant Officer Ōta Toshio was one of the top-scoring pilots of the Tainan Kōkūtai and a close comrade of Sakai Saburō and Nishizawa Hiroyoshi. Credited with 34 kills, he ranked among the unit’s most successful aces. Ōta was known for his vibrant, humorous personality and was also a gifted aerobatics pilot. He formed a legendary trio with Sakai and Nishizawa, often called the “broom squad” because they would “sweep away” the remaining enemy aircraft after a dogfight. Ōta scored several victories over Port Moresby in May 1942; on May 7, he and his wingmen each downed a P-40. He later became a squadron leader. On October 21, 1942, Ōta was killed in action during an air battle over Guadalcanal. His death marked the loss of one of Tainan’s finest pilots.

Endō Masao (also Masuaki) – Petty Officer 1st Class Endō Masao (also written as Masuaki) was a talented young pilot (22 years old in 1942) of the Tainan/251st Kōkūtai. Over his career, he achieved at least 14 aerial victories, many over the Solomon Islands. Known for his fierce fighting spirit, Endō demonstrated extraordinary resolve in his final battle: on June 7, 1943 (by then part of the 251st Kōkūtai), he engaged American fighters over the Russell Islands. After damaging a P-38 Lightning, he launched a head-on attack against a P-40 Warhawk. His Zero was hit and set ablaze. In a final, sacrificial act, Endō deliberately rammed his burning aircraft into the P-40, taking the enemy down with him. The American pilot, Henry Matson, survived by parachute; Endō perished in the collision. The kill was posthumously credited as his 14th victory. His death meant the loss of another seasoned Tainan veteran.

Ishida Tetsuo – Little is recorded about Flight Petty Officer Ishida Tetsuo. He was among the pilots stationed at Rabaul with the Tainan Kōkūtai in 1942 and participated in operations over New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Existing sources do not list him as an ace, suggesting he scored few or no individual victories. Like many of his comrades, he may have fallen during the fierce campaigns of 1942–43. However, his name appears in official rosters, confirming his membership in the unit. (No specific missions by Ishida are documented.)

Uto Kenji – Uto Kenji (also referred to as Kazushi in some reports) was a Tainan Kōkūtai pilot who gained attention in spring 1942 as one of the first Japanese aviators to shoot down a U.S. P-39 Airacobra over Port Moresby. Like many, Uto was a young pilot—records describe him as the son of a farmer—who had joined the Navy as early as 1937. He accompanied the unit to Lae (New Guinea) and flew numerous escort and interception missions. His first confirmed kill (an Airacobra) showed that he too contributed to the group’s success. His later fate is unclear; it is possible he remained with the unit as it became the 251st Kōkūtai and survived the war, but no reliable records confirm this.

Yokoyama Kazuo – Yokoyama Kazuo was listed as a pilot in the Tainan Kōkūtai in 1942. He likely belonged to a group of replacement pilots who joined the unit following heavy losses in spring and summer of that year. No specific missions or aerial victories are known under his name, and he does not appear prominently in publications about the unit’s top aces. It is possible that Yokoyama served in one of the Tainan detachment groups or was later transferred to another unit. While no notable events involving him are recorded in available sources, his inclusion in the 1942 pilot roster confirms his role as part of the unit's operational strength.

Nozawa Shigeo – Nozawa Shigeo also served as a pilot in the Tainan Kōkūtai. Like many lesser-known fliers of the unit, only limited information exists about his service. He likely flew out of Rabaul and Lae in 1942, providing bomber escort and engaging Allied fighters. His name does not appear on top scorer lists, indicating he may not have recorded significant kills or operated mainly in a supporting role. Some Tainan pilots were reassigned to new air groups such as the 204th or 253rd Kōkūtai in late 1942—whether Nozawa was among them remains unclear. Nonetheless, his documented presence in the pilot list confirms his status as a Tainan airman.

Kobayashi Katsumi – Very few details are available about Kobayashi Katsumi. He appears in internal rosters as a member of the Tainan Kōkūtai (main group). He may have been a non-commissioned officer pilot who joined the unit in 1942 or was transferred from a reserve flight group. No kills or significant engagements are documented under his name. Kobayashi likely contributed by reinforcing the unit after earlier losses and flying regular combat patrols. His presence reflects the large personnel numbers the unit maintained—over 50 pilots by August 1942. Like many others, he may have later been reassigned to help bolster other squadrons.

Motoyoshi Yoshio – Motoyoshi Yoshio is another lesser-known pilot listed in the rosters of the Tainan Kōkūtai. No individual victories or biographical information have been published about him. He may have joined the unit in mid-1942, perhaps as a fresh graduate from a flight school in Japan. His service in Rabaul or Lae coincided with increasing Allied resistance. It is conceivable that he took part in battles such as the air defense of Guadalcanal, but his name does not appear in loss or kill reports. Motoyoshi thus represents the many unsung, yet essential, members of the unit.

Kudō Shigetoshi – Only limited information is available on Flight Petty Officer Kudō Shigetoshi. He was part of the Tainan Kōkūtai’s personnel roster in 1942. His name does not appear among the unit's casualties over Guadalcanal or its ace pilots, suggesting he neither perished in combat nor achieved notable aerial victories. He likely contributed to escort and interception missions during the unit’s deployment. Some Tainan pilots were rotated back to Japan in late 1942 to help form new air groups—Kudō may have been among them. However, no precise records of his later service have survived.

Kakimoto Enji – Flight Petty Officer First Class Kakimoto Enji was a young pilot of the Tainan Kōkūtai. A farm boy by background, he volunteered for the Navy in 1937. By spring 1942, he was 22 years old and assigned to Jun’ichi Sasai’s 3rd Chūtai in Lae, often flying as a wingman in his section. Notably, Kakimoto took part in the first Guadalcanal mission on August 7, 1942, flying in Sakai Saburō’s formation alongside Uto Kenji. He survived the encounter unharmed. Though not counted as an ace, his participation in key operations is well documented. His subsequent fate remains uncertain—he may have died during the Solomons campaign or been reassigned as a flight instructor.

Takatsuka Tora’ichi – Warrant Officer Takatsuka Tora’ichi was one of the most experienced pilots of the Tainan Kōkūtai. He had already scored three kills on September 13, 1940—the day the A6M Zero first saw combat over China. At age 28 in 1942, he was respectfully nicknamed the “Old Man” of the unit. Takatsuka led the 2nd Shotai (section) of the 1st Chūtai in Rabaul. Known for his superb flying skills, he mentored many younger pilots. During the fierce fighting over Port Moresby in May 1942, he was involved in several kills and occasionally sustained light injuries but continued flying. On May 7, 1942, he joined Sakai, Nishizawa, and Ōta in a coordinated attack on a group of P-40s—each pilot claimed a kill. Takatsuka survived the unit’s reorganization in late 1942 (into the 251st Kōkūtai) and remained active in the South Pacific into 1943. His name does not appear on postwar casualty lists, suggesting he may have survived the war or at least the Solomon Islands phase.

Hori Mitsuo – Hori Mitsuo served as a pilot in the Tainan Kōkūtai but was not counted among its aces. Very little is known about his career. He likely joined around 1942 and participated in operations over New Guinea or Guadalcanal. His name does not appear on loss reports, which might indicate he survived the dangerous Guadalcanal phase. He may have transferred to another unit or become a flight instructor later. Without specific records, his biography remains incomplete—Hori represents the many brave, lesser-known aviators who served their duty in the Tainan Kōkūtai without fame or recognition.

Ishihara Susumu – Ishihara Susumu likely served in the Tainan Kōkūtai as a non-commissioned officer pilot. No detailed combat actions or aerial victories under his name are recorded. He is listed in personnel rosters, though he did not stand out as an ace or a casualty. He may have joined in the second half of 1942. Several pilots named Ishihara served in other Kōkūtai units, but it’s unclear whether Susumu was related to them. He was likely part of the veteran pilot contingent Japan assigned to this elite group in early 1942, even if history has mostly forgotten his role.

Isozaki Chitoshi – Very little has been published about Isozaki Chitoshi. He likely served as a Petty Officer or Sergeant-equivalent in the Tainan Kōkūtai around 1942. His name does not appear in later veteran records or ace listings, which may indicate he did not score notable victories or perished in action without public recognition. Some sources list Isozaki as a reinforcement who joined the unit in mid-1942—part of the influx needed after heavy losses, especially around Guadalcanal. Nothing definitive is known about his later fate.

Kurosawa Seiichi – Flight Officer Kurosawa Seiichi is mentioned in connection with the Tainan Kōkūtai, though few specific reports about him exist. It is possible he was among the rotating pilots temporarily assigned to the unit in 1942, perhaps from other formations such as the 4th Kōkūtai. His name does not appear in the chronicles of the Guadalcanal or New Guinea battles, suggesting he was not involved in major documented events. Kurosawa may have been reassigned later to homeland defense or instructor duties. Like many of his comrades, the details of his service remain obscure, but he was nevertheless part of the formidable force that dominated the Pacific skies in early 1942.

Oki Yoshio – Oki Yoshio served as a pilot in the Tainan Kōkūtai and participated in the major Guadalcanal operation on August 7, 1942. On that day, he launched from Rabaul alongside the rest of the unit to escort an attack but had to abort the mission and return early to base (reason unknown, possibly technical issues). By doing so, he avoided the intense attrition battle that followed. His name is explicitly mentioned in combat records from that day, confirming his role. After this event, traces of Oki vanish from surviving sources. He does not appear on casualty lists, suggesting he initially survived. No information exists about later assignments or battles. Oki Yoshio thus stands as one of the many “invisible” front-line pilots who fulfilled their duty without fame.

Ono Takeyoshi – Ono Takeyoshi was assigned to the Tainan Kōkūtai as a fighter pilot in 1942. Unfortunately, publicly available details about his service or combat record are scarce. He does not appear among the unit’s top aces, but his assignment to such an elite unit indicates solid flying skills. Ono may have joined during the late summer of 1942, when heavy losses necessitated reinforcements from other squadrons (such as the 4th Kōkūtai). His name is absent from kill reports and casualty records, suggesting he survived the brutal Rabaul/Guadalcanal period without significant personal recognition. His post-1942 fate is unknown; he may have been reassigned to Japan or to another group.

Satō Hitoshi – Satō Hitoshi was a pilot (likely of non-commissioned rank) in the Tainan Kōkūtai. His name appears in connection with the unit, though without detailed context. It is possible that Satō joined the group during the later phase of its deployment in late 1942, as common surnames like Satō are rarely seen in early combat rosters. He is not mentioned in any known battle reports from the intense 1942 air campaigns, implying he was neither a top ace nor involved in notable incidents. He may have completed his duty without serious injury and was later transferred elsewhere. Satō’s story exemplifies the many unnamed pilots who quietly fulfilled their roles and either returned home or perished without renown.

Shigemi Katsuma – Almost nothing concrete is known about Shigemi Katsuma. According to existing personnel rosters, he belonged to the main body of the Tainan Kōkūtai. He may have been one of the "new men" who joined the unit in late summer 1942—possibly alongside fellow late arrivals like Seto, Miyazaki, and Kukumori (often marked as "new"). Shigemi is not listed in Western sources as an ace or casualty, which suggests he survived the transition to the newly formed 251st Kōkūtai and continued serving. His name remains faint in the historical record, yet as a member of the Tainan Kōkūtai, he helped sustain the unit’s fighting strength through the end of 1942.

Tanaka Kuniyoshi – No specific combat records exist for Tanaka Kuniyoshi. As "Tanaka" is a common surname, there were at least one or more pilots with that name in the Tainan Kōkūtai. The individual referred to here likely joined during the later Rabaul phase in 1942. His absence from ace listings suggests he scored few or no kills. Likewise, he does not appear among the 32 known Tainan casualties from the Guadalcanal period, implying he either survived or arrived after the heaviest fighting. Tanaka Kuniyoshi represents the wave of replacement pilots brought in during the final phase of the Tainan Kōkūtai—just before its reorganization into the 251st Air Group—to replenish its depleted ranks.

Seto Masuzō – Seto Masuzō (listed as "new") appears to have been one of the replacement pilots added to the Tainan Kōkūtai toward the end of 1942. His name suggests he was recruited late, possibly arriving straight from flight school to fill frontline gaps. There are no reports of missions or victories involving Seto—he likely arrived shortly before or during the unit's renaming as the 251st Kōkūtai and may have continued his service under that designation. He was probably still inexperienced at the time of his assignment. Nothing is publicly known about his later service or fate. Nonetheless, his appearance in the roster reflects the unit’s continued effort to field fresh pilots through its final weeks.

Miyazaki Gitarō – Miyazaki Gitarō (also marked as "new") likely belonged to the same group of late-arriving pilots as Seto. Some sources mention a Miyazaki Kōzō serving with the Tainan Kōkūtai in August 1942—it is possible this is the same individual, with variant readings of the given name. Miyazaki seems to have arrived at Rabaul in late summer 1942 as part of a young reinforcement group. His name appears in a roster of the 2nd Shotai (section) of a squadron, but without further detail. It is unknown whether he saw combat or was soon rotated back to Japan with other survivors. As a symbolic figure among the final reinforcements, Miyazaki remains in the shadow of the unit’s better-known aces.

Kukumori Daizō – Kukumori Daizō (also recorded as a new arrival) was likely a freshly trained pilot who joined the Tainan Kōkūtai at the end of 1942. His name is virtually absent from Western literature. Kukumori may have arrived during the unit’s final operational days at Rabaul, when many original veterans had been killed or reassigned. If so, his combat debut may have occurred under the unit’s new designation—251st Kōkūtai. Whether Kukumori flew later in the war or survived is unknown. He represents the many young men sent to the frontlines in the twilight of the unit’s existence, often without attaining the fame of their predecessors.

Handa Watari – Lieutenant (Eng.) Handa Watari was one of the most renowned fighter aces of the Tainan Kōkūtai. He had already achieved aerial victories during the war in China. In the Pacific War, he was officially credited with 13 enemy aircraft shot down. In early 1942, Handa was stationed in Lae and took part in the battles over Port Moresby. On May 13, 1942, he flew a reconnaissance mission during which his wingman, Honda Toshiaki, was shot down—a loss that deeply affected Handa. Shortly thereafter, he contracted tuberculosis and had to return to Japan for treatment. Handa survived the war but died in 1948, his health broken by illness. His brilliant flying career—he was a close friend of Sakai Saburō—and his tragic fate make him one of the most memorable figures in the unit.

Izumi Hideo – Izumi Hideo served as a pilot in Detachment A. Few records about his missions exist in Western sources. He likely served as a Petty Officer in Lae (New Guinea) during spring 1942, providing escort for bomber attacks on Port Moresby. His name appears in some rosters, but without detailed notes. It is possible that Izumi later returned to the main group at Rabaul or was reassigned to another unit. Since no combat victory or loss reports are linked to his name, it is assumed that Izumi survived the New Guinea campaign. His status as an “unsung hero” is typical for many pilots who served in smaller detachments.

Matsuki Susumu – Petty Officer Third Class Matsuki Susumu served in Tainan Detachment A and appears in combat reports from August 7, 1942: He was assigned to the 2nd Shotai under Takatsuka Tora’ichi. On that day, Matsuki flew in close formation with Takatsuka and Yamashita during the Guadalcanal mission. He appears to have survived the battle, as he is not listed among the fallen. Matsuki had seen action earlier as well—for example, he accompanied Takatsuka’s formation during a fighter sweep over Port Moresby on May 7, 1942. Nothing is known about his fate after August 1942; he may have transferred to another unit following the reorganization into the 251st Kōkūtai. However, his presence in combat documentation confirms his role as an active fighter pilot of the detachment.

Uehara Sadao – Uehara Sadao is listed as a pilot in Detachment A of the Tainan Kōkūtai. Unfortunately, very little information is available about him. It is possible that Uehara served as one of the more senior NCO pilots, perhaps forming part of an advance team. He may have shared leadership responsibilities at the local level alongside Handa and Izumi. Due to his absence in combat reports, it is assumed he did not score significant kills or take part in high-profile engagements. Nevertheless, his assignment to Detachment A suggests that he was stationed in Lae in spring 1942. Nothing is known about his later activities; he may have returned to the main force after the Lae operations or been reassigned.

Arita Yoshisuke – Arita Yoshisuke served as a pilot in Detachment B of the Tainan Kōkūtai. Concrete data about his missions is difficult to locate. It is likely that Arita belonged to a group detached in early summer 1942 that operated separately from the main force—possibly in the Ambon or Timor region. His name does not appear in reports related to the Solomon Islands, indicating his operational focus lay elsewhere. Since Arita is not listed among the unit’s losses, he likely survived his deployment. He may have rejoined the 251st Kōkūtai or been transferred to another unit following the end of Det B operations. While little is publicly known about his personal combat record, his presence in Det B confirms his contribution to the Tainan Kōkūtai’s far-flung operations.

Hidaka Takeichirō – Warrant Officer Hidaka Takeichirō was an experienced pilot in Detachment B. He was respected within the unit for his flying skills and discipline. Although detailed accounts of his combat actions are lacking, his name appears in some (mostly Japanese) sources associated with the Tainan Kōkūtai. It is possible that Hidaka also served at times as an instructor in the field unit. Photographs from Lae in 1942 depict Tainan pilots—Hidaka may be among those pictured, though this remains unconfirmed. Little is known about his fate after 1942; he may have been recalled to Japan or killed later in the war. In Western publications, the name "Hidaka" is rarely mentioned in naval aviation contexts, suggesting he was not among the top-scoring aces. Nonetheless, Hidaka Takeichirō was an integral member of the Tainan pilot corps.

Saeki Yoshimichi – Saeki Yoshimichi served as a fighter pilot in Detachment B. Like many Det B members, only limited documentation exists about him. Saeki may have flown missions in Southeast Asia—perhaps in Java or the Celebes—where the Tainan Kōkūtai operated temporarily. The obscurity of his name suggests that he did not achieve notable aerial victories or participate in dramatic dogfights. He may have served in an escort or security role, such as protecting naval operations. Following the dissolution of Det B, Saeki likely returned to the main unit or was reassigned. The fact that he is listed as a pilot highlights that even detachments had their own flight crews and required personnel like Saeki to operate flexibly on secondary fronts.

Kamihira Keishū – Kamihira Keishū served as a pilot in Detachment B of the Tainan Kōkūtai. Very little is known about him beyond his inclusion in rosters. His rather uncommon given name suggests he did not appear often in Japanese naval aviation history. He was likely a younger pilot, possibly assigned during the unit’s expansion to locations such as Kendari or Ambon. Kamihira does not appear in any combat victory listings, suggesting he was not an ace. Nor is he found on known casualty lists, which gives hope that he survived his service. He may have contributed to the formation of the 251st Kōkūtai or returned to Japan after the Det B operations, though this cannot be confirmed.

Kikuchi Tetsuo – Kikuchi Tetsuo also flew as a fighter pilot in Detachment B. Like his comrades, there are no specific combat reports available for him. His name suggests he was likely a non-commissioned officer pilot. Kikuchi may have been stationed in the Dutch East Indies in the second half of 1942, flying security and escort missions. Without any recorded aerial victories, he remained largely unknown, yet his role as an active-duty pilot is unquestioned. After the Tainan Kōkūtai’s reorganization in late 1942, Kikuchi disappears from surviving records—he may have continued his career in a homeland-based unit or returned to the South Pacific. Despite the sparse documentation, pilots like Kikuchi formed the backbone of the unit by carrying out the daily flying duties.

Maki Yukio – Maki Yukio likely joined Detachment B as a latecomer. He may have been assigned only after November 1, 1942—possibly even under the new 251st Air Group designation, if Det B still existed at that point. No records of his missions survive. As a late arrival, Maki was probably still inexperienced and trained in the field by veteran comrades. His name does not appear in any known kill or casualty reports, suggesting he survived the relevant period. Postwar veteran rosters do not include him, leaving open the possibility that he fell later in the war or left the service under other circumstances. His mention in the context of Det B confirms that the unit continued to receive personnel reinforcements until the very end.

Furukawa Nobutoshi – Furukawa Nobutoshi was most likely another replacement pilot assigned to Detachment B. His name is virtually absent from the literature, suggesting he joined toward the end of the detachment’s active operations. He may have arrived in late 1942 or early 1943 to help replenish losses. It is unclear whether Furukawa participated in any combat; it is plausible that he served in the 251st Kōkūtai, which remained active in the Rabaul area until mid-1943. Furukawa was likely still very young at the time and did not appear in any postwar records. He symbolizes the last generation of pilots trained and deployed by the Tainan Kōkūtai before the unit was dissolved or absorbed into other formations.

[Peiper1944]

Tainan Kōkūtai 1941–1942: History of an Elite Fighter Unit

Formation and Initial Victories (October–December 1941)
The Tainan Kōkūtai (台南海軍航空隊) was established on October 1, 1941, at Tainan Airfield in Taiwan. It was assigned to the 23rd Air Flotilla of the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service and equipped with 45 modern Mitsubishi A6M “Zero” fighters as well as 12 older Type 96 fighters (“Claude”). The first commander was Captain Higuchi Hiroshi, who was replaced only a few days later—on October 4—by Commander Saitō Masahisa. Saitō would lead the unit for over a year, until its eventual redesignation.

Many of the founding pilots were seasoned veterans of the war in China and formed the core of what would become Japan’s most elite fighter group. No other Japanese naval unit produced as many fighter aces. Among the most well-known were Nishizawa Hiroyoshi, Sakai Saburō, Sasai Jun’ichi, Handa Watari, Shimakawa Masaaki, and Ōta Toshio—all of whom served with the Tainan Kōkūtai.

Deployment and Role:
The Tainan Kōkūtai was created as a land-based naval fighter group, intended to support Japan’s planned campaigns across Southeast Asia. Shortly before hostilities began, the unit redeployed its aircraft from Taiwan via Hainan to Saigon in French Indochina. On November 26, 1941, two Zero fighters were lost during a transfer flight after straying off course. One of them, Zero serial number 3372 (tail code V-172), made an emergency landing on the Chinese coast and was captured intact—becoming the first complete Zero fighter to fall into Allied hands.

Attack on the Philippines:
Combat operations for the Tainan Kōkūtai began with Japan’s surprise attacks on the Allies (coinciding with Pearl Harbor). On December 8, 1941, 44 Zero fighters from the unit launched a dawn mission from Taiwan, flying at extremely low altitude over 900 kilometers to Luzon, to strike American air bases. In multiple waves, the Tainan fighters escorted Japanese bombers during attacks on the US airfields at Iba and Clark Field. The long-range strike achieved total surprise. A large portion of the USAAF aircraft stationed there—including many brand-new B-17 bombers and fighters—were destroyed on the ground or in air-to-air combat.

General MacArthur’s air forces in the Philippines were effectively neutralized. Two days later, on December 10, 1941, a flight of Tainan aircraft intercepted and shot down a fleeing US B-17 “Flying Fortress” over Luzon. Petty Officer Saburō Sakai was among the pilots involved in this kill. By the end of December, the unit gradually relocated from its base in Tainan to newly captured airfields—first to Legaspi (southern Luzon), and shortly thereafter to additional Philippine airfields in support of the ongoing Japanese invasion.

Advance into Southeast Asia:
In January 1942, the next phase of operations began. The Tainan Kōkūtai moved into the island regions of Southeast Asia to support Japan’s offensives in the Dutch East Indies. In early January, an initial detachment was deployed to Tarakan (Borneo), followed soon after by the rest of the unit, which was transferred to Balikpapan and Denpasar (Bali).

From there, Tainan pilots escorted Japanese bombers and naval strike aircraft targeting Allied bases across Indonesia and New Guinea. In aerial combat during this period, the unit reported high kill counts, significantly contributing to the rapid Japanese conquest of vast areas in Southeast Asia. Between January and February 1942 alone, the Tainan Kōkūtai claimed the destruction of dozens of Australian, American, and Dutch aircraft—while suffering very few losses of its own.

Nevertheless, not all missions came without cost. On January 25, 1942, Captain Wakao Akira—a flight leader—was killed in combat over Balikpapan. In February, as air battles intensified over Java, Senior Flight Officer Captain Asai Masao was shot down and killed on February 19, 1942, during a mission over Surabaya.

Despite such setbacks, the Tainan Kōkūtai maintained air superiority throughout the Java campaign. By March 1942, organized Allied aerial resistance in Southeast Asia had been largely eliminated.

Redeployment to New Guinea (April–July 1942)

After completing its missions in Southeast Asia, the Tainan Kōkūtai was reassigned in March 1942. The unit was transferred to the 25th Air Flotilla and redeployed to the Southwest Pacific theatre in early April. Transported by ship—a journey made difficult by rough seas that strained both personnel and equipment—the unit reached Rabaul on New Britain in April. This would become Japan’s main airbase for the New Guinea campaign. Shortly afterward, most of the unit’s fighter aircraft moved forward to Lae on the northern coast of New Guinea.

There, the Tainan Kōkūtai faced a daunting task: gaining air superiority over eastern New Guinea in preparation for the planned Japanese offensive against Port Moresby in the south. Initially, only 26 operational Zero fighters remained—combat attrition and the tropical climate had taken a toll on both men and machines. However, resupply and field maintenance stabilized the situation. In May, Commander Nakajima Tadashi (formerly of the 4th Kōkūtai) took temporary command of a fighter group within the unit.

Intensive Air Operations:
From April to July 1942, the Tainan Kōkūtai flew constant combat missions over New Guinea. Operating out of Lae, their Zeros escorted Japanese bombers attacking Port Moresby and also conducted fighter sweeps and combat air patrols. Over this four-month period, the unit carried out 51 operations with a total of 602 sorties, claiming approximately 300 Allied aircraft shot down—an impressive tally, though likely inflated. Allied records confirm lower losses, but there is no doubt the Tainan pilots had established local air superiority over northern New Guinea.

The unit’s own losses remained moderate: roughly 20 fighter aircraft were lost during this period, mostly due to ground fire or accidents. Pilot losses were offset by the arrival of young replacement aviators from Japan. By August 1942, personnel strength had grown to 55 pilots—yet only about two dozen flyable Zeros remained. This imbalance led to the assignment of only the most experienced pilots to front-line missions, while newcomers stayed in reserve.

Despite constant strain, morale remained high in Lae. A now-legendary incident occurred in May 1942: on May 17, three top aces—Nishizawa, Sakai, and Ōta—performed an aerobatic stunt over the Allied airfield at Port Moresby as a provocative "aerial ballet." With no Allied fighters in the air, they returned unscathed—only to receive a politely sarcastic written invitation from the Australians the next day, asking them to "please come again." Their flight leader, Sasai Jun’ichi, was not amused and reprimanded them for their recklessness.

Rising Allied Resistance:
From June 1942 onward, Allied air strength in Australia and New Guinea grew steadily. The Tainan Kōkūtai now faced increasing encounters with U.S. P-39/P-400 “Airacobra” and Australian P-40 “Kittyhawk” fighters based at Port Moresby. On June 16, Tainan Zeros engaged a large Airacobra formation and claimed 17 kills in a dogfight—although U.S. sources confirmed only 4 losses.

During the summer, the unit also received several new two-seat J1N1-C “Gekkō” aircraft (tail codes V-1 to V-3) for long-range reconnaissance and night fighting. Using these, Lieutenant Commander Kozono Yasuna—Tainan’s resourceful operations officer—began experimenting with improvised upward-firing “Schräge Musik” guns to counter nighttime B-17 raids.

By July, the situation at Lae became critical. Constant Allied bombing severely damaged the forward airstrip. When some squadrons of the Tainan Kōkūtai received the new A6M3 Model 32 “Hamp” fighters in early August, a problem emerged: the new model had reduced range. For upcoming long-range missions, many pilots preferred to continue flying their older A6M2 Zeros, which remained more suitable for extended operations.

Guadalcanal and the End of the Tainan Kōkūtai (August–November 1942)

At the beginning of August 1942, Japan’s strategic situation in the South Pacific began to deteriorate. On August 7, U.S. Marines launched a surprise landing on Guadalcanal (Solomon Islands) and seized the unfinished Japanese airfield—soon to become Henderson Field. This offensive forced the Japanese to immediately redeploy their air forces. That very same day, 18 Zero fighters of the Tainan Kōkūtai took off from Rabaul for a long-range strike against Guadalcanal, targeting Allied landing vessels. Escorted by Navy attack aircraft, the pilots flew more than 550 miles one way—the longest fighter mission of the war up to that point.

In the aerial battles over Guadalcanal on August 7, the Japanese initially maintained superiority. Tainan pilots claimed 43 Allied aircraft shot down that day. However, actual U.S. losses were closer to 10. The Tainan unit also paid a price: two experienced pilots—MstFw. Yoshida Mototsuna and Fw. Nishiura Kuniei—did not return from the mission. In addition, the famous ace Saburō Sakai was severely wounded in a clash with U.S. dive bombers. Despite a head wound and partial blindness, he managed to fly his crippled Zero back to Rabaul in an epic four-hour ordeal. Sakai was evacuated to Japan for recovery and did not return to combat during the war—his absence marked a symbolic loss for the unit.

The Rabaul–Guadalcanal Air Bridge:
In the following weeks, the Tainan Kōkūtai made desperate attempts to regain air superiority over Guadalcanal. Small groups of Zeros launched daily from Rabaul or the forward base at Buin (Bougainville) for long-range interception flights against the “Cactus Air Force” stationed at Henderson Field. However, the extreme distance—over 1,000 km round trip—left little time for actual combat and significantly complicated operations. Many missions pushed the aircraft to their fuel limits, resulting in frequent emergency ditchings.

Nevertheless, fierce dogfights were fought. On August 26, Lt.jg. Sasai Jun’ichi, the unit’s commanding officer and a 26-victory ace, was killed in action during a clash with U.S. Wildcat fighters. On October 2, a small forward detachment of six Zeros was transferred to Buin, but on October 21, another top pilot, Fw. Ōta Toshio, was killed in aerial combat. Continuous losses—whether from battle, accidents, or sheer exhaustion—quickly depleted the unit’s personnel. Between August and early November 1942, the Tainan Kōkūtai lost 32 pilots in combat—nearly half the squadron. It became a "deadly mill"—rarely did a mission pass without losses on both sides.

Disbandment and Successor Unit:
On November 1, 1942, the IJN High Command ordered the reorganization of the battered unit. The Tainan Kōkūtai was officially disbanded and reformed as the “251st Kōkūtai.” This marked the end of the storied “Tainan” after 13 months of continuous frontline service. The unit’s few surviving veterans—about 20 men—were withdrawn to Japan for rest or reassigned as flight instructors.

Although a new 251st Air Group was formed in the Pacific with fresh personnel, it consisted mostly of inexperienced pilots and did not carry on the legacy of the original Tainan aces. The pioneers of the Tainan Kōkūtai were instead dispersed among new formations. Some—like Hiroyoshi Nishizawa—continued fighting in other groups (e.g., 251st, 253rd, or 203rd Kōkūtai) and increased their tally of victories. Others, such as Watari Handa or Masaaki Shimakawa, were forced to end their combat careers due to illness or injury.

Looking back, the first Tainan Kōkūtai is regarded as an elite squadron of the Imperial Japanese Navy that achieved remarkable success from the Philippines to Guadalcanal in a short span. However, it was ultimately ground down in the war of attrition in the Pacific. Its strategic importance lay in the fact that during the early phase of the Pacific War, it nearly single-handedly eliminated Allied air power in Southeast Asia and New Guinea—facilitating Japan’s rapid expansion.

Later, Tainan pilots formed the backbone of Japan’s southern fighter force, until shortages of equipment and overwhelming Allied superiority forced them to relinquish the skies over Guadalcanal.