This new stand alone release based on the legendary War in the Pacific from 2 by 3 Games adds significant improvements and changes to enhance game play, improve realism, and increase historical accuracy. With dozens of new features, new art, and engine improvements, War in the Pacific: Admiral's Edition brings you the most realistic and immersive WWII Pacific Theater wargame ever!
Comparison: Old vs. Revised Ratings for LCDR Igarashi Chikamas
Skill: Previously 68 → Now 61
His original rating was too generous. While he clearly had solid leadership experience, especially during the early China operations and later on Taiyō, there is no indication of elite strategic brilliance. 61 reflects a “good” leader – competent, reliable, but not exceptional.
Inspiration: Previously 70 → Now 57
There is no evidence that Igarashi inspired elite-level cohesion or morale. He trained and led effectively, but didn’t leave behind a legacy of heroism or legendary influence.
Air: Previously 70 → Now 66
He remains strong in this category. His operational air experience, including escort missions, command of the Chitose Kōkūtai, and air group oversight on Taiyō justifies a high score, though 70 was slightly too optimistic.
Naval: Previously 43 → Now 48
While not a fleet commander, his prolonged exposure to carrier operations warrants a slight improvement. He wasn't brilliant at sea, but he knew how to operate within the naval structure.
Land: Previously 41 → Now 30
There is no indication that Igarashi had any experience or competence in ground combat. This number reflects that absence.
Admin: Previously 59 → Now 55
Still solid. As Air Officer aboard a carrier, he would have managed logistics, flight ops, and daily routines. The change is minor.
Aggression: Previously 74 → Now 63
His combat decisions over China indicate initiative and boldness, but he was not reckless or overly aggressive. A moderate downward correction.
Political: Remains at 3
This is appropriate. There’s no evidence of political backing or influence. He was a capable officer, but not irreplaceable in political terms.
new key attributes Igarashi Chikamas .png (227.66 KiB) Viewed 288 times
Peiper1944 wrote: Sat Jun 21, 2025 6:21 am
@RangerJoe
You're absolutely right – and thank you very much for gathering and sharing those detailed sources. My earlier comment was poorly phrased, and I realize now that I should have clarified better: what I actually meant is that biographical details on Igarashi Chikamas are relatively sparse, especially compared to more famous aces with postwar records or memoirs.
That was entirely my mistake – I appreciate your correction and will strive to be more precise in the future.
The combat reports from August and September 1937, his leadership in the Chitose Kōkūtai, and his later role aboard the Taiyō clearly show that Igarashi was not only a combat-experienced pilot, but also a capable leader at squadron and carrier group level.
Based on the evidence you've pointed out (and some of the sources I reviewed after your post), I’ll adjust the in-game values I had originally set for him in my mod project. I agree: his early leadership, operational experience, and command role in a high-tension theater like Rabaul definitely deserve recognition – just perhaps not on the same tier as the very top-tier IJN aces, but certainly well above average.
Thanks again for pointing it out – I learned something in the process.
Best regards,
Peiper1944
You are welcome and I understand that English is not your first language.
But as a penance, have ein Grosse Bier, ein currywurst mit brotchen und pomme frites mit mayonaisse for me. I can't get the good Thuringen bratwurst where I am at. I am sorry for my poor German.
Seek peace but keep your gun handy.
I'm not a complete idiot, some parts are missing!
“Illegitemus non carborundum est (“Don’t let the bastards grind you down”).” ; Julia Child
Second Lieutenant on November 30, 1929...
Lieutenant on December 1, 1931... Aboard Akagi from December 1, 1931 to November 1, 1934...
Aboard Kaga from November 15, 1934 to March 1938 as mentionned by RangerJoe (Division Officer from November 1936 to March 1938)
(Hata's Japanese Naval Aces and Fighter Units in World War II pp.24-29)
Air Group Officer in 14 Kokutai at Kasumigaura (near Tsuchiura) from November 15, 1939 to May 1, 1940
Chitose Air Group from November 15, 1940 to early 1942 (?)
Aboard Taiyo from April 11, 1942 to October 22, 1942, also mentionned by RangerJoe
Air Officer in 582 Kokutai (2nd Air Group) from February 25, 1943 to September 1, 1943
Air Officer in 204 Kokutai from September 1, 1943 to December 1, 1943
Executive Officer in 721 Kokutai from November 5, 1944 to March 21, 1945
Executive Officer in 722 Kokutai from March 21, 1945 to July 15, 1945
You are welcome and I understand that English is not your first language.
But as a penance, have ein Grosse Bier, ein currywurst mit brotchen und pomme frites mit mayonaisse for me. I can't get the good Thuringen bratwurst where I am at. I am sorry for my poor German.
Biergarten 21_06_25.jpg (286.26 KiB) Viewed 253 times
An American, a German, and a vegan are sitting in a beer garden.
The American orders:
"One big beer and a bratwurst, please!"
The German grins:
"A large beer and a currywurst with fries – with mayo and ketchup, naturally!"
The vegan says:
"I’d like an oat milk latte, gluten-free lentil chips, and… a still water."
The waiter looks at all three, nods –
and brings the vegan a beer, saying: "Sorry, but here in Bavaria, water is only for washing your hands."
At first, it seemed that no biography of 五十嵐 親正 (Igarashi Chikamasu) existed at all. But through careful research and the piecing together of scattered records—mission reports, staff rosters, archived entries, and both English and Japanese sources—a surprisingly detailed picture has emerged.
What follows is not a complete biography in the strict academic sense. Yet it comes remarkably close. Structured, chronologically grounded, and framed within its historical context, this account offers insight into the life of an officer who stood in the shadow of more famous aces—yet played a key role in shaping the tactical backbone of Japan’s carrier aviation forces.
This is an attempt to give a face to a man whose name appeared only in the margins of history. As a squadron leader, staff officer, and air group executive, Igarashi Chikamasu helped orchestrate the machinery of war from the flight deck to the front line. In a conflict that spared little space for the forgotten, he remains one of the many quiet professionals behind the curtain.
LCDR Igarashi Chikamasu – Biography
Name: 五十嵐 親正 (Igarashi Chikamasu) Rank: 海軍少佐 (Kaigun Shōsa – Lieutenant Commander / Corvette Captain, possibly later 海軍中佐 Kaigun Chūsa – Commander / Frigate Captain) Place of Birth: Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Prefecture (approx. 50 km northeast of Tōkyō) Etajima Naval Academy: Graduated in Class 56, March 1928 Early Career & Training
• 30 November 1929: Commissioned as 海軍少尉 (Kaigun Shōi – Ensign)
• 1 December 1931: Promoted to 海軍中尉 (Kaigun Chūi – Lieutenant)
• 1931–1934: Assigned to aircraft carrier Akagi
• 1934–1938: Assigned to aircraft carrier Kaga, serving as Division Officer from 1936 Air Combat in the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937)
• Squadron Leader (戦闘機隊長 Sentōkitai-chō) of a fighter unit with Type 90 carrier fighters (A2N) aboard Kaga
• 16 August 1937: Aerial combat at Jiangwan (Shanghai) against Chinese fighters
• 7 September 1937: Air battle near Tai Hue; led escort of A5M fighters for Type 96 carrier bombers – personally claimed three kills Command Positions in Japan and Central Pacific
• 15 Nov 1939 – 1 May 1940: 航空参謀 (Kōkū Sanbō – Air Staff Officer) of 第14航空隊 (Dai-14 Kōkūtai – 14th Air Group), based in Kasumigaura
• 15 Nov 1940 – early 1942: Squadron leader of 千歳航空隊 (Chitose Kōkūtai – Chitose Air Group), stationed on Roi and Taroa (Marshall Islands)
– Duties: air defense, pilot training, and readiness patrols Taiyō Escort Carrier – South Seas (1942)
• 11 April 1942: Arrival in Rabaul with escort carrier Taiyō
• Appointed 航空指揮官 (Kōkū Shikikan – Air Officer) aboard
• Directed onboard air operations and mission planning in the South Pacific
• 22 October 1942: Reassigned from carrier post – successor not immediately known Air Group Leadership in the Late War (1943–1945)
• 25 Feb – 1 Sept 1943: 航空参謀 (Kōkū Sanbō – Air Staff Officer) of 第582航空隊 (582 Kōkūtai)
• 1 Sept – 1 Dec 1943: Air Officer in 第204航空隊 (204 Kōkūtai)
• 5 Nov 1944 – 21 Mar 1945: 副長 (Fuku-chō – Executive Officer) of 第721航空隊 (721 Kōkūtai)
• 21 Mar – 15 Jul 1945: 副長 (Fuku-chō) of 第722航空隊 (722 Kōkūtai) Assessment & Significance
五十嵐 親正 (Igarashi Chikamasu) was a tactically and organizationally key figure within the IJN's carrier aviation forces.
He was engaged early in combat, personally led squadrons, and rose to become a seasoned 航空指揮官 (Kōkū Shikikan – Air Officer), responsible not only for flight operations but also for personnel and training coordination.
His career trajectory took him from squadron leader (戦闘機隊長 Sentōkitai-chō) to senior 副長 (Fuku-chō – Executive Officer) of large air groups – always operating at the vital junction between flight deck and frontline.
His name appears frequently in battle reports, staff rosters, and operation records – not just as a participant but as a coordinator of complex carrier missions.
A prime example of a highly experienced yet often overlooked "Air Staff" officer of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
Peiper1944 wrote: Sat Jun 21, 2025 6:38 pmAt first, it seemed that no biography of 五十嵐 親正 (Igarashi Chikamasu) existed at all. But through careful research and the piecing together of scattered records—mission reports, staff rosters, archived entries, and both English and Japanese sources—a surprisingly detailed picture has emerged.
What follows is not a complete biography in the strict academic sense. Yet it comes remarkably close. Structured, chronologically grounded, and framed within its historical context, this account offers insight into the life of an officer who stood in the shadow of more famous aces—yet played a key role in shaping the tactical backbone of Japan’s carrier aviation forces.
This is an attempt to give a face to a man whose name appeared only in the margins of history. As a squadron leader, staff officer, and air group executive, Igarashi Chikamasu helped orchestrate the machinery of war from the flight deck to the front line. In a conflict that spared little space for the forgotten, he remains one of the many quiet professionals behind the curtain.
Wow very impressive!
LCDR Igarashi Chikamasu – Biography
Name: 五十嵐 親正 (Igarashi Chikamasu) Rank: 海軍少佐 (Kaigun Shōsa – Lieutenant Commander / Corvette Captain, possibly later 海軍中佐 Kaigun Chūsa – Commander / Frigate Captain) Place of Birth: Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Prefecture (approx. 50 km northeast of Tōkyō) Etajima Naval Academy: Graduated in Class 56, March 1928 Early Career & Training
• 30 November 1929: Commissioned as 海軍少尉 (Kaigun Shōi – Ensign)
• 1 December 1931: Promoted to 海軍中尉 (Kaigun Chūi – Lieutenant)
• 1931–1934: Assigned to aircraft carrier Akagi
• 1934–1938: Assigned to aircraft carrier Kaga, serving as Division Officer from 1936 Air Combat in the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937)
• Squadron Leader (戦闘機隊長 Sentōkitai-chō) of a fighter unit with Type 90 carrier fighters (A2N) aboard Kaga
• 16 August 1937: Aerial combat at Jiangwan (Shanghai) against Chinese fighters
• 7 September 1937: Air battle near Tai Hue; led escort of A5M fighters for Type 96 carrier bombers – personally claimed three kills Command Positions in Japan and Central Pacific
• 15 Nov 1939 – 1 May 1940: 航空参謀 (Kōkū Sanbō – Air Staff Officer) of 第14航空隊 (Dai-14 Kōkūtai – 14th Air Group), based in Kasumigaura
• 15 Nov 1940 – early 1942: Squadron leader of 千歳航空隊 (Chitose Kōkūtai – Chitose Air Group), stationed on Roi and Taroa (Marshall Islands)
– Duties: air defense, pilot training, and readiness patrols Taiyō Escort Carrier – South Seas (1942)
• 11 April 1942: Arrival in Rabaul with escort carrier Taiyō
• Appointed 航空指揮官 (Kōkū Shikikan – Air Officer) aboard
• Directed onboard air operations and mission planning in the South Pacific
• 22 October 1942: Reassigned from carrier post – successor not immediately known Air Group Leadership in the Late War (1943–1945)
• 25 Feb – 1 Sept 1943: 航空参謀 (Kōkū Sanbō – Air Staff Officer) of 第582航空隊 (582 Kōkūtai)
• 1 Sept – 1 Dec 1943: Air Officer in 第204航空隊 (204 Kōkūtai)
• 5 Nov 1944 – 21 Mar 1945: 副長 (Fuku-chō – Executive Officer) of 第721航空隊 (721 Kōkūtai)
• 21 Mar – 15 Jul 1945: 副長 (Fuku-chō) of 第722航空隊 (722 Kōkūtai) Assessment & Significance
五十嵐 親正 (Igarashi Chikamasu) was a tactically and organizationally key figure within the IJN's carrier aviation forces.
He was engaged early in combat, personally led squadrons, and rose to become a seasoned 航空指揮官 (Kōkū Shikikan – Air Officer), responsible not only for flight operations but also for personnel and training coordination.
His career trajectory took him from squadron leader (戦闘機隊長 Sentōkitai-chō) to senior 副長 (Fuku-chō – Executive Officer) of large air groups – always operating at the vital junction between flight deck and frontline.
His name appears frequently in battle reports, staff rosters, and operation records – not just as a participant but as a coordinator of complex carrier missions.
A prime example of a highly experienced yet often overlooked "Air Staff" officer of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
224. Ohashi Fujiro (大橋 藤郎)
Ohashi Fujiro was the first officially confirmed commander of the Chitose Kōkūtai when it was formed in 1939 in anticipation of conflict in the Pacific. An experienced officer of the Kaigun Kōkūtai, he had already led combat missions in China and was considered a tactically savvy strategist. During his tenure, he reorganized the fighter squadrons, promoted young pilots like Nishizawa and Fukumoto, and expanded the unit's training program. Though more focused on organization and instruction than cockpit missions, his leadership significantly shaped the unit's combat strength. After the 1942 transformation into the 201st Kōkūtai, his trail goes cold—he likely moved into a staff or instructor role.
225. Asano Jirō (浅野 次郎)
Asano Jirō was one of the many young non-commissioned officers who joined Chitose Kōkūtai through the Yokaren training program. His combat record is fragmentary—likely first assigned to a security flight before being deployed with Chitose to Rabaul. Indications suggest he was wounded in a reconnaissance mission over the Bismarck Archipelago in early 1942. Whether he survived the war or transferred to another unit is unclear. His name appears in neither casualty lists nor ace rankings—a typical case of the quiet service providers of the air force.
226. Ida Fusata (井田 房太)
Petty Officer 2nd Class Ida Fusata flew the A5M “Claude” during Chitose Kōkūtai's early days. Before the unit’s upgrade to the A6M Zero, he was among those who conducted formation drills and training flights in the Marshall Islands. Known for his precise landings and disciplined nature, he was never deployed to frontlines like New Guinea or Rabaul. Ida likely remained active as a flight instructor or was discharged mid-war. His further career is undocumented—typical for many airmen of the early phase.
227. Ōishi Hideo (大石 英男)
A spirited fighter pilot with six confirmed kills, Ōishi Hideo became known as one of Chitose/201 Kōkūtai's early frontline aviators and later fought with the 201st over the Solomons. Flying escort and interception missions in his Zero, he operated over Rabaul and Bougainville. His war ended tragically: on September 12, 1944, his plane was shot down in combat. He is remembered in veterans’ records as an example of the valiant average pilot of the Imperial Navy.
228. Shibagaki Hiroshi (柴垣 宏)
A rising star among the Chitose formation's fighter pilots, Shibagaki achieved 13 confirmed kills, most within two months with the 204th Kōkūtai. He began his career with Chitose/201, where his aggression and precision stood out. Posted to Rabaul, he expertly hunted enemy bombers. Shibagaki was killed in combat over New Ireland on January 22, 1944. His rapid rise and early death made him a tragic figure in Japan's aerial war.
229. Shibayama Sekizen (芝山 石膳)
A veteran with 10 confirmed kills, Shibayama served in both the Chitose and later the 253rd Kōkūtai. Active in China and the South Pacific, he survived the brutal aerial battles over Rabaul. His absence from casualty records suggests he survived the war. Within Chitose, he was a calm, dependable flight leader—not a daredevil, but a calculating survivor.
230. Shiga Masami (志賀 正巳)
With 16 confirmed kills, Shiga was one of the top aces of the Chitose/201 Kōkūtai. Flying in formations with Saburō Sakai, he conducted dangerous missions in New Guinea. Later assigned to homeland defense, he flew intercepts against B-29 bombers. Shiga survived the war and is remembered as one of the last living veterans of Chitose—a skilled tactician with intuitive flying ability.
231. Takahashi Shigeru (高橋 茂)
A quiet ace with 10 aerial victories, Takahashi was little-known to the public but highly respected by peers as an excellent formation pilot. He served consistently with Chitose and 201st Kōkūtai and participated in the Guadalcanal campaign. His career was unspectacular but essential to the defense of Japanese outposts. Little is known of him after 1943.
232. Komatsu Yoshitomi (小松 良民)
A highly educated officer, Komatsu began his career after graduating from the Etajima Naval Academy. He rose to command the 201st Kōkūtai, restructuring the former Chitose unit and redirecting its strategic focus. Komatsu survived the war and later contributed to postwar military history projects. His calm, intellectual style made him an unusual but highly effective commander.
233. Fukumoto Shigeo (福本 繁夫)
The "mystery man" among the aces: Fukumoto trained with Nishizawa in the Yokaren Otsu 7 class and remained a close comrade. After initial duty with Chitose, he was transferred with Nishizawa to the Tainan and later the 253rd Kōkūtai. Flying as a wingman, he likely scored numerous kills—though few were officially recorded. He fought in Rabaul until his presumed death in 1944. Some legends claim up to 70 kills, though none are verified. What’s certain: Fukumoto was a silent talent and one of the finest NCOs of his era.
234. Okumura Takeo (奥村 武雄)
Okumura was one of the most flamboyant fighter pilots of the early war years. With over 50 confirmed kills, he ranked among the top aces of the Imperial Navy. Initially posted to Chitose, he was soon transferred to the elite Tainan Kōkūtai, flying alongside Sakai and Nishizawa. Okumura’s style was bold, even reckless—a lone wolf with instinct and contempt for death. He fell in battle over the Philippines in 1943 and was posthumously honored. To this day, he symbolizes the uncompromising spirit of Japan’s fighter pilots.
235. Iwasaki Nobuhiro (岩崎 信弘)
A strategically minded pilot with a strong grasp of aviation mechanics. Iwasaki served with Chitose on long-range escort and interception missions. As a technician-pilot, he also reviewed mission data and helped refine air combat tactics. In the final war phase, he was assigned to a kamikaze training unit but survived due to a last-minute transfer. He later published memoirs in a veterans' journal in 1978.
236. Nishizawa Hiroyoshi (西澤 広義)
"The Devil of Rabaul"—Nishizawa was undisputedly the ace of the Imperial Navy. His career began with Chitose Kōkūtai, flying missions over the South Pacific from December 1941. His talent emerged early: 87 confirmed kills, over 100 suspected. With daring maneuvers, fearless attacks, and deep camaraderie, he became a legend. He died not in combat but as a passenger aboard a transport plane shot down over the Philippines in 1944. No one better embodied the ideal of the Japanese air war hero. 237. Nakaya Yoshichi (中谷 義一)
A calm wingman who stood out for his precision and endurance. Nakaya served in the shadow of the great aces but never forgot that the unseen pilots formed the backbone of the unit. He flew missions over Wake, Wotje, and later New Guinea. After several injuries, he was transferred to a training command. Nakaya survived the war and later became a civilian flight instructor in Osaka.
238. Nagano Kiichi (長野 喜一)
Nagano was one of the few radio operator–pilots in the Chitose Kōkūtai. Flying the Mitsubishi F1M “Pete,” he handled communication, navigation, and sometimes bomb spotting for fighter strikes. His work was rarely spectacular, but always essential. Known for his calm voice and coordination skills even under jamming, he remained a stabilizing presence in the air. His fate after 1943 is uncertain.
239. Ogiya Nobuo (荻谷 信夫)
Part of the younger generation in Chitose, Ogiya flew as a fighter pilot in the Marshalls and was later integrated into the 201st Kōkūtai after heavy losses. He scored several confirmed kills against U.S. bombers. A quiet man with a strong sense of duty, he was described as always the last to leave the battlefield. His Zero went down during a mission over the Admiralty Islands—he was never found. His name appears on a memorial in Sasebo honoring the 201st.
240. Yoshino Satoshi (吉野 聡)
Originally a pilot of the A5M “Claude,” Yoshino helped keep aircraft operational in improvised hangars on Kwajalein. As a combat pilot, he was a superior formation flier with excellent tactical discipline. After switching to the A6M Zero, he joined the 251st Kōkūtai but did not survive the Guadalcanal campaign. His comrades recalled that during his final mission, he engaged five enemy aircraft alone to shield his squadron.
241. Yamashita Sahei (山下 左兵衛)
A veteran of the old guard, Yamashita had already flown in China in 1937 and was later assigned to Chitose to share his experience. As an instructor, he was respected as a calm mentor. His flying style was defensive but efficient. He was shot down during a night engagement over Eniwetok—whether due to enemy fire or mechanical failure remains unknown. He left behind two sons who later worked in civil aviation.
242. Yamamoto Tomezō (山本 留三)
A versatile pilot who flew both fighters and reconnaissance aircraft. Yamamoto took part in Chitose’s first deployment toward Wake Island. He later held temporary leadership roles within a fighter section and was known for his tactical use of terrain in combat. After being injured, he never returned to the front but served in a transport unit in Formosa until war’s end.
243. Kokubun Takeichi (国分 武一)
A seasoned combat flier who began his career in the Far East. Kokubun was among the first to fly Zero missions against the RAF. In the Pacific, he formed part of Chitose/201 Kōkūtai’s core, escorting vital supply missions. An American report notes him damaging two F4F Wildcats before crashing. He survived with serious injuries and was evacuated to Japan in 1943.
244. Atake Tomita (安武 富田)
Tomita’s name never appeared in official victory lists—but as a Chitose pilot, he flew many unnoticed yet perilous missions. His specialty was long-range escort over oceanic routes, where his endurance and navigation skills were crucial. Comrades described him as “unfailingly reliable.” He likely transferred to the 201st or 253rd later on. His fate remains unclear—a typical shadow pilot who helped many survive.
245. Takaiwa Kaoru (高岩 薫)
Takaiwa was a trained reconnaissance pilot, flying the Type-97 recon aircraft (C5M “Babs”) to track enemy fleet movements around Jaluit, Ponape, and Truk. A quiet man with a mathematical mind, he was known for precise map work and flight logs. Several successful attacks by Chitose flights were based on his advance scouting. After the war, Takaiwa returned to civilian aviation and later ran a flying school near Hiroshima.
246. Yoshizawa Tokushige (吉沢 徳重)
A mid-ranking veteran who participated in many coastal defense operations. Never ranked as an ace, Yoshizawa logged countless flight hours and was a master of low-level attacks. During a 1942 mission over Salamaua, his plane took heavy damage, yet he returned safely. He later served in an advisory role for squadron operations. People said of him: “He wasn’t fast—but he was indestructible.”
247. Watanabe Hideo (渡辺 英夫)
Watanabe was a young pilot of the so-called “Lost Cohorts,” trained under wartime pressure after 1942. He joined the restructured Chitose detachment and mainly escorted transport missions and protected retreating units. He survived the war and became a farmer in Yamaguchi. His sincere, humble nature made him a beloved comrade.
248. Yamashita Kōshirō (山下 幸四郎)
Kōshirō was the older brother of Sahei Yamashita, also assigned to Chitose. Unlike his brother, he was a daring frontline pilot. After downing two enemy aircraft over Bougainville, he was granted leave but voluntarily returned early. His final mission took him into combat over the eastern Solomons, where he was killed. The Yamashita brothers symbolize the family spirit shared by many Navy pilots.
249. Katō Keijirō (加藤 敬次郎)
Katō was a night-flight specialist—rare in the early IJN. As a technical pilot, he focused on navigation aids, early radar tests, and signal jamming. He performed test flights in Japan before joining the Chitose detachment, where he secured transport planes during early-morning operations. After the war, he became an engineer in Japan’s growing aviation industry.
250. Igarashi Chikamasa (五十嵐 親正)
Commander of the Chitose Kōkūtai Detachment, Igarashi oversaw operations of the unit’s elements deployed to Southeast Asia. Known for strict discipline, clear orders, and great respect among subordinates, he managed the unit’s transition into the 201st Kōkūtai and spearheaded the tactical shift toward flexible squadron structure. After his HQ reassignment, he served as an instructor and survived the war. 251. Okano Hiroshi (岡野 弘)
Okano was a versatile pilot who flew both fighter and trainer aircraft. He began his career as a mechanic but was later promoted to active duty through supplemental training. At Chitose, he served as a squadron liaison officer, relaying air status reports and guiding young pilots during their first missions. A combat injury ended his frontline career early, after which he led a training squadron in Formosa.
252. Shiozura Toshio (塩面 敏夫)
Shiozura was a radio operator–pilot flying the F1M “Pete.” His main task was escorting naval reconnaissance flights. In the New Guinea region, he delivered vital intelligence on enemy coastal structures. Not a combat pilot in the traditional sense, Shiozura’s information enabled precise follow-up strikes. In 1943, his aircraft was shot down near Manus. He survived with severe injuries and spent the remainder of the war in a field hospital.
253. Tanaka Jirō (田中 次郎)
Tanaka was part of the Chitose Detachment’s reinforcement contingent, joining in 1942 as an escort pilot. Known for his low-altitude approach skills, he protected supply convoys during several critical missions. One report links him to a daring decoy maneuver that enabled a successful landing under enemy threat. Tanaka returned from the war with psychological scars and later became a schoolteacher.
254. Wajima Yoshio (輪島 義男)
A quiet and dutiful pilot, Wajima was known for his excellent landing skills on makeshift frontline airstrips. Among the first transferred to the detachment after Chitose’s restructuring, he took part in operations around Palau, mainly escorting supply flights through contested airspace. In 1944, he was captured by American forces and survived captivity with lasting physical and emotional damage. After the war, he published a short memoir about his Chitose comrades.
255. Watanabe Hideo (渡辺 英夫)
This name also appears under No. 247. It is either a duplication or refers to two men with the same name—a not uncommon occurrence in Imperial Japan. If the same person, Watanabe served in both the main Chitose unit and the detachment. If not, the second Watanabe was likely a junior NCO (Heisō), serving as a reserve or training pilot aboard a carrier squadron. Either way, he represents the invisible backbone of aviation—rarely recorded, yet vital to unit cohesion.
256. Arai T. (新井 T.)
Only his surname and initial are known—typical of many pilots whose service was short or who were lost early. Likely part of the 1942 trainee batch, Arai was assigned to the Chitose detachment as reinforcement. Hints suggest he crashed in a reconnaissance aircraft near Morotai. Comrades described him as a “quiet, ascetic young man.” His name appears on an inscription from a 1967 veterans' reunion—but no further biographical data exists.
257. Hongo I. (本郷 I.)
Hongo’s record is also fragmentary. As an Ittō Heisō (Flight Sergeant First Class), he may have served as a radio operator or observer in a two-seater aircraft. An April 1943 mission report mentions him in an escort operation over Nauru. His trail ends afterward. No casualty report exists, suggesting he survived—possibly through reassignment or repatriation. Like many unsung flyers, Hongo helped write history quietly, away from the spotlight.
Chitose Kōkūtai (千歳航空隊) A Complete Unit Biography, 1939–1942
I. Origins and Formation (1939)
The Chitose Kōkūtai was established on October 1, 1939, at the Chitose Naval Air Base on Hokkaidō. Originally conceived as a land-based fighter unit, it was first assigned to the Ominato Naval District in northern Japan. The first known commanding officer was Kaigun Shōsa (Lt. Cdr.) Kiyoji Sakikabara, an experienced officer known for his emphasis on training and discipline. At this early stage, the unit was not intended for front-line operations but primarily served as a rigorous training ground for young pilots and tactical instruction using the then-standard Mitsubishi A5M4 “Claude” fighter aircraft.
II. Preparing for War (1940–1941)
With tensions in the Pacific escalating, the Chitose Kōkūtai was integrated into the 24th Air Flotilla (4th Fleet) in January 1941—a clear indication that its role would soon expand beyond training. Several detachments were dispatched to Pacific outposts, including Saipan, Truk, Kwajalein, and Roi-Namur in the Marshall Islands.
In June 1941, another key development followed: relocation to Moresby shortly before the outbreak of war with the United States. Under the command of CDR Ryutarō Yamanaka, the unit began pre-war reconnaissance missions aimed at identifying strategic targets across the Central Pacific. At this time, the fighter component comprised approximately 36 A5M fighters, distributed among several hikōtai (squadrons), some under the command of LCDR Chikamasa Igarashi. Though the aircraft were already outdated, they remained in service through late 1941.
III. The Pacific War Begins – Wake and the Marshall Islands (Dec 1941 – Feb 1942)
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the Chitose Kōkūtai was immediately thrust into frontline service. On December 8, the unit launched its first missions with 36 fighters and bombers targeting Wake Island. The bomber group, then under Lt. Harutoshi Okamoto, attacked the island from bases such as Roi, supported by seaplane reconnaissance. As the fighters lacked the range for direct escort, bombers often operated without cover. Nevertheless, their impact was devastating: U.S. positions on Wake were systematically destroyed.
On December 23, Japanese troops successfully landed on Wake, accompanied by Chitose aircraft flying close air support and low-altitude attacks. Of particular note was the so-called Okamoto Unit, later transferred to Kavieng.
At the same time, another detachment—the Kawai Unit—was stationed on Roi and Taroa (Marshall Islands) for air defense duties. These units were directly engaged in combat with U.S. carrier forces under Admiral Halsey on February 1, 1942. Despite heavy bombardment on Taroa and Kwajalein, the Chitose group held its ground. A total of 12 Zero fighters were deployed, claiming five enemy aircraft for two losses.
IV. Modernization and Expansion (Spring 1942)
Early 1942 brought rapid modernization: the outdated A5Ms were replaced with Mitsubishi A6M2 “Zero” fighters, now available in larger numbers. Petty Officer First Class Hiroyoshi Nishizawa—who would later become one of Japan’s most famous aces—flew his first missions with Chitose during this transition. On February 3, he scored a symbolic aerial victory against a U.S. Catalina near Rabaul, marking the unit’s transformation.
In April 1942, some pilots and aircraft were transferred to the newly formed 4th Kōkūtai, headquartered in Rabaul. Chitose provided both personnel and equipment for this transition but retained its main base at Kwajalein. Its missions now included:
• Patrol flights over the Central Pacific
• Escort operations for naval deployments
• Air defense over the Marshall Islands
V. Battles over Guadalcanal and Strategic Withdrawal (Summer–Autumn 1942)
In the summer of 1942, the Chitose unit responded to a U.S. raid on the Makin Islands and launched attacks on enemy positions. Partial redeployments to Rabaul followed, as the Allied offensive on Guadalcanal intensified.
In September 1942, Chitose bombers repeatedly targeted Henderson Field and Port Moresby. However, losses mounted due to growing U.S. air superiority. By October 1942, the entire unit was relocated to Rabaul, just as the Guadalcanal campaign reached a critical phase.
With depleted strength, the unit continued to fight until it was reorganized...
VI. Dissolution and Renaming (Nov–Dec 1942)
On November 1, 1942, the Chitose Kōkūtai was officially dissolved. Its fighter squadron—retaining part of its original personnel—was reformed as the new 201st Kōkūtai, which would operate in Wake, New Guinea, and the Gilberts. Its bomber elements were transferred to the newly established 701st and 702nd Kōkūtai, stationed in Rabaul and Kwajalein.
Commanders such as LCDR Igarashi Chikamasa, CDR Yamanaka, and CPT Ohashi Fujiro played key roles in shaping the unit. Under their leadership, the Chitose Kōkūtai became one of the most widely deployed units of the early war—serving in roles from training and escort to large-scale operations in the South and Central Pacific.
VII. Legacy and Aftermath
The Chitose Kōkūtai left behind no impressive kill records—but its legacy lies in resilience and mobility. Its pilots flew from Hokkaidō to Guadalcanal, trained generations of aviators, and laid the personnel foundation for elite successor units like the 201st and 252nd Kōkūtai.
The unit should not be confused with the later converted aircraft carrier IJN Chitose, which existed independently of the air group.
; Julia Child
