Land combat component of the Imperial Japanese Navy is poorly researched in modern English-language literature. The book “Rikusentai” by Austin Adachi tries to correct this.
Despite small size, book gives reader good overall picture about IJN land forces (not just SNLFs – there were many IJN land formations, either intended or forced to fight on land): their creation, evolution, organization, uniform, weapons and equipment. Also it has many quality photos, which were never published before. And printing quality is excellent – the book is pleasure to read.
The only thing missing is combat history of IJN land units. But even a short description of combat operations will require at least several volumes of the “Rikusentai” size, so I can understand, why author decided to cut his description of combat operations down to the most general words.
As a researcher I’m also pleased, that, despite small size of the book, author found some space for the sources of his knowledge, which greatly helps people who’d like to find more on the topic.
In my opinion the book “Rikusentai” is a great work on topic despite its small size.
Austin Adachi is also the head of the Japanese Naval Landing Forces Historical Preservation Association. It’s web site has a lot of interesting Japanese photos (sometimes totally unlike your average Pacific War Japanese photos): https://en.rikusentai.net/
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