[rldunn]

As previously noted, the kodochoshos ("action reports" as mentioned in the quote above) have been summarized in English. Material is currently available to tell the story of the Zero versus Spitfire and other aspects of air action over Australia. Unfortunately as shown in this thread of comments, there seem to be folks who will question whatever information challenges their preconceived notions.

Information from downed aircraft, radio intercepts, POWs and other sources which are not necessarily available at NIDS (or to Japanese researchers generally) also provide valuable information on Japanese operations. No one source provides all the answers. Western writers/historians have generally failed to exploit wartime intelligence sources such as those just mentioned much less overlooking original sources from Japan. While this might have been acceptable a few decades ago, recent recantations of inaccurate information (even if providing interesting detail from the Allied side) can only be considered shoddy history and over-priced book selling. On the other hand, if the reader enjoys the book and thinks he has paid a fair price, good for him.

RLD