Contents

The war in the Pacifc 4

How to use this guide 6
Infantry squads 7
Recruits ................................................................................................................... 7
Assault infantry ....................................................................................................... 7
Regular infantry ....................................................................................................... 7
Paratroopers ............................................................................................................ 8
Sappers .................................................................................................................... 8
SNLF platoon ............................................................................................................. 8
Mechanized SNLF battalion ...................................................................................... 9
Engineers (AP) ......................................................................................................... 9
Engineers (AT) .......................................................................................................... 9
Kamikazes .............................................................................................................. 10
Machine gunners of the Empire ............................................................................ 11
Marine paratroopers ............................................................................................. 11
Specialized soldiers 12
Rifleman ................................................................................................................. 12
Submachine gun .................................................................................................... 12
Machine gunner ..................................................................................................... 12
Team with anti-tank rifle ....................................................................................... 13
Anti-tank team ....................................................................................................... 13
Crew ....................................................................................................................... 14
Flamethrower team ............................................................................................... 14
Sniper..................................................................................................................... 14
Officer .................................................................................................................... 15
Radio operator ....................................................................................................... 15
Fixed weapons and artillery 16
Heavy machine gun Machine gun ............................................................................. 16
Type 2 20 mm AA AA defense .................................................................................... 16
Type 94 mortar Mortar ............................................................................................. 16
Type 1 47 mm AT AT gun ......................................................................................... 17
Type 2 57 mm AT AT gun ......................................................................................... 17
Type 90 75 mm AT AT gun ...................................................................................... 17
Type 4 75 mm AA AA defense / AT gun ....................................................................... 18
Type 91 105 mm howitzer Field howitzer ................................................................... 18
Type 96 150 mm howitzer Field howitzer ................................................................... 18
200 mm rocket Rocket mortar ................................................................................... 19
Light vehicles 20
Type 92 Scout vehicle ................................................................................................ 20
Ha-Go Light tank ....................................................................................................... 21
Ke-Nu Light tank ....................................................................................................... 22
Chi-Ha 57 Light tank .................................................................................................. 23
Chi-Ha 47 Light tank .................................................................................................. 24
Isuzu AA AA vehicle .................................................................................................. 25
SS-D Minesweeper ..................................................................................................... 25
Tank destroyer 26
Ho-Ni 1 Light tank destroyer ......................................................................................... 26
Ho-Ri 2 Heavy tank destroyer ....................................................................................... 27
Ho-Ri 1 Heavy tank destroyer ....................................................................................... 28
Self-propelled artillery 29
Ho-Ni 2 Self-propelled howitzer .................................................................................... 29
Ho-Ro Self-propelled howitzer ...................................................................................... 30
Ha-To Self-propelled howitzer ...................................................................................... 31
Isuzu mortar Self-propelled mortar ............................................................................. 31
Tanks 32
Chi-He Medium tank .................................................................................................. 32
Ho-I Medium tank ...................................................................................................... 33
Chi-Nu Medium tank .................................................................................................. 34
Chi-To Medium tank .................................................................................................. 35
Chi-Ri Heavy tank ...................................................................................................... 36
Chi-Ha 120 Light tank ................................................................................................ 38
Transport and logistics 39
Type 97 Motorcycle ................................................................................................... 39
Ho-Ha Armored half track ............................................................................................ 39
Isuzu (transport) Supply truck .................................................................................. 40
Isuzu (supplies) Supply truck ................................................................................... 40
Isuzu (engineers) Supply truck ................................................................................. 40
Special attacks 41
Banzai! .................................................................................................................. 41
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All rights reserved.
The war in the Pacific
In 1937, Japan invaded China. In September 1940, Japan signed the Tripartite Pact with
Germany and Italy. In response to their expansionist aspirations in Asia, the western
powers ordered the blockade of oil to the Japanese Empire.
On December 7, 1941, the Japanese Air Force launched an attack on the American base
of Pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian Islands. Three days later, Japanese troops landed on the
island of Luzon and began the conquest of the Philippines.
In just a few months, the Imperial army destroyed the British Pacic eet and occupied
Siam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Java, Borneo, Burma, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
But in the spring of 1942, the powerful Japanese eet was destroyed by the United
States Navy in the Coral Sea and in the Battle of Midway, which put a stop to its advance
towards Australia. Japan began to show signs of weakness and economic inferiority in its
campaign against the United States.
On October 20, 1944, the Battle of Leyte in the Philippines began. For several days, the
Japanese Army fought ercely against the most powerful eet ever seen in the Pacic. Not
even the rst time use of kamikaze pilots could prevent their defeat.
On February 19, 1945, the Battle of Iwo Jima began, the most bloody of all the Pacic
battles. 20,000 Japanese soldiers died at the hands of the United States Army. On April
1, in Okinawa, the kamikazes punished the enemy eet, but Japan lost the Yamato, their
prize battleship.
On August 6, the rst atomic bomb devastated Hiroshima. Two days later the Soviet Union
declared war on Japan and invaded Manchukuo and Korea. On August 9, the second
atom bomb fell on Nagasaki. Not long after, the Emperor announced the unconditional
surrender of Japan.
Japanese campaign battles
Battle of Khalkhin Gol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .May 11, 1939.
Before the beginning of the Second World War, the
Soviet Union and Japan maintained a border war
that reached its peak when the Mongolian Army
occupied part of Japanese territory in Manchukuo.
The battle took the name of the river Khalkhin Gol,
which crossed through the scene of the battle.
Battle of Singapore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 7, 1942.
Japan attacked the fortication of Singapore, the
most important British military base in Southeast
Asia. The objective was to take control of a funda-
mental strategic point in order to guarantee supply
routes and control communications with Malaysia.
Battle of Iwo Jima . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 19, 1945.
One of the decisive battles of the Second World
War. The allied landing on the island of Iwo Jima,
converted into a fortress by the Japanese Army,
took 36 days of hard ghting for control of one of
the key strategic enclaves in the Pacic.
Chronology
May 11, 1939
Battle of Khalkhin Gol
December 7, 1941
Attack on Pearl Harbor
February 7, 1942
Battle of Singapore
June 4, 1942
Battle of Midway
June 7, 1942
Battle of Guadalcanal
October 20, 1944
Battle of Leyte
(Philippines)
February 19, 1945
Battle of Iwo Jima
March 3, 1945
Fall of Manila
April 1, 1945
Battle of Okinawa
August 6, 1945
Atomic bomb on Hiroshima
August 9, 1945
Atomic bomb on Nagasaki
August 15, 1945
Capitulation of Japan
6 Japanese Imperial Army: How to use this guide Combat guide 7
How to use this guide
Combat guide 1
Assault infantry
M 135 C 25 H10 X 2
6 4
Thompson submachine gun M1 Garand semi-automatic rifle
Inventory:
16x 6x 8x 4x
M5A1 Stuart Light tank
M 300 C 13 V 35 D4 S-
Main: L37 mm R3 A110 m
AP: 66 63 54 44
10 30 70 110 m
Armor:
129 225 325
438 532 625
G2x 0.30 caliber
The British used the surname of the Confederate States Army general, Jeb Stuart, to name the whole series of United States M3 and M5
tanks. The M5A1 could carry the same 37 mmweapon as the Greyhound; although its speed was slower, it was better armored and had
nearly double the emergency ammunition supply. It was efcient for providing close support to the infantry as well as confronting lightly-
armored enemy scout vehicles such as the German SdKfz 223 and Panzer I or the Japanese Type 92s.
Inventory:
79x 68x 5x 3.400x 1x
Combat guide 1
Assault infantry
M 135 C 25 H10 X 2
6 4
Thompson submachine gun M1 Garand semi-automatic rifle
Inventory:
16x 6x 8x 4x
M5A1 Stuart Light tank
M 300 C 13 V 35 D4 S-
Main: L37 mm R3 A110 m
AP: 66 63 54 44
10 30 70 110 m
Armor:
129 225 325
438 532 625
G2x 0.30 caliber
The British used the surname of the Confederate States Army general, Jeb Stuart, to name the whole series of United States M3 and M5
tanks. The M5A1 could carry the same 37 mmweapon as the Greyhound; although its speed was slower, it was better armored and had
nearly double the emergency ammunition supply. It was efcient for providing close support to the infantry as well as confronting lightly-
armored enemy scout vehicles such as the German SdKfz 223 and Panzer I or the Japanese Type 92s.
Inventory:
79x 68x 5x 3.400x 1x
Name of the unit
Name of the unit Type
Icon
Icon
Unit's
equipment
Unit's
equipment
Machine guns
mounted
Name of weapon
Penetration into armor
according to distance
(in mm of steel)
Armor (in mm of steel)
Weapon icon
Quantity
M Command Points (Special)
C Control Points
M Command Points (Special)
C Control Points
L Caliber of weapon
R Reload time
A Maximum range
V Speed
D Crew
S Passengers
Y Can tow /
be towed
H Number of men who make up the unit
X Weapons handling skills Recruits
M 60 C 16 H 8 X 1
6 2
Type 99 rifle MP 28 submachine gun
Inventory:
10x
Assault infantry
M 125 C 25 H 10 X 2
4 6
Type 99 rifle Type 100 submachine gun
Inventory:
16x 6x 4x 8x 4x
Regular infantry
M 150 C 25.5 H 10 X 2
6 3 1
Type 99 rifle Type 100 submachine gun Type 99 machine gun
Inventory:
12x 3x 6x 2x 10x
Infantry squads
Hull Turret
1 4 Front
2 5 Side
3 6 Rear
8 Japanese Imperial Army: Infantry squads Combat guide 9
Paratroopers
M 225 C 30 H 10 X 3
8 2
Type 99 rifle Type 99 machine gun
Inventory:
25x 20x 16x 2x 5x 40x
Sappers
M 50 C 6 H 2 X 2
2
Type 100 submachine gun
Inventory:
2x
SNLF platoon
M 355 C 35 H 10 X 4
6 2
Type 2 submachine gun MP 28 submachine gun
2 2
Type 99 machine gun Type 4 rocket launcher
Inventory:
20x 14x 10x 12x 4x
Mechanized SNLF battalion
M 445 C 35 H 10 X 4
6 2
Type 2 submachine gun MP 28 submachine gun
2 2
Type 99 machine gun Type 4 rocket launcher
Inventory:
20x 14x 10x 12x 4x
Engineers (AP)
M 150 C 12 H 4 X 2
4
Type 100 submachine gun
Inventory:
60x
Engineers (AT)
M 200 C 12 H 4 X 2
4
Type 100 submachine gun
Inventory:
28x
10 Japanese Imperial Army: Infantry squads Combat guide 11
Machine gunners of the Empire
M 2 C 24 H 10 X 2
2 4 4
Type 99 rifle MP 28 submachine gun Type 99 machine gun
Inventory:
10x 4x
Marine paratroopers
M 3 C 30 H 10 X 3
The marine paratroopers were an elite corps that formed part of the Special Naval
Landing Forces (SNLF). Equipped with light armaments, the main objective of
these units was to attack key points in coastal areas, supporting amphibious
assaults and landings or capturing airelds and other strategic enclaves.
Equipped with an armored halftrack and armed with ries, light machine guns
and antipersonnel mines, these elite troops were especially well prepared for
capturing strategic enemy positions and then securing these areas, laying
mineelds and resisting enemy infantry counterattacks.
8 2
Type 99 rifle Type 99 machine gun
Kamikazes
M 1 C 15 H 5 X 2
During the war in the Pacic, soldiers of the
Imperial Army won the reputation for never
surrendering, substantiated by the small number
of Japanese prisoners that were taken during the
campaign, compared to their opponents.
Many United States soldiers saw how, on facing
defeat, the Imperial soldiers would shout "Tenno
Heika Banzai!" (Long live the emperor!) before charging into battle, demonstrating, with
this triumphal shout, their willingness to die before being defeated.
Following the Samurai code of honor, these Japanese soldiers preferred "gyokusai"
(honorable death) before being defeated. Armed with submachine guns, these soldiers
did not hesitate to use the powerful explosives they carried in order to exchange their lives
for those of their enemies.
5
Type 100 submachine gun
Kamikazes
To serve in the Japanese
Army was seen as serving
the Emperor. The military
culture dictated that it
was a great honor to die
in his name, following
the Samurai concept of
servitude. On the other
hand, signs of cowardice
and disobedience were
a disgrace for the
individual, their family
and community. These
beliefs were profoundly
instilled in all Japanese
soldiers, who were trained
to face death before
dishonor.
Inventory:
5x
Inventory:
26x 22x 16x 2x 6x 40x
12 Japanese Imperial Army: Specialized soldiers Combat guide 13
Team with anti-tank rife
M 60 C 6 H 2 X 3
2 1
Type 100 submachine gun Type 97 AT rifle
Inventory:
2x 2x 1x
Anti-tank team
M 70 C 6 H 2 X 3
2 1
Type 100 submachine gun Type 4 rocket launcher
Inventory:
2x 2x 1x 11x
Rifeman
M 11 C 2.5 H 1 X 2
1
Type 99 rifle
Inventory:
1x 1x 1x
Submachine gun
M 12 C 2.5 H 1 X 2
1
Type 100 submachine gun
Inventory:
2x 1x 1x
Machine gunner
M 40 C 3 H 1 X 2
1
Type 99 machine gun
Inventory:
1x
Anti-tank rifles
The most effective infantry response against the threat from light
armored vehicles. These were extraordinarily powerful rifles which
fired large caliber armor-piercing ammunition. With long range and
high accuracy, they were capable of destroying scout vehicles and light tanks from long distances.
They could also be used against enemy infantry: their projectiles were so heavy that they could go
through barricades and obstacles and hit the soldiers hidden behind them, as well as the gun crews,
machine guns and other fixed weapons.
The anti-tank rifles lost efficiency as soon as medium and heavy tanks appeared on the battlefield,
as the armor of these vehicles was too tough and could only be damaged with lucky shots against
the engine and other weak points of the hull. One anti-tank projectile fired point blank could go
through a 30 mm thick steel plate. However, their penetration capacity was considerably reduced the
further the weapon was from the target. At the best firing distance possible, they could penetrate
plates up to a maximum of 10 mm.
Specialized soldiers
14 Japanese Imperial Army: Specialized soldiers Combat guide 15
Offcer
M 160 C 8 H 1 X 3
1 1
Type 14 Nambu pistol Flare pistol
Inventory:
1x 1x 4x 1x
Radio operator
M 4 C 11 H 3 X 2
3 1
Type 100 submachine gun Flare pistol
Inventory:
4x 2x 2x 1x 21x
Crew
M 10 C 4 H 2 X 2
2
Type 14 Nambu pistol
Inventory:
Flamethrower team
M 75 C 5 H 2 X 2
1 1
Type 100 submachine gun Flamethrower
Inventory:
2x 1x 1x
Sniper
M 160 C 8 H 1 X 4
1
Type 99 sniper rifle
Inventory:
3x 1x 1x
16 Japanese Imperial Army: Fixed weapons and artillery Combat guide 17
Type 1 47 mm AT AT gun
M 140 C 5 Y
Main: L 47 mm R 4 A 130 m
AP: 73 69 59 39
10 30 70 130 m
Inventory:
51x 50x 5x
Type 2 57 mm AT AT gun
M 220 C 5 Y
Main: L 57 mm R 4.5 A 130 m
AP: 88 84 72 36
10 30 70 130 m
Inventory:
51x 50x 5x
Type 90 75 mm AT AT gun
M 280 C 5 Y
Main: L 75 mm R 5.5 A 130 m
AP: 107 102 93 71
10 30 70 130 m
Inventory:
51x 50x 5x 1x
Heavy machine gun Machine gun
M 100 C 5
Main: L 7.7 mm R Auto A 80 m
Inventory:
1030x
Type 2 20 mm AA AA defense
M 200 C 2.5 Y
Main: L 20 mm R Auto A 100 m
AP: 29 27 21 18
10 30 70 100 m
Inventory:
900x 1x
Type 94 mortar Mortar
M 350 C 5
Main: L 90 mm R 5 A 110 m
AP: 15 15 15 15
10 30 70 110 m
Inventory:
121x 1x
Fixed weapons and artillery
18 Japanese Imperial Army: Fixed weapons and artillery Combat guide 19
200 mm rocket Rocket mortar
M 5 C 5 Y
Main: L 200 mm R 80 A 180 m
In 1943, the Japanese developed a 200
mm rocket mortar that red self-propelled
projectiles stabilized with ns. This feature made it more accurate and gave it a greater
range of re, making it superior to conventional mortars. The rst units were deployed in
the Battle of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Powerful and economical, considerable numbers
of this rocket launcher were produced and stored as a precaution against a possible
amphibious invasion of their national territory.
The 200 mm rockets had a long range and high explosive power, outperforming the
infantry's 90 mm mortars by far. However, the reload time was slow, and only one projectile
could be red every one and a half minutes. The blast radius of these rockets was
very wide and they could wipe out an entire squad of soldiers if hit in open
country, as well as seriously damage or destroy armored vehicles close to
the impact point.
Inventory:
21x 1x
Type 4 75 mm AA AA defense / AT gun
M 500 C 10 Y
Main: L 75 mm R 6 A 150 m
AP: 146 138 124 84
10 30 70 150 m
Inventory:
51x 50x 5x
Type 91 105 mm howitzer Field howitzer
M 600 C 10 Y
Main: L 105 mm R 70 A 220 m


Inventory:
66x 1x
Type 96 150 mm howitzer Field howitzer
M 800 C 10 Y
Main: L 150 mm R 75 A 250 m

Inventory:
36x 12x 1x
Mortars
All nations provided their infantry with some kind of portable
mortar. These weapons were fundamental in providing support
fire during attacks on fortified positions defended by infantry
units, protected by barricades or sandbags. Mortars were also
very efficient at bombarding weapons emplacements, as the
shrapnel from their projectiles could injure a gun crew without
damaging the weapon, allowing it to be recovered.
As they had a short range, it was important to deploy mortars
behind large obstacles such as rock formations, buildings
or unevenness of the ground. The parabola described by their
projectiles reached such a height that they could even be used
to fire above multi-storey buildings.
20 Japanese Imperial Army: Light vehicles Combat guide 21
Ha-Go Light tank
M 160 C 11 V 38 D 3 S 2
Main: L 37 mm R 3 A 110 m
AP: 52 48 38 28
10 30 70 110 m
Armor:
1 12 2 12 3 6
4 12 5 12 6 12
G 2x Type 1
Armed with a 37 mm gun, the Type 95 was
also equipped with two machine guns: one
on the front part of the bodywork and one on
the rear part of the turret.
Approximately 2,000 units of this model were
manufactured that were used by the marines
of the Imperial Navy during the war in the
Pacic. Nevertheless, and in spite
of the success obtained during
confrontations against
infantry battalions, the Ha-
Go showed that it could not
measure up to allied tanks
of the era. Its limited armor and
armament advised against its use
for infantry support in hostile territory.
Inventory:
69x 50x 5x 2.460x 1x
Light vehicles
Type 92 Scout vehicle
M 150 C 10 V 38 D 5 S - Y
Armor:
1 15 2 15 3 15
4 20 5 20 6 20
G 4x Type 99
Its ve occupants operated the four machine
guns that covered the front and both sides
of the vehicles, as well as the machine gun
mounted on the revolving upper turret.
This deployment of armament made the Type
92 an excellent unit for harassing enemy
infantry, as long as the latter did not have
support from armed vehicles.
Type 92
This armored
reconnaissance vehicle
was used by marine
infantry troops in
support of their land
operations.
Ha-Go
The first Type 95 Ha-
Go was manufactured in
1933. Thanks to its
limited armor, this tank
matched the speed of
transport vehicles used
by the Imperial Infantry.
Thanks to the limited
number of tanks and anti-
tank weapons shown by
the enemy army, the Type
95 proved effective in
its interventions in
the Manchuria and China
campaigns.
Inventory:
5.120x 1x
22 Japanese Imperial Army: Light vehicles Combat guide 23
The 57 mm gun red explosive projectiles
with greater repower, which made it more
efcient than the Ha-Go when ghting
against enemy infantry.
Ke-Nu Light tank
M 180 C 9 V 38 D 3 S 2
Main: L 57 mm R 4.5 A 110 m
AP: 58 52 41 30
10 30 70 110 m
Armor:
1 12 2 12 3 6
4 25 5 25 6 12
G 2x Type 1
Chi-Ha 57 Light tank
M 200 C 13 V 29 D 4 S 4
Main: L 57 mm R 4.5 A 110 m
AP: 58 52 41 30
10 30 70 110 m
Armor:
1 25 2 15 3 7
4 25 5 25 6 12
G 2x Type 1
The Chi-Ha performed well as a support tank.
It had slightly superior armor to that of the
Ha-Go, especially at the front, and had better
armament. In spite of these advantages, the
front armor was vulnerable to lighter anti-tank guns, such as the American M3 or the Soviet
M-37, and its low speed did not permit it to ank enemy tanks without receiving return re.
Ke-Nu
Vehicle designed to
resolve the problems
presented by the narrow
turret of the original Ha-
Go.
To do this, the Chi-Ha
medium tank turret was
mounted on the modified
chassis of the Ha-Go,
which allowed a larger
main gun to be added.
100 units of the Ke-Nu
were manufactured.
Chi-Ha 57
This improved version of
the Ha-Go was developed
in 1936. The Type 97
included a turret for two
crew and the armor and
armament was considerably
increased with respect to
its predecessor. It was
one of the most used tanks
of the war, with 1,162
units manufactured during
the first years of the
conflict.
Inventory:
51x 50x 5x 2.460x 1x
Inventory:
71x 36x 5x 2.410x 1x
24 Japanese Imperial Army: Light vehicles Combat guide 25
Isuzu AA AA vehicle
M 250 C 12.5 V 30 D 4 S - Y
Main: L 20 mm R Auto A 100 m
AP: 29 27 21 18
10 30 70 100 m
An Isuzu lorry that transported a 20 mm,
automatic anti-aircraft gun was useful for
giving re support to the allied infantry during
their assaults, and for defending an area with
possible incursions of light vehicles. It had two disadvantages: the chassis offered little
protection against explosive ammunition and the driver's cab prevented the gun from
turning through 360 degrees or from aiming to the front.
Inventory:
630x
SS-D Minesweeper
M 250 C 8 V 18 D 4 S 4
Armor:
1 25 2 15 3 15
G 2x Type 99
Constructed on the chassis of a medium tank,
the SS-D was a sapper vehicle capable of digging up mines in its path. Armed with two
machine guns and ve amethrowers that pointed towards the corners and front, this
vehicle gave a new meaning to the concept of "repower". Unfortunately, its armor was
not enough for it to cross enemy infantry lines and deploy its weapons efciently.
Inventory:
1.710x 1x 1x
Chi-Ha 47 Light tank
M 240 C 15 V 30 D 5 S 4
Main: L 47 mm R 4 A 130 m
AP: 73 69 59 39
10 30 70 130 m
Armor:
1 25 2 20 3 20
4 25 5 25 6 25
G 1x Type 99 G 2x Type 1
After confronting Soviet tanks, superior in range
and power, the Imperial Army proposed to
develop better armed medium tanks. In 1941, the
design was completed for a new 47 mm high velocity gun named Type 1. This new
weapon managed to increase the rate of re with regard to the previous 57 mm
gun, which gave it greater armor penetration capacity and better range of re.
The same tank chassis underwent modications to be adapted to the new gun:
owing to its great size, the original turret was replaced with that of a Chi-He
medium tank. Finally, 930 units of the Chi-Ha were produced between 1942 and
1943.
Thanks to the 47 mm gun, the Chi-Ha could successfully confront light tanks such as
the Stuart. However, its limited armor (caused partly by the lack of steel, used mainly
for the construction of warships), made it inefcient against heavier tanks like the
United States Sherman.
Inventory:
75x 45x 5x 2.440x 1x
26 Japanese Imperial Army: Tank destroyer Combat guide 27
Ho-Ri 2 Heavy tank destroyer
M 1900 C 48 V 20 D 4 S 4
Main: L 105 mm R 12 A 150 m
AP: 223 208 177 116
10 30 70 150 m
Secondary: L 37 mm R 3 A 110 m
AP: 52 48 38 28
10 30 70 110 m
Armor:
1 180 2 75 3 60
G 1x Type 1
The Ho-Ri was a conceptual design of an
experimental Type 5 Chi-Ri heavy tank. There were no prototypes or documents which
indicated that its production was being planned, but it had to be armed with a powerful
105 mm high velocity gun, as well as a secondary 37 mm gun belonging to the original
design.
Clearly inspired by the large German Jagdtiger and Elefant tank destroyers, the front armor
of the Ho-Ri was reinforced to 180 mm, which gave it superior protection against any allied
tank destroyer, while the 105 mm gun, although slower and with a lower range than the one
designed for the Chi-Ri, had a far superior capacity for penetration and causing damage.
There were two variants of the original design, the Ho-Ri 1 and the Ho-Ri 2, differing from
each other mainly in the layout of their armament and engine. The Ho-Ri 2 was similar to the Chi-Ri, with the armament located at the
front part and the engine in the rear part of the hull.
The front machine gun and 37 mm gun provided a good defense against light vehicles and infantry. As it shared the hull design of the
Chi-Ri, the lack of inclination of the front part of the plate, where the secondary 37 mm gun was mounted, was a weak point. As it did
not have a turret, all its combat effectiveness was lost if it became immobilized, so that trying to get cover in the anks and tracks was
vital for the Ho-Ri's survival.
Inventory:
26x 27x 5x 31x 30x 5x 3.530x 1x
Ho-Ni 1 Light tank destroyer
M 350 C 21 V 26 D 3 S 6
Main: L 75 mm R 5.5 A 130 m
AP: 107 102 93 71
10 30 70 130 m
Armor:
1 25 2 25 3 7
4 10 5 10 6 10
The front armor was not sufcient to
withstand the impact from any anti-tank
weapon and the weapon's armor-plated
covers did not protect heavy machine guns,
therefore the vehicle was very vulnerable to
enemy re.
However, the main weapon could be used successfully against any enemy medium
tank, such as the United States Sherman (with the
exception of the Jumbo series), the Soviet T-34s
or the British Cromwell and Comet.
Tank destroyer
Ho-Ni 1
The Ho-Ni 1 was the
Japanese response to
modern United States tanks
deployed in the Pacific
war, against which the
main Imperial battle tank,
the Chi-Ha, could not
compete in armament. 124
units of the model Type 1
Ho-Ni 1 were manufactured,
based on the Chi-Ha
chassis and equipped with
a high velocity 75 mm gun
mounted on the open-top
armored roof.
Inventory:
46x 25x 5x 1x
28 Japanese Imperial Army: Tank destroyer Combat guide 29
Inventory:
36x 1x
Inventory:
26x 27x 5x 31x 30x 5x 3.530x 1x
Ho-Ri 1 Heavy tank destroyer
M 10 C 48 V 20 D 4 S 4
Main: L 105 mm R 12 A 150 m
AP: 223 208 177 116
10 30 70 150 m
Secondary: L 37 mm R 3 A 110 m
AP: 52 48 38 28
10 30 70 110 m
Armor:
1 150 2 100 3 60
G 1x Type 1
The Ho-Ri 1 was a variation of the Chi-Ri
heavy tank. In contrast to the modied Ho-Ri
2 model, the armament was mounted on the
rear part of the vehicle, while the engine was
in the mid point (a similar distribution to that of
the German Elefant).
It kept the main 105 mm weapon and the secondary 37 mm weapon, as well
as the auxiliary machine gun mounted on the hull. The side protection of the
vehicle was reinforced: whereas, after keeping the same weight and speed,
the front armor was less thick. In other aspects, this model was practically
identical to the Ho-Ri 2.
Artillera autopropulsada
Ho-Ni 2 Self-propelled howitzer
M 750 C 11 V 26 D 3 S 6
Main: L 105 mm R 70 A 220 m
Armor:
1 25 2 25 3 7
4 10 5 10 6 10
As with the light Ho-Ni 1 tank destroyers,
the Ho-Ni 2 was designed to give support
to infantry units. With the aim of improving
these performances, a 105 mm howitzer was
added that red explosive projectiles and
provided a perfect complement to the Ho-Ni
1. In spite of its notable efciency in combat,
only 54 units were manufactured.
The vehicle was rapid and reliable; the weapon had good accuracy in spite of the large
distance it could re, comparable to other similar caliber eld artillery. However, its limited
armor did not protect it from enemy artillery re nor from small caliber anti-tank weapons.
30 Japanese Imperial Army: Artillera autopropulsada Combat guide 31
Ho-Ro Self-propelled howitzer
M 1000 C 11 V 30 D 3 S 6
Main: L 150 mm R 75 A 250 m
Armor:
1 25 2 25 3 7
4 10 5 10 6 10
The Ho-Ro generally operated in units of four
vehicles, and this was how it was deployed
by the Imperial Army in the Battle of the
Philippines. The remaining units were sent to
the islands to defend national territory in the
Battle of Okinawa, where they were exceeded
in number by the United Sates artillery.
The armor, inherited from the Chi-Ha, was not sufcient to resist attack from guns of any
caliber and the open cab that housed the crew did not provide sufcient protection in
close quarters combat. However, operating from the rearguard lines, the Ho-Ro could
efciently bombard defensive and
entrenched positions.
Ha-To Self-propelled howitzer
M 1300 C 27.5 V 20 D 5 S -
Main: L 300 mm R 150 A 180 m
Armor:
1 15 2 8 3 8
Designed in 1943, the Ha-To was manufactured
as a mobile armament platform. Its heavy 300 mm
mortar could not be raised more than 50 degrees
due to its tonnage and average weight, but it was
capable of ring 170 kg projectiles to considerable distances.
Contrary to other artillery vehicles, the Ha-To red one single massive projectile before
reloading, like the German Sturmtiger. Its reload time was extremely long, double that
of the majority of artillery batteries, but the destructive capacity of the 300 mm projectile
was devastating, and could even destroy the heaviest tanks. Due to its limited speed and
armor, it was very vulnerable to return re from enemy artillery.
Inventory:
10x 1x
Isuzu mortar Self-propelled mortar
M 1 C 7.5 V 30 D 3 S - Y
Main: L 90 mm R 5 A 110 m
AP: 15 15 15 15
10 30 70 110 m
The Japanese army used the Isuzu gun as a base for different armed vehicles, among which
was this mortar transport. Provided with an armament equivalent to that used by the infantry
troops, the lorry provided the mortar with great mobility. However, on increasing its prole,
camouaging the weapon became difcult, increasing its vulnerability when ring.
Inventory:
121x
Ho-Ro
The designers of the Ho-
Ro were inspired by the
German self-propelled
artillery for mounting
a 150 mm howitzer on
the Chi-Ha medium tank
chassis. Nevertheless,
due to difficulties when
producing units on a large
scale, only 25 vehicles
were manufactured.
Inventory:
36x 12x 1x
32 Japanese Imperial Army: Tanks Combat guide 33
Inventory:
50x 1.280x 1x
Chi-He Medium tank
M 300 C 23 V 34 D 4 S 4
Main: L 57 mm R 4.5 A 130 m
AP: 88 84 72 36
10 30 70 130 m
Armor:
1 50 2 30 3 8
4 50 5 45 6 12
G 1x Type 99 G 1x Type 1
The medium Chi-He tank was designed
before Japan entered the Second World War,
but its mass production did not begin until
1943 because, until then, quality steel was used rst and foremost for the construction of
warships.
At the end of 1944, the number of units manufactured reached 170, which were sent
to different parts of Japanese territory as defense against a possible allied invasion,
which never happened. In fact, this armored tank never went into combat. In any case,
the Japanese Army's objective was to have a tank capable of confronting the new
generation of United States tanks. Compared with the previous models, the Type 1 Chi-
He had heavier armor, a more powerful engine and a high velocity 57 mm gun with high
penetration capacity.
Slightly longer and higher than the Chi-Ha, its prole was very low compared with United States and British tanks (except the
Crusader). This was a rapid tank, with an acceptable armor for the initial stages of combat and a main gun which could destroy light
vehicles and medium tanks.
It only had two machine guns, one of which was mounted on the rear part of the turret, which restricted its defense capability against
enemy infantry. For this reason it is recommended to keep the tank away from the front line of battle.
Inventory:
71x 34x 5x 4.090x 1x
Tanks Ho-I Medium tank
M 360 C 23 V 34 D 4 S 4
Main: L 75 mm R 130 A 130 m
Armor:
1 50 2 30 3 20
4 60 5 30 6 30
G 1x Type 1
Modication of the Chi-He tank designed
to attack anti-tank defensive positions and
fortications against which the high velocity
57 mm guns were ineffective.
On the Chi-He chassis, the Ho-I mounted a
large turret armed with a 75 mm low velocity
howitzer, which provided extraordinary
repower by ring explosive projectiles in parabolic trajectories.
Like other self-propelled howitzers, the Ho-I could take advantage of unevenness in the
ground and low obstacles in order to bombard static defenses without exposing itself
to enemy re. Its armor was slightly reinforced on the weakest plates: on those which
protected the rear part and the upper covers. However, the size of the 75 mm howitzer
forced the removal of the rear machine gun that was characteristic of the Chi-Ha and
Chi-He models.
34 Japanese Imperial Army: Tanks Combat guide 35
Chi-Nu Medium tank
M 400 C 23 V 34 D 4 S 4
Main: L 75 mm R 5.5 A 130 m
AP: 107 102 93 71
10 30 70 130 m
Armor:
1 50 2 30 3 20
4 50 5 30 6 30
G 1x Type 1
The Chi-Nu was the last tank supplied by
the Imperial Army until the end of the war.
Between 1944 and 1945, 166 units were
manufactured that were assigned to the
defense of national territory.
Based on the chassis of the Chi-He, it had a new
hexagonal turret, larger and with the armor better
distributed, which housed a large 75 mm
anti-tank gun, one of the largest
weapons tted to a Japanese
tank during the Second World
War.
In terms of the performance, the Chi-Nu was
identical to the Chi-He, except for the gun,
which provided greater penetration capacity and
red a more powerful explosive projectile, although the effective range of the weapon was
the same. The large size of the projectiles reduced the quantity of ammunition that the tank
could carry. Furthermore, the Chi-Nu saw the nal disappearance of the rear machine gun
from Japanese tank designs.
Inventory:
53x 37x 5x 1.280x 1x
Chi-To Medium tank
M 950 C 40 V 32 D 5 S 4
Main: L 75 mm R 6 A 150 m
AP: 146 138 124 84
10 30 70 150 m
Armor:
1 75 2 50 3 35
4 75 5 50 6 50
G 1x Type 99 G 1x Type 1
In 1944, the design of the Type 4 Chi-To was
completed, in which technicians and German
war veterans participated in order to try to equal the performance of the modern German
tanks. That same year, the rst prototype was built, with its mass production predicted
for 1945, but the abrupt end of the war paralyzed the project with just two tanks
manufactured and another four hulls built.
Although the hull of the Chi-To, with its slightly inclined armored plates, had the same
prole as its predecessors, the thickness was increased up to 75 mm on the front. The
hexagonal turret, larger, higher and with reinforced armor, housed a large high velocity
75 mm anti-aircraft gun with a range and penetration capacity far superior to weapons
mounted in previous tanks. Following the German school of thought, a machine gun was
mounted on the commander's cupola, increasing the vehicle's defense against infantry
attacks.
The Chi-To was an excellent medium tank, far superior in repower and armor than the Soviet T-34 or the more advanced version of the
United States Sherman, equipped with 85 mm and 76 mm anti-tank weapons. Its main weapon provided similar performance to the
Soviet IS-1 or the United States M26 Pershing and, although it was not capable of penetrating the front armor of the British Churchill,
its increased mobility gave it advantages in combat. As in nearly all Japanese tanks, the armor of the Chi-To was not prepared to
withstand much punishment, not even head-on, which made it advisable to use it to re surprise shots and retreat undercover without
giving away its position and avoiding the enemy counterattack.
Inventory:
46x 32x 5x 1.410x 1x
Chi-Nu
Although the Chi-He was
designed to confront
the United States M4
Sherman, the Imperial
Army needed a better tank
that could exceed the
firepower of its rivals
on the battlefield. At
the start of 1943, the
Type 4 Chi-To was already
being developed, but
delays in the programme
forced the creation of
an intermediate tank with
existing components.
And so it was that the
Type 3 Chi-Nu was born,
the design of which
commenced in May 1943
and was finalized six
months later. However,
its production was not
considered a priority and
it was delayed until 1944.
36 Japanese Imperial Army: Tanks Combat guide 37
Inventory:
51x 27x 5x 31x 30x 5x 1.740x 1x
The upper part of
the turret housed a
machine gun operated
by the commander. An
additional machine gun
occupied the left ank
of the turret for defense
against enemy infantry.
The tank armament was completed
with a machine gun installed on
the front of the hull, along with a
secondary 37 mm gun prepared
for ring explosive and penetrating
projectiles.
According to design documents,
the Chi-Ri was going to be armed
with an 88 mm anti-aircraft gun,
which provided it with superior
repower to any United States
tank and equivalent to the heavy
Soviet IS-2s and IS-3s, although
with less effective range.
Designed as a larger and better armored
version of the Chi-To, it had a 550 HP
Kawasaki engine that had to give it
acceptable mobility in spite of its 100 mm
thick armor on its front part.
What is certain is that if the Chi-Ri had
entered combat it would have more than
overcome the United States Shermans and
Soviet T-34s. Although its main gun did not
have as much range as the heavier anti-
tank weapons mounted on the Tiger II and
the IS-3, its secondary gun was excellent
for attacking light vehicles or infantry
defensive positions and anti-tank guns.
The front armor, equivalent to that of
the majority of heavy tanks from other
nations, had sufcient side protection to
resist impacts from medium caliber guns.
However, the plate with no inclination,
over which the secondary 37 mm gun was
mounted, was a weak point which could be
exploited by any weapon with the capacity
to penetrate 100 mm of steel. In fact, a
projectile that penetrated this area would
probably cause a huge explosion in the
inside of the tank.
Chi-Ri Heavy tank
M 1500 C 50 V 30 D 5 S 4
Main: L 88 mm R 8 A 160 m
AP: 181 173 158 97
10 30 70 160 m
Secondary: L 37 mm R 3 A 110 m
AP: 52 48 38 28
10 30 70 110 m
Armor:
1 100 2 75 3 50
4 100 5 75 6 50
G 2x Type 99 G 1x Type 1
Chi-Ri
The Chi-Ri was one of
the last tank models
developed by Japan
during the Second
World War. However,
the scarcity of raw
materials and the
deterioration that
the allied bombings
had caused to
Japanese industrial
infrastructures grounded
the project. The only
incomplete prototype
built was captured by
United States troops
after the Japanese
surrender.
38 Japanese Imperial Army: Tanks Combat guide 39
On requesting this unit during the battle, two Chi-Ha 120 tanks are deployed.
Inventory:
25x 2.410x 1x
Chi-Ha 120 Light tank
M 6 C 50 V 27 D 5 S 4
Main: L 120 mm R 25 A 180
Armor:
1 25 2 20 3 20
4 25 5 25 6 25
G 1x Type 99 G 1x Type 1
In the fnal months of the Second World War,
the Imperial Japanese Navy carried out
experimental modifcations to the Chi-Ha tanks,
ftting them with a short, 120 mm naval gun. A
reduced number of tanks were transferred and
assigned to the special landing forces, although
their mass production was not even considered.
Despite being a tank with reduced dimensions and lightly armored, the modifed Chi-Ha
had considerable frepower. Its 120 mm gun could fre explosive howitzer shells to large
distances, competing with enemy artillery. Although it was incapable of penetrating
armor, the parabolic trajectory and extraordinary accuracy of its shots meant that it could
punish fxed enemy anti-tank defenses.
The armor of these vehicles barely protected the low caliber weapons and anti-tank rifes,
therefore they always had to operate far from enemy lines.
Type 97 Motorcycle
M 60 C 5 V 45 D 2 S 1
G 1x Type 99
Inventory:
630x
Ho-Ha Armored half track
M 125 C 10 V 35 D 4 S 6 Y
Armor:
1 15 2 15 3 15
G 1x Type 99
This half track was developed in 1941 and was
used by the naval forces to transport troops
and tow artillery guns. It stands out from similar
vehicles used by other nations thanks to the three machine guns with which it was armed, one on
the front and another on each side, which gave the Ho-Ha superior repower.
Inventory:
5.090x 24x 12x 12x 12x 1x
Transport and logistics
40 Japanese Imperial Army: Transport and logistics Combat guide 41
Isuzu (transport) Supply truck
M 50 C 5 V 36 D 2 S 10 Y
Transported ammunition and supplies
for the infantry troops.

Inventory:
5.000x 2.000x 500x 10x 20x 10x 10x 15x 1x
Isuzu (supplies) Supply truck
M 150 C 5 V 36 D 2 S - Y
Transported supplies for the infantry, as well
as ammunition for all types of gun and large
weapons used by the Imperial Army. It also
carried additional Jerry cans of fuel.
Inventory:
5.000x 2.000x 500x 10x 20x 10x 10x 30x 2x
100x Ammunition for all types of weapon and gun used by the Japanese Army.
Isuzu (engineers) Supply truck
M 250 C 5 V 34 D 2 S - Y
Transported supplies for the installation of defensive
elements, as well as mines and spare fuel.
Inventory:
14x 24x 24x 30x 20x 2x 5x
Special attacks
Banzai!
M 4 C 72
Deploys assault troops embarked in light tanks and takes advantage of the combination of repower and mobility in order to rapidly get
close to the enemy and attack its weak points.
During the Historic Battles, this option orders the attack on several Ha-Go light tanks supported by infantry. These forces will attack the
enemy independently, clearing the way for your troops.
In other game modes, two squads of paratroopers will be deployed and two Chi-Ha 47 tanks as support against infantry and enemy
vehicles. The paratroopers carry antipersonnel mines to secure the terrain conquered by the tanks.