Soldiers of the Sun: The Rise and Fall of the Imperial Japanese Army

This is a well-written, comprehensively researched survey of the Imperial Japanese army--its fighting power and mentality. The Harrieses ( Sheathing the Sword ) describe an ethos based on service to the ``Japanese way,'' embodied in the emperor. The book argues convincingly that the Russo-Japanese War marked the zenith of the army's popularity and efficiency. Over the following three decades it fell victim to its own myths. The soldiers increasingly advocated transforming Japan into a self-sufficient garrison state through total physical and psychological mobilization. This ideology, however, was not translated into operable strategy. Unable to conquer China, the army embarked on war with the West as well. This reckless advance into the unknown involved missed opportunities and repeated mistakes from Bataan to Imphal. Spirit and willpower were expected to compensate for material weaknesses. Unreflected decisions were made at all levels of planning and command. Eventually the gap between the samurai way and modern high-tech warfare became obvious even to true believers. But by the time of Japan's WW II surrender its army had unrepentently inflicted death and destruction throughout the Pacific on a scale that continues to assert Japan's status as an outsider among Western-style democracies. This first-rate analysis will appeal to general readers and specialists alike. (Apr.)