Japan was isolated from foreign influence for thousand years, with hardly any influence from the outside world, during which it developed a particular culture very different from the West. It became involved in the "Culture of Western Welfare" at the end of the 19th century, and adapted rapidly to new technologies and the industrialised world.

This included military technology, and the Japanese invested in a number of Western aircraft and began developing their own aviation craft and strategy.

This book details the initial use of the Western skyfighters tested by the Japanese, such as the Sopwith Pup and the French Nieuport, through to the land-based seaplanes, training aircraft, attack bombers and fighters of World War II, such as the "Nell" and Type 96 Mitsubushi G3M2. With colour artwork profiles, including close-up marking detail, along with information on commanders, combat service, design and development, as well as identification codes both Japanese and Allied, this book provides a complete visual history of the IJN land-based aircraft of 1929–1945.