The Japanese Imperial Army was the most powerful force in the Far East during the 1930s and early 1940s, and this photographic history is the ideal introduction to it. In a vivid selection of archive images, most of which have not before been published, Philip Jowett covers its role in a series of conflicts, beginning with the invasion of Manchuria in 1931 through its final defeat in the Pacific War in August 1945. He describes the development of the army, its structure, organization, and expansion during these years, and illustrates its actions in a series of campaigns that are often overlooked, including those in China between 1931 and 1937 and the Nomonhan campaign against the Soviet Union in 1938.

The photographs and accompanying text dramatically reveal the extraordinary ambition of the Japanese military during these years.Rising Sun at War provides a graphic record of the Japanese army's performance against the opposing forces that were eventually arrayed against it the Chinese, British, Soviets, and Americans.