JAPANESE MERCHANT SHIPS AT WAR
in paperback by Hisashi Noma

Review by Peter Knego:
"In the ranks of great passenger ship historians, Mr. Noma is to Japan what Frank Braynard is to the US and Arnold Kludas is to Germany. He has spent the past three or so years culminating information on the fate of all Mitsui and OSK merchant ships between 1941 and 1945 to include in this amazing book. Nearly every vessel was lost to Allied efforts and he has gone so far as to interview up to 170 surviving seamen for their narratives and descriptions of these ships' respective ends. This book offers a very unique perspective from the "other" side of the war theater and a look at vessels that have rarely been covered in the West. Re-printed in paperback, (hard cover sold out) with 619 pages, and profusely illustrated with b/w photos of the losses and, when possible, the craft and aircraft that sunk them with pages of color paintings illustrating the fighting and sinking scenes by famous marine artists. This one will keep me busy for quite some time and if you are looking for an informative yet readable reference for your collection, in both English and Japanese, contact Mr. Noma".