Wings of the Rising Sun

Welcome to Wings of the Rising Sun

Step into the captivating world of Japanese aviation history, where innovation and daring design took to the skies.

Wings of the Rising Sun is your ultimate destination for uncovering the stories, engineering feats, and historical impact of Japan’s unique fighter planes during World War II. Here, we celebrate the iconic aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Navy and beyond. From the legendary Mitsubishi A6M Zero, which dominated early war skies with its unmatched agility and range, to the experimental Kyushu J7W Shinden, a radical leap in aircraft design, each plane has a story to tell. But we don’t stop at the famous models—our exploration also shines a spotlight on lesser-known but equally fascinating planes like the Nakajima Kikka, Japan's first foray into jet-powered flight, and the Mitsubishi J8M Shusui, a bold attempt to create a homegrown rocket-powered interceptor.

What You’ll Discover: - The Aircraft: Deep dives into the design, performance, and combat roles of planes like the Raiden, Reppu, and Shinden, showcasing the innovation that emerged even in the face of wartime challenges. - The Pilots: Stories of the men who flew these machines, their training, tactics, and the extraordinary missions they undertook. - The Legacy: How these aircraft influenced post-war aviation and what they reveal about Japan’s wartime strategies and engineering prowess. - Rare Gems: Learn about experimental prototypes and one-of-a-kind designs that reflect Japan’s ingenuity in the race for air superiority.