As the name indicates, this monograph recounts the planning and conduct of the air operations in the China theater from the outbreak of the China Incident in July 1937 to the cessation of hostilities in August 1945. The basic manuscript was written by Major Takejiro Shlba, an Imperial General Headquarters staff officer. It was based on documents in the possession of Colonel Genichi Yamamoto, Air Group Staff Officer; Colonel Hiroshi Sasao, 3d Air Group Staff Officer; Lt Colonel Hirokichi Mizuo and Major En Komatsu, Fifth Air Army Staff Officers; and Major Takejiro Shiba as well as on information supplied from memory by these officers. Subsequent research by the Japanese Research Division revealed a number of inaccuracies in the original manuscript and large portions have been rewritten to effect the necessary corrections. In addition, pertinent information has been inserted where it was felt necessary for clarity or that it would add interest to the document.