Tail Markings indicate 77th Sentai
NHK Newsreel - Malaya
Tail Markings indicate 77th Sentai
Reads (right to left) "Love Country No.3948 Number 1 Advance and Conquer"
Thanks to Goh K Loon for this translation
After early WWII ops the 77th spent most of 42-43 in Manchuria. It went to Japan in Oct-Nov 43 and in Dec 43 transferred to Palembang (via Singapore among other places). Stayed at Palembang (with detachments to Burma) until Feb 44 then went to New Guinea.
A "remaining unit" was left behind at Palembang and eventually was transferred to Singapore. This remaining unit had a small number of fighters and a/o July 44 was still hoping to be built back up to strength. Possibly it received some new a/c including presentation a/c. Soon after July 44 the decision was made not to rebuild the unit. Possibly the photos relate to activities of this part of the 77th