381 Kōkūtai (381 Air Group)
Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN)

Background
On October 1, 1943 the 381 Kōkūtai (381 Air Group) was part of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) at Kendari Airfield on Celebes with 36 Zeros under the command of Captain Katsuji Kondo.

Wartime History
During February 1944 the night fighter buntai from 202 Kōkūtai (202 Ku) based at Kendari Airfield was assigned to the 381 Kokutai. During March 1944 the headquarters was based at Laikan Airfield near Makassar with a detachment at Bailikpapan.

On April 1, 1944 comprised of the 902nd Hikotai assigned 24 J1N1 Irving night fighters led by Hideo Matsumara. Also, the 602 Hikotai (S602) led by Lt. Takao Kurosawa with fighter-bombers including Zeros and Raidens. Also assigned was 311 Hikotai (S311) with 48 fighters led by Lt. Kunio Kanzaki with pilots from 202 Kōkūtai (202 Ku) operating from bases including Surabaya, Tarakan, Ambon, Waingapu, Sorong and Babo until May 5, 1944 when transferred to 153 Kokutai (153 Ku).

During September 1944 the detachment led by Warrant Officer Kamihura successfully intercepted unescorted B-24 Liberators bombing Manado using 3-go air burst bombs.

During October 1944 placed under the command of Captain Daizo Nakajima.

On October 10, 1944 Irvings from 902 Hikotai armed with 250 kg phosphorous aerial burst bombs took off fro Bailikpapan to intercept B-24 Liberators and were intercepted by escorting P-38 Lightnings. During the air combat, lost including J1N1 Irving pilot Lt Sadao Ozaki (KIA) and J1N1 Irving pilot Akira Tanaka (KIA).

Afterwards, the remaining Irvings were used only for night attacks against Morotai. In the middle of March 1945, S602 moves to Singapore to perform convoy patrol missions and S902 moved to Denpasar then Koepang to perform convoy patrol missions. In early April 1944, the remaining fighters were withdrawn to Japan. Afterwards, 381 Ku was reorganized with planes from disbanded 11th Ku, 12th Ku and 13th Ku and prepared for kamikaze operations and was preparing to move to Sumatra when Japan surrendered.

Tail Code
381-xx (two digit)

Commanding Officers (C.O.)
Captain Katsuji Kondo (October 1943–October 1944)
Captain Daizo Nakajima (October 1944–September 1945)

References
Moonlight Interceptor (1985) page 46
Japanese Naval Air Force Fighter Units and Their Aces 1932-1945 (2011) pages 228-229 (381 Ku), 402 (losses 10/10/44)

Contribute Information
Do you have photos or additional information to add?