The Second Sino-Japanese War erupted in 1937, pitting a fragmented Chinese military against the modern, industrialized forces of Japan. The Chinese army, plagued by internal divisions and warlord control, struggled to present a unified front under Chiang Kai-shek's nominal leadership. In contrast, the Japanese forces were equipped with advanced artillery and tanks, comparable to Western powers of the era. This study examines the distinct origins, training, doctrines, and armaments of the soldiers who fought in the war's initial, brutal phase.

This study offers a detailed examination of the military forces involved in the early stages of the Second Sino-Japanese War. It contrasts the fragmented Chinese army with the more technologically advanced Japanese forces, providing insights into their respective training, doctrines, and equipment. The book is noted for its use of diverse sources and commissioned artwork to illustrate the conflict's opening phase. The analysis focuses on the specific military capabilities and organizational structures that defined the combatants in 1937-38.