japanese navy troops under some cover crossing a brigde (china 1938)

smoke cover 

japanese army troops celebrating victory in a destroyed wall (china 1939)

celebrating 

The 203rd Kokutai (Naval Air Group) was equipped with mostly older A6M2 'Zero' fighters throughout WW2.  The A6M2 was a prized variant in spite of newer models, as it was manufactured to a higher (pre-war) standard.  The 203rd was stationed in the Kuriles and Northern Hokkaido until 1944 - when it went to the Philippines.  Nevertheless, a contingent of the 203rd's 'Zero' resisted Soviet forces invading the Kuriles in August 1945.  Note the very unusual all-black "night fighter."  - Ron Cole