Hello,
I am sorry to say that my friend Japanese naval aviator Kenzo Takahashi died last week. He was 86. Takahashi-san was one of the most experienced Type 97 "Mavis" veterans who survived the war.
He joined the Navy in 1938 at Yokosuka. On December 8th, 1941 he was involved in reconnaissance for the Philippines attack. He subsequently served in the Celebes, Indonesia, etc. Then in June, 1942 he served at Kiska (Aleutians) and flew patrol missions over Dutch Harbor.
After that he transferred to Rabaul and flew missions in the Solomons and Guadalcanal. He was involved in that famous gunfight between the "Mavis" and B-17 in the Solomons. You can read about this battle here:
http://www.j-aircraft.com/research/stories/h6ksty.html
After that he became a flight instructor. Takahashi-san was a fine man and very sharp. He is now with his comrades.
Sincerely,
Ron Werneth