The Japanese forces defending Bougainville were part of General Harukichi Hyakutake's 17th Army, with the main infantry forces being drawn from the 6th Division, under Lieutenant General Masatane Kanda, supported by the 4th South Seas Garrison Unit.
The Japanese forces defending Bougainville were part of General Harukichi Hyakutake's 17th Army under Lieutenant General Masatane Kanda. This was with the main infantry forces. These main infantry forces were being drawn from the 6th Division. Lieutenant General Masatane Kanda was supported by the 4th South Seas Garrison Unit.