Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden Kai "GEORGE"

The Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden Kai ("George") was primarily used by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service for defensive roles during the final year of World War II (late 1944–1945), specifically in defense of the Japanese home islands. It was famously operated by the elite 343rd Kōkūtai ("Genda's Blade") in air-to-air combat against U.S. fighters over the Inland Sea, Bungo Channel, and Kure. 
 
Key deployment areas and functions:
Home Island Defense: The main theater for the N1K2-J, with key units like the 343rd and 201st Kokutais defending against Allied airstrikes.
343rd Kokutai: Formed in late 1944, this unit used the Shiden Kai in intense battles against F6F Hellcats and F4U Corsairs.
Key Combat Engagements: Battles took place over Kyushu, the Inland Sea, and during the Battle of Okinawa.
Training & Evaluation: The Yokosuka Kokutai used the aircraft for trials and later combat. 
 
Although the N1K1-J variant saw service earlier in the Philippines, the improved N1K2-J entered service too late in large numbers to turn the tide of the war.