Did any or the majority of the troops have some experience fighting and living in such environments, or were they just as out of their element and miserable as most of the allies on that front?
Hi! I've answered this question before as part of a longer post on the contemporary view of the Japanese soldier as a skilled jungle fighter. Check it out here: The Japanese in World War 2 had a reputation as excellent jungle fighters. Was this justified? And if so, how did it come about, given the distinct lack of jungle in Japan, or in China and Manchuria where they had been gaining combat experience?
If you have any specific questions, do ask! :)