 The Japanese records indicate that Sato (and Mutaguchi's other divisional commanders) had severe misgivings about Fifteenth Army's plan.In particular, they thought the logistic gambles were reckless, and were unwilling to drive on objectives they thought unattainable.The Battle of Kohima started on 6 April when the Japanese isolated the garrison and tried to dislodge the defenders from their hill top redoubts.