With the start of the Pacific War in 1941, Ichiki was promoted to colonel and was placed in command of the IJA 28th Infantry Regiment, from the 7th Division, which consisted of 3,000 troops, and was assigned to assault and occupy Midway island. The defeat of Japanese naval forces at the Battle of Midway in June 1942 forced a cancellation of the operation.
The beginning of the Pacific War in 1941 led to Ichiki's promotion to colonel and his command of the IJA 28th Infantry Regiment, which was assigned to attack and occupy Midway Island. The Battle of Midway in June 1942 forced a halt to this plan due to Japanese naval losses.