A 1939 conflict would not reproduce the late-war kamikaze campaign because the intervening years of attrition and doctrinal desperation had not occurred. Japanese naval aviation would still retain much of its prewar cadre when the Allied advance approached the home islands. Conventional attacks by those experienced crews could be more dangerous than the absence of suicide aircraft suggests. Cruisers would be especially exposed because their silhouettes could resemble capital ships from attacking aircraft. The Allies might therefore avoid Japan's later tactics while facing a stronger conventional aviation force.
Notable Point · 2:51:49-2:53:19
Japan's conventional air power remains dangerous
An early war reaches Japan before years of attrition produce the personnel crisis and suicide tactics of 1944-45.