Japanese formations approached from two parts of the Philippines because harbour size, fuel arrangements, and protection did not allow the whole force to begin together. They then had to concentrate, fight, and withdraw across long distances toward Okinawa. Many commanders had neither written the operation nor worked together as a mature team. The assembly they achieved was impressive, but it remained a fragile foundation for a plan intended to produce a decisive battle.
Notable Point · 2:13:20-2:14:31
Japanese formations converged from separate bases
Harbour capacity, fuel, and protection forced Japanese formations to approach from separate areas, increasing the burden on an untested command team.