Kido Butai fitted a doctrine that sought a single large enemy force rather than many small and elusive formations across the Pacific. Cohesive carrier organization allowed scarce Japanese striking power to work effectively against one concentrated threat. A massed enemy fleet offered more valuable targets and clearer intelligence, even though it also presented stronger defences. British and American carrier raid doctrine instead sent task forces in from range to strike and withdraw, forcing Japan to spread its limited strength and risk expending aircraft against low-value forces. The wider Japanese scheme fused limited war at arm's length with guerrilla-style attrition and psychological warfare intended to erode the enemy's willingness as well as its strength.
Notable Point · 1:14:52-1:18:03
Why a concentrated enemy fleet suited Kido Butai
Japan organized cohesive carrier forces for one concentrated threat, while dispersed raids could deny its aircraft the valuable targets its attrition plan needed.