The proposed force emphasizes submarines, aircraft, mines, coastal guns, and rapid fortification rather than a single decisive fleet battle. Construction materials and guns would accompany invasion forces so newly captured islands and the Philippines could be fortified immediately. This maritime guerrilla strategy seeks to make every Allied return slow, grinding, and costly. Its political aim is survival long enough to secure a negotiated peace before American industrial power decides the war. The source basis remains uncertain: the idea appears in one English-language account judged unreliable, while contacts familiar with Japanese-language sources report stronger support there.
Chapter · 5:41-8:14
A Japanese strategy of attrition and negotiated peace
Unable to defeat the United States outright, Japan could pursue a maritime guerrilla strategy designed to prolong the war and raise the cost of reconquest.