Kantai Kessen was not simply a preference for any large fleet action. Japanese planning expected submarines, light forces, and aircraft to attrit an advancing enemy before the decisive engagement occurred near Japan. A carrier battle in the Java Sea reverses that design by sending the main Japanese force far from its strongest supporting network. The alternate battle may still be decisive, but it would occur on terms very different from those for which the doctrine was built.
Notable Point · 1:24:56-1:25:35
The Java Sea is the wrong setting for Kantai Kessen
Japanese decisive-battle doctrine expected prior attrition and a battle close enough to Japan for concentrated support.