Japanese planning expected the United States to react to Pearl Harbor by advancing toward a decisive battle close to Japan, but that charge had not occurred by January 1942. Its absence should discredit the short-war assumption behind Kantai Kessen rather than encourage Japan to wait for the expected battle. A realistic long-war plan would instead fortify island positions and improve support for remote garrisons. Large seaplanes would contribute to supply and logistics across an empire whose dispersed bases were difficult to sustain.
Chapter · 3:42-4:57
Abandon the short-war assumption behind Kantai Kessen
The absence of an immediate American fleet charge should have forced Japan to prepare fortified islands and logistical aviation for a protracted conflict.