Q&A · 3:01:02-3:04:16

Would the Allies invade Japan?

A question about invasion produces a maritime endgame built around destruction of the sortie, carrier raids, coastal bombardment, and an exceptionally tight blockade.

Question

Would this war end with an Allied invasion of the Japanese home islands?

Short answer

Probably not: the Allies would instead destroy the fleet, bombard the coast, continue carrier strikes, and tighten the blockade until Japan surrendered.

Notes

The coalition would exploit submarines, British night attacks, and an American dawn strike before considering operations against the home islands. Once Japanese sea power is broken, an amphibious invasion would add enormous cost without being necessary to achieve the main war aim. Battleships could bombard coastal cities and naval facilities while carriers continue raids from offshore. A close blockade, extending even to small craft leaving Japanese ports, would then apply the final pressure for surrender.