Japanese Strategy

[Carl Schwamberger]

Japanese strategy for war with the US is addressed in the English language books in the context of the doctrine of Kantai Kessen usually translated as Decisive Battle. This is elaborated as the Japanese Navy waits near its naval bases in the Marshals or Japan, for the US Pacific fleet to advance across the Pacific operational attriting it self. As it approaches the IJN fleet began a short operation to attrit & disrupt culminating in a swift violent naval battle decisively defeating the US fleet. Tsushima Strait battle is is often cited as the model.

What the books I've seen don't provide is detail on the specifics of the Japanese plan/s. ie: How the fleet was to be organized, which would be the primary base/s for the Japanese battle fleet. Expected composition of the US fleet, and expected routes & schedule for crossing the Pacific, ect... ect...

Can anyone recommend any sources for this, describing the actual deployment & campaign plans, or give a thumbnail sketch?

[Eugen Pinak]

Volumes 31 and 104 of the "Senshi Sosho" have most of the information you are looking for - but in Japanese.

[Carl Schwamberger]

I don't think my 1980s conversational Japanese will do there.

[Eugen Pinak]

I don't think my 1980s conversational Japanese will do there.

As for Volume 104 it's rather knowledge of Japanese official writings. Volume 31 can by OCRed, thouhg.