The Loss of Sea and Air Control by Japan
The Fall of the Japanese Army and the Beginning of Starvation
※ This is the 4th part of a 4-part series on the Pacific War.
America’s Seizure of Sea Control (Guadalcanal campaign)
After initial night battle successes, American forces gained sea and air control around Guadalcanal, cutting off Japanese supply lines.
The Collapse of Supplies
Transport ships couldn't reach Guadalcanal due to American control, leaving Japanese troops without weapons and food.
The Fight Against Starvation
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| Soldiers stand guard over some of the few captured Japanese defenders on Guadalcanal |
Starvation became a primary enemy for the isolated Japanese troops.
The Illusion from Southeast Asia
Victories against "second-tier" Western forces in Southeast Asia created a false sense of confidence in the Japanese army.
The Failure of the Bayonet Charge
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| A Banzai charge |
※ A Banzai charge ((Japanese: バンザイ突撃 or 万歳突撃, romanized: banzai totsugeki))was a term used by Allied forces in World War II to describe Japanese human wave attacks and swarming tactics by infantry units.
Derived from the Japanese battle cry "tennōheika banzai" ("long live His Majesty the Emperor"), it refers to a desperate, last-ditch strategy employed by the Imperial Japanese Army during the Pacific War when defeat seemed imminent.
Overconfident and facing severe supply shortages, a small Japanese unit launched a night bayonet charge against a much larger, well-equipped American force, resulting in their annihilation.
The End of an Outdated Tactic
The desperate bayonet charge, a tactic relying on stealth due to lack of supplies and American sea control, proved futile against machine guns.
The Misery of Starvation and Retreat
Shortage of Supplies and Soaring Deaths
These Japanese prisoners were among those captured by U.S. forces on Guadalcanal Island in the Solomon Islands, shown November 5, 1942. (AP/Atlantic)
American air and sea control prevented Japanese resupply, leading to massive deaths from starvation and disease, far exceeding combat losses.
The Misery of Retreat
After six months, a difficult retreat was ordered, risking ship launches near the US-controlled island and waters.
The US’s Victory and Japan’s Decline
The US victory at Guadalcanal secured a Solomon Islands foothold and marked the beginning of Japan's decline after their initial successes.
Establishment of the Absolute National Defense Zone
Consecutive losses forced Japan into a major strategic retreat, establishing a minimal defensive perimeter.
The US’s Assault on the Mariana Islands
The US unexpectedly targeted the Mariana Islands, prioritizing bombing Japan over the Philippines.
The Start of Strategic Bombing
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| U.S. Boeing B-29 Superfortress heavy bombers rained destruction on major Japanese cities. |
The US initiated strategic bombing of Japan using B-29s from the Marianas, aiming to cripple industry and morale.
The Battle of Saipan and the Final Stand of the Japanese Forces
The Failure and Annihilation of Operation A-Go
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| The location of Saipan on the map |
Saipan Island Landing Operation
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| U.S. forces landing on Tinian Beach |
Exposure of Operation A-Go
Japan's plan to defend Saipan, "Operation A-Go," was compromised when top-secret documents fell into American hands after a plane crash.
Annihilation of Japanese Forces and the Banzai Attack
Despite fierce resistance and night bayonet charges, the Japanese forces were overwhelmed. The remaining troops launched a final "Banzai Attack," resulting in near-total annihilation.
Rules of War and the Japanese Military’s Attitude
The Japanese military had a strict no-surrender policy, rooted in historical events, Bushido, Emperor worship, and societal pressure, contrasting with international rules of war.
Origins of the Ideology
The no-surrender ideology stemmed from the Sino-Japanese War, the extreme interpretation of Bushido, loyalty to the deified Emperor, and fear of social ostracism.
Resilience and Tragic Outcome
Japanese resistance, though inflicting casualties, ultimately failed. The Banzai Attack and suicidal acts highlighted a tragic end, and Saipan's fall allowed the US to begin bombing mainland Japan, a decisive turning point.
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We will conclude the Pacific War
Next, I will explain the Battle of Midway.