Imperial Japanese Army Considered Martial Law in 1945 Amid Air Raid Fears, Document Reveals
A newly reviewed historical document indicates that the Imperial Japanese Army secretly contemplated imposing martial law in Tokyo in January 1945. This consideration occurred during the concluding phases of World War II, driven by concerns that extensive U.S. air raids could lead to significant disruptions in public order. The study, however, considerably underestimated the potential devastation from such air raids. While the army projected approximately 13,700 fatalities from two air raids, the Great Tokyo Air Raid alone on March 10, 1945, resulted in the deaths of around 100,000 people, primarily in downtown areas. Martial law, which would have granted the military administrative authority and other powers, was ultimately not implemented.
