Map Description

History Map of WWII: The Bombing of Japanese Cities 1945

Illustrating:

Extent of Destruction by Bombing of Principal Cities

Burned-out Areas

During World War II, the United States conducted an extensive bombing campaign against Japan, culminating in the firebombing of 69 cities and the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The bombings caused enormous civilian casualties and destruction, with Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Nagasaki suffering the most infamous attacks.

Below is a summary of the major bombed cities, the dates of their most significant raids, and estimated casualties.

• Tokyo
  Date of major raid: March 9–10, 1945
  Estimated deaths/casualties: ~100,000 killed, 1 million homeless
  Notes: Deadliest single air raid in history
• Hiroshima
  Date of major raid: August 6, 1945
  Estimated deaths/casualties: 70,000–80,000 killed instantly; total ~140,000 by end of 1945
  Notes: First atomic bomb
• Nagasaki
  Date of major raid: August 9, 1945
  Estimated deaths/casualties: 40,000–75,000 killed by end of 1945
  Notes: Second atomic bomb
• Osaka
  Date of major raid: March 13–14, 1945
  Estimated deaths/casualties: ~10,000 killed
  Notes: Multiple raids throughout 1945
• Kobe
  Date of major raid: March 16–17, 1945
  Estimated deaths/casualties: ~8,000 killed
  Notes: Major industrial target
• Yokohama
  Date of major raid: May 29, 1945
  Estimated deaths/casualties: ~8,000 killed
  Notes: Extensive destruction
• Nagoya
  Date of major raid: March 11, 1945 and others
  Estimated deaths/casualties: ~3,800 killed
  Notes: Several raids
• Kawasaki
  Date of major raid: April 15, 1945
  Estimated deaths/casualties: ~1,200 killed
  Notes: Industrial city
• Fukuoka
  Date of major raid: June 19, 1945
  Estimated deaths/casualties: ~953 killed
• Kure
  Date of major raid: July 1, 1945
  Estimated deaths/casualties: ~2,500 killed
  Notes: Naval base
• Shizuoka
  Date of major raid: June 19, 1945
  Estimated deaths/casualties: ~2,000 killed
• Hamamatsu
  Date of major raid: June 18, 1945
  Estimated deaths/casualties: ~1,800 killed
• Sasebo
  Date of major raid: June 29, 1945
  Estimated deaths/casualties: ~1,200 killed
  Notes: Naval base
• Yokosuka
  Date of major raid: July 18, 1945
  Estimated deaths/casualties: Primarily military targets; civilian casualties likely lower than major urban raids, but some deaths and injuries occurred
  Notes: Major naval base and shipyard, targeted by carrier-based air raid

Credits

Courtesy of the United States Military Academy Department of History.

Related Links

Emperors of Japan
About World War II
WWII Timelines