Operation Downfall

Prince Edward of Hawaii had been utilizing counter intelligence in order to alleviate as much of the resistance as possible. However, the invasion of Kyushu and Shikoku, though successful, received heavy resistance in Operation Olympia. The Japanese citizens were formed into militias in a concept known as ketsu-go. The invasion of the Japanese main island of Honshu, called Operation Coronet, recieved insurmountable casualties.

The Japanese citizenry were called up to defend the empire, causing much higher casualties than had been initially anticipated. However, with growing ground taken by the Americans, the air power became more and more prominent as downed pilots were able to be recovered and put back into service. The growing air superiority of the Americans became overwhelming.

The combined allied invasion force made it to Tokyo, wherein the Japanese Emperor Hirohito formally surrendered. Hirohito was allowed to remain on the throne, but Japan was made to completely demilitarize. Japanese military officers had hoped that Japan would be allowed to keep their military gains, but that was ruled as unacceptable to the victorious powers. The Viceroyalty of the Philippines was turned over to America. Australia and Korea joined the American forces in occupying the Japanese islands.

The total casualties have been hotly debated. The initial numbers from the American Joint Chiefs pulled the total number of casualties at 1.7-2.2 million Americans, with 400,000 to 500,000 deaths, and 5-10 million Japanese. However, Archduke Thomas held his own estimations, counting 3.8–4.5 million total American casualties, including 1.2–1.5 million killed, and up to 20 million Japanese casualties. A later report from the Joint Intelligence Center estimated 2.5–3.5 million total American casualties, including 750,000–1,000,000 killed, and 10–14 million Japanese. The JIC estimation is considered the most reliable.

The formal dissolution of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere was formalized. The East Indies was reformed into the Javan Empire.

The death toll of Operation Downfall convinced the military command of the German Empire against their planned invasion of Great Britain. Instead, Kaiser Wilhelm III of Germany instead authorized Operation Donnerkeil, otherwise known as the "bombing of Norwich".