Ichigo campaign

Japanese war plan

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June 29, 2026

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The Ichigo campaign was a major Japanese offensive in China during World War II, launched in 1944-45. Facing pressure in the Pacific, Japan aimed to secure its supply lines and communication routes within China. The campaign involved capturing key railway systems and strategic cities.

The offensive exposed the weaknesses of the Chinese armies after years of war, with some units unable to mount effective resistance. While a British and Indian army repelled a Japanese attack in Assam, the Ichigo campaign in China resulted in significant territorial gains for Japan. This marked a high point for Japan's war in China, though they later withdrew experienced divisions. The campaign also highlighted tensions between Chinese leadership and the United States regarding military reform and the effective use of supplies.12

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China
Phase three: approaching crisis (1944–45)
…campaign in China, known as Ichigo, showed up the weakness, inefficiency, and poor command of the Chinese armies after nearly seven years of war. During April and May the Japanese cleared the Beiping-Hankou railway between the Huang He and the Yangtze. Chinese armies nominally numbering several hundred thousand troops were…
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…campaign in China, known as Ichigo, showed up the weakness, inefficiency, and poor command of the Chinese armies after nearly seven years of war. During April and May the Japanese cleared the Beiping-Hankou railway between the Huang He and the Yangtze. Chinese armies nominally numbering several hundred thousand troops were…
Read More