Introduction

Many people believe that Japan's surrender after the use of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 was swift and without hesitation. However, the reality was far more complex. Japan had its own atomic bomb projects and even considered using biological weapons. This article delves into why Japan did not surrender immediately and explores the forgotten story of their nuclear ambitions.

Japan's Nuclear Program: More Than Just a Bomb

During World War II, Japan had significant ambitions in the field of nuclear weapons. Their program was much more extensive than just the atomic bomb. Japan had a plan to drop biological weapons on the West Coast of the United States, which could have resulted in catastrophic loss of life. This article discusses the various facets of Japan's nuclear ambitions and the extent of their capabilities.

Biological Weapons: A Deadly Nightmare

The Imperial Japanese Army had developed a program to create biological weapons, including anthrax and plague. These weapons were intended to be used on the Pacific war theater and even on the West Coast of the United States. The Japanese had perfected canisters to disperse plague fleas, which could potentially kill hundreds of thousands of people. The article details the extent of this program and its implications.

The I-400 Submarine: A Floating Aircraft Carrier

Japan also had designs for a unique submarine known as the I-400. These submarines were capable of supporting float planes and could be used to attack Panama and both coasts of the United States. The I-400 class submarines were the largest in the world at the time and remained so until the introduction of nuclear submarines in the 1950s. This section explores the design and potential use of these submarines.

The Osanbashi Naval Underground Facility

The Japanese had a significant underground nuclear bomb facility in North Korea, which was out of range of our B-29 bombers. Despite selling Japan a cyclotron in 1933, we had no idea of its existence. This intelligence blunder contributed to the development of Japan's own atomic bomb, which was successfully built in occupied Korea.

Japan's Last-Ditch Efforts: The Gensai Bukadan Atomic Bomb

By the time of the firebombing of Japan, the Japanese had already moved many of their war factories to Korea. Their plans included stripping the hangar portion of one of the I-400 submarines to house their prototype weapon. This “One-Two Punch” strategy included detonating the bomb in San Francisco Bay and using the second sub to release plague flea canisters over San Diego and Los Angeles.

The Russians and the Secret Deal

When the atomic bombs were dropped, Stalin was eager to join the spoils of Asia. He declared war on Japan just after the Nagasaki bombing and invaded. The Japanese scientists detonated their weapon in the local Konan Harbor to keep it out of Russian hands, burning the paperwork and sealing the entrance. Stalin then captured the Japanese scientists, leading to the rapid development of the Soviet Union's own nuclear program.

Post-War Consequences

Japan's decision to surrender to America rather than the Russians was influenced by strategic reasons. They had a friendship treaty with the Soviet Union, but Stalin agreed to help fight Japan a few months after Germany's surrender. The capture and sinking of the I-400 submarines by the U.S. Navy ensured that no nuclear weapon delivery systems fell into the wrong hands.

Legacy of Hidden Weapons

The North Koreans still maintain a facility in Japan where they have developed atomic bombs. This legacy of hidden weapons raises questions about the true scope of Japan's nuclear ambitions and the potential for such projects to resurface in the future.

Conclusion

Japan's nuclear ambitions during World War II were far more complex than is commonly believed. The development of biological weapons, the design of the I-400 submarines, and the construction of their own atomic bomb all played significant roles in the war's final stages. This article provides a detailed look at the hidden aspects of Japan's nuclear program and the long-lasting implications of their efforts.