What name is commonly used for the Soviet offensive against Japan in Manchuria in August 1945?

Operation August Storm is the common name for the Soviet offensive against Japan in Manchuria in August 1945.

The offensive began on August 9, 1945, when Soviet forces attacked the Japanese-controlled state of Manchukuo. The operation involved major Soviet formations advancing from Siberia, Mongolia, and the Soviet Far East, supported by armored and mechanized units.

Soviet forces rapidly defeated the Kwantung Army, which had once been Japan’s principal force in Manchuria. The campaign also extended into Korea, southern Sakhalin, and the Kuril Islands. Its speed demonstrated that Japan faced a powerful new land war as well as continued Allied air and naval pressure.

Operation August Storm is sometimes confused with Operation Downfall, the proposed Allied invasion of Japan’s home islands. Downfall was never carried out. The Soviet offensive, by contrast, was an actual military operation and formed an important part of the pressure leading to Japan’s surrender.