Which proposed operation was the first stage of the Allied plan to invade Japan in 1945?

Operation Olympic was the first stage of the proposed Allied invasion of Japan.

Olympic was planned for November 1, 1945, and would have targeted southern Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island. The Allies intended to seize airfields and territory there, using Kyushu as a base for the later invasion of Honshu. Okinawa was expected to serve as a major staging area.

The operation formed the opening phase of Operation Downfall. The second phase, Operation Coronet, was planned for the Kanto Plain near Tokyo in spring 1946. Olympic was therefore not the overall invasion plan; Downfall was the umbrella operation.

The surrender of Japan made Olympic unnecessary. Japan announced its acceptance of the Allied terms in August 1945, before the planned November landings. The operation’s preparations nevertheless reveal how seriously Allied leaders expected a direct invasion to challenge Japan’s defenses.