The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia
|
| Previous: Kyokuto Maru Class, Japanese Oilers | Table of Contents | Next: Kyushu |
Kyoto (135.75E
35N) is an important cultural center and was capital of Japan
until the Meiji Restoration of 1870. It remained the center of Buddhism in Japan after the Emperor moved his court to Tokyo. Kyoto was a
center for tungsten mining (about
610 tons per year). The population was 1,089,726 in October 1940.
At the outbreak of war, Kyoto was the headquarters
of 53 Division. It was the divisional district for 16 Division.
Kyoto was named as a target for nuclear attack, but was ultimately spared because of its cultural significance. As a result, it was one of the few Japanese cities left almost unscathed by the strategic bombing
campaign, having suffered only three small raids (all claimed to be
unintentional in the postwar U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey.)
References
Craven and Cate (1952; accessed 2013-5-28)
Embree (1943-1-23; accessed 2013-5-30)
"Handbook on Japanese Military Forces" (1944-9-15; accessed 2013-5-30)
The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia © 2007, 2010, 2013 by Kent G. Budge. Index
