What evidence is there to show the Japanese government had plans to invade Australia during World War II?

Answer 1

It was generally accepted that they would but that may have been unfounded. They certainly bombed Darwin, Townsville and attacked Sydney, Newcastle and i think Melbourne.

If that was part of an invasion strategy it was more ill-founded than Pearl Harbour. Japanese forces at the time of those attacks were stretched as it was. Their ability to win the main cities was high but their ability to hold the country was hopeless.

I think it's unlikely there was a plan for immediate invasion. Perhaps after five years of consolidating the "Sphere of Asian Co-Prosperity", they may then have tried.

I think the aim was to damage Australian morale. Whereas in reality it solidified support for the war and the US Alliance.

Answer 2

There's probably not any real, solid evidence to support this theory. You'd be hard pressed to find documents or battle plans or anything of that sort. But, many military historians and strategists agree that it was an inevitable target for the Japanese. Taking Australia would have had a huge impact on the war, both in the Pacific, and in Europe. Thousands of Australian soldiers were fighting in both theaters of the war, and would have been cut off from their central governments in the event of invasion. Or, they may have been recalled from forward positions to defend their home, leaving their allies unsupported.

Australia would also have been a huge victory for Japan in terms of morale. Conquering a large, white, English-speaking nation would have gone a long way towards furthering the idea on Japanese superiority.

Not to mention cutting of shipping lanes between Australia and southeast Asia, and between Australia and Antarctica.

Hope that helps.

Answer 3

They bombed Darwin