Devastation of Tokyo: The March 9, 1945 Bombing Raid

On March 9, 1945, Tokyo experienced one of the most catastrophic bombing raids in history, resulting in tremendous loss of life and widespread destruction. During the raid, 100,000 civilians died, and a million people became homeless as American bombers relentlessly targeted the city, leading to 16 square miles of devastation. Saotome Katsumoto and his father narrowly escaped the chaos, witnessing the horrors of their city engulfed in flames. The aftermath was immediate, as the previously vibrant neighborhoods were left in ruins, exemplifying the war's significant impact on Japan's urban landscape and culture.