The Organization of the Defense of Islands in the Pacific Ocean by the Army of Japan on the Example of Tarawa (Betio) Island in the Group of the Gilbert Islands During the Second World War Once Again

The capture of Tarawa by the Allied forces on November 23, 1943 during Operation Galvanic is often described as one of the bloodiest in history. This article focuses on the study of the defenses built on the atoll and analyses of the defensive measures that were taken. The example of Tarawa is used as a lens through which one can look at the trends that emerged in the army, navy, and national economy of the Empire of Japan by 1943.