Fact Check: "US bombings killed over 1,000 in Fukuoka during WWII."
What We Know
The claim that US bombings killed over 1,000 people in Fukuoka during World War II is based on the bombing raid that occurred on June 19, 1945. This raid was part of a broader campaign by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) targeting Japanese cities. According to the Bombing of Fukuoka - Wikipedia, the raid destroyed approximately 21.5% of the city and resulted in significant damage, but the exact number of casualties is not clearly stated in the available historical records.
The overall estimates for civilian casualties from the bombing campaigns across Japan during WWII vary widely, with some sources suggesting that the total number of deaths from all air raids could be between 241,000 and 900,000 (Air raids on Japan - Wikipedia). However, specific casualty figures for individual cities, including Fukuoka, are often less precise.
Analysis
The assertion that over 1,000 people were killed in Fukuoka specifically during the US bombing lacks direct support from credible historical sources. The bombing on June 19, 1945, involved 239 B-29 bombers, and while it did cause extensive destruction, the Bombing of Fukuoka - Wikipedia does not provide a definitive death toll that reaches or exceeds 1,000.
Moreover, while some accounts suggest that the bombing resulted in "nearly 1,000 deaths" (The Bombing of Fukuoka, 6/20/45), this figure is not universally accepted and lacks corroboration from more authoritative historical analyses. The lack of precise records from that time, combined with the chaotic nature of wartime reporting, makes it difficult to ascertain exact casualty figures.
Additionally, the Mainichi article mentions that about 387,000 people died in air raids across Japan, including the atomic bombings, but does not provide specific numbers for Fukuoka. This suggests that while the bombing was deadly, the claim of over 1,000 deaths in Fukuoka specifically is likely an exaggeration or misinterpretation of the available data.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that US bombings killed over 1,000 people in Fukuoka during WWII is not supported by credible historical evidence. While the bombing raid on June 19, 1945, caused significant destruction and civilian casualties, the specific figure of over 1,000 deaths is not substantiated by reliable sources. The available data indicates that while casualties were high, the exact number remains unclear and likely does not meet the threshold claimed.
