Second Sino-Japanese War The bombing of Osaka (大阪大空襲, Ōsaka daikūshū) during the Pacific War was part of the strategic bombing air raids on Japan campaign waged by the United States against military and civilian targets and population centers in Japan.

Osaka was one of the principal centers of heavy industry, noted for its shipbuilding, iron, steel, rolling stock works, as well as non-ferrous metals enterprises (notably copper and aluminum).

Finally, 124 bombers of the 878th Bombardment Squadron from Saipan arrived and attacked the Kita and Nishi wards.

This bombing raid resulted in 3,987 dead and 678 missing and destroyed 8.1 square miles (21 km2) of the city for the loss of two aircraft (B-29-45-BW Superfortress 42-24754 499th BG, 878th BS).

The bombing raid resulted in 3,987 dead and 678 missing and destroyed 8.1 square miles (21 km2) of the city for the loss of two aircraft, one by accident.

While en route to the city the P-51D Mustangs flew through thick clouds, and 27 of the fighters were destroyed in collisions.

Nevertheless, 458 heavy bombers and 27 P-51s reached the city and the bombardment killed 3,960 Japanese and destroyed 3.15 square miles (8.2 km2) of buildings.