The plan was approved in part by Emperor Hirohito on July 7 .
The plan was involved a three - step readiness phase followed by a three - phase offensive to isolate and destroy the Soviet defenders in no more than six months .
The plan was approved in part by Emperor Hirohito on July 7 and involved a three - step readiness phase followed by a three - phase offensive to isolate and destroy the Soviet defenders in no more than six months .