In July 1944, following the loss of Saipan, General Hideki Tōjō was replaced as prime minister by General Kuniaki Koiso, who declared that the Philippines would be the site of the decisive battle.
Efter tabet af øen Saipan i juli 1944 blev general Hideki Tōjō afløst som premierminister af general Kuniaki Koiso, som erklærede at Filippinerne ville blive stedet, hvor det afgørende slag skulle slås.