Question

During World War II, why did Japan strongly and passionately defend Iwo Jima?

Answer 1

The island of Iwo Jima was a sulphur mining centre, prior to the invasion and take over by the American Army in 1945. Beside sugarcane farming and fishing, it was considered a strategic location in the Pacific Ocean.

Along with Bonin Islands, it forms the Ogasawara archipelago. The volcano (which is considered dormant), Mount Suribachi is the highest point in the island and since 1944, the island has had no civilian population and has been occupied by the military forces.

Answer 2

The island of Iwo Jima was a centre of sulphur mining, prior to the incursion and take over by the American Army in the year 1945.

Beside farming of sugarcane and fishing, it was considered a strategic place in the Pacific Ocean.

Along with Bonin Islands, it shapes the Ogasawara archipelago