Bombing of Japan: When Did It Begin?

[Harkrader]

This link details Japanese preparation to oppose the US invasion. It says they had more than 12,000 aircraft ready to fight us.
Invasion of Japan
I remember being taught they had more than 25,000. Don't remember where that number came from. Either way, they intended to fight to the finish, with waves of suicide attacks.

 

[GLV]

There are

many people here today that would not be here at all without the B-29s and the A bombs.

 

[rimfired]

We bombed Japan? Oh right, just before all our products started coming from there.