US Navy carriers shoot down Japanese planes during World War II

The Marshall Islands invasion began 25 days before the main force landed. Japan considered the islands part of their mainland and did not anticipate the early Allied invasion. Allied carrier-based planes attacked the islands for over three weeks, but Japan perceived it as a routine mission. Japanese planes retaliated against the carriers, unaware of the true scale of the Allied operation.

What significant event began 25 days before the actual invasion of the Marshall Islands?

How did Japan perceive the marshals in relation to their mainland?

What was the Allies' strategy regarding the timing of the invasion?

What was the reaction of Japanese planes to the Allied air attacks?

What misconception did the enemy have about the Allied naval forces' air attack?