I’ve heard that argument since I was in puberty. It sounded good then, for as a kid, what did I know about the world?

But I would recommend you pay attention to the fact that when the firebombing campaign began, Japan no longer presented a threat to America or America’s interests. The choice you present is a false choice, for there was no need to invade, nor was there a need to incinerate the cities. It appears the only reason they would not surrender — even given the strictures of Bushido — is because the leaders of the Japanese High Command knew that the moment they surrendered *unconditionally*, all that awaited them was the gallows.