final battle in Japan became a real problem. In the same month, by a decision made at Prime Minister and War leader Hideki Tojo's last cabinet meeting, approval was given to transfer the palace, the army headquarters and other important governmental organs to Matsushiro. The complex was designed specifically to withstand B-29 bombings. Construction In the initial plan, the government, the NHK and the telephone bureau was planned for the Mount Zōzan tunnel. The Mount Minakami tunnel was intended to house the Imperial Palace and the general staff. However, the soil beneath the mountain could not support such a scheme and the plan was changed to move the palace and the general staff to the Mount Maizuru tunnel. On Mount Maizuru, a concrete building was constructed externally and the Mount Minakami tunnel was converted into a storage facility. The combined length of the three shelters exceeded 10 km. The army bought the land through government agencies. Since silkworm keeping was very profitable at that time, the acquisition of mulberry fields was made at three different prices according to the productivity of the land. The land was deemed useless after the war and saw its value drop to half of the price at which it was acquired. 130 of roughly 500 families were evacuated for the construction, which was directed by the Eastern Command of the Imperial Army. Agriculture itself was allowed, so farmers and their dependents stayed at relatives' houses nearby. To conceal the extent of the evacuation, the houses of evacuated families were left as they were and the families were allowed to leave with only three tatami mats. After the war, on 9 November, some returned to their houses and started repairs. The first explosion was made on 11 November 1944 and work commenced thereafter. Dynamite was used and the debris was removed primarily through human labour. In total, 7000 Koreans and 3000 Japanese worked three eight-hour shifts and later two twelve-hour shifts on the site. Aside from the above, a further estimated 120,000 workers from Nishimatsu Company, 79,600 labour volunteers, 157,000 subcontractors from the companies Nishimatsu and Kajima, and 254,000 Korean labourers were involved in the project. However, with three-quarters of the facilities completed, work was halted on 15 August due to the surrender. Imperial shrine There was in place a plan to move the Imperial Regalia of Japan of the Imperial Sanctuary from Tokyo to Matsushiro.