Operation Ke marked a significant moment for Japanese military operations during World War II, particularly in the context of the Guadalcanal Campaign. The campaign had become increasingly costly for Japanese forces, who faced fierce resistance from Allied troops, ultimately leading to a strategic reevaluation of their presence in the region. With supply lines compromised and losses mounting, Japanese commanders decided that a withdrawal was necessary to preserve their fighting capabilities. Beginning on January 14, 1943, Operation Ke involved a series of maritime maneuvers where troops were ferried off the island using destroyers and submarines, reinforcing Japan's commitment to skilled naval operations even as they admitted defeat in Guadalcanal.

The operation was executed under the command of Vice Admiral Tadaichi Watanabe and was characterized by a calculated approach to minimize loss during the retreat. Despite the presence of Allied forces, the operation was relatively successful, with numerous troops evacuated successfully. Over the course of several nights, more than 10,000 Japanese troops were withdrawn, showcasing Japan's ongoing naval capabilities despite setbacks on land. This movement not only reflected the immediate military situation but foreshadowed subsequent Japanese strategies in the Pacific Theater.

However, the evacuation also highlighted the dwindling resources and morale of Japanese forces as they increasingly found themselves outmatched by the logistical advantages of the Allies. As the United States and other Allied forces regrouped and strategized, the outcome of this operation would set a precedent for future engagements in the Pacific, illustrating the shifting nature of warfare in this theater. The success of the evacuation was pursued at the expense of strategic territory, ultimately reflecting a turning point in the broader context of the war.