The Untold Stories of Japan's Kamikaze Pilots

The Faces of Kamikaze

Japan's Kyushu island is home to two moving museums that detail the final thoughts of the young WWII pilots tasked with flying their bomb-laden planes into US warships. The Kanoya Air Base museum and the Chiran Peace Museum, both located on Japan's Kyushu island, offer a poignant look into the lives of the kamikaze pilots. The walls of these museums are adorned with the real faces of the kamikaze, portraying a different image than what is commonly perceived. The images show teenagers weeping, cheerfully petting a puppy, and expressing their last words and thoughts.

Three women look at photos of Japanese kamikaze pilots, who gave their lives in WWII suicide attacks against US forces, hanging on a wall at the Chiran Peace Museum.

One of the most striking images in the presentation at the Chiran museum is that of a young kamikaze petting a puppy. These fliers, ranging in age from 17 to 19, were known as Young Boy Pilots. They joined the air force training corps at the age of 14, before the kamikaze units were even established. Their youth and innocence are evident in the images, but their acceptance of their duty is a testament to their unwavering loyalty and belief in dying for their country and parents.

A re-creation of a bunker where kamikaze pilots spent their last night before their missions on the grounds of the Chiran Peace Museum. As the room was cleaned after the pilots left, workers reported that the bedding was soaked with tears.

The museum walls also hold the image of an American, Capt. Masaji Takano. His last letter includes a drawing of a diving plane with the words, 'I will surely send an enemy warship to the bottom.' These images and letters provide a glimpse into the lives and mindset of the kamikaze pilots, shedding light on their personal struggles and sacrifices.

A Japanese military aircraft is seen outside the Chiran Peace Museum in Kagoshima prefecture, Japan.

The Legacy of Sacrifice

The legacy of the kamikaze pilots is one of sacrifice and unwavering loyalty. The term 'kamikaze' combines the Japanese words 'kami' meaning 'divine' and 'kaze' meaning 'wind.' The tactic of crashing bomb-laden planes into US warships was instituted as a last-ditch effort to protect the Japanese homeland from a US invasion fleet. The kamikaze pilots were willing to accept their duty and believed it was worth dying for their country and parents.

Visitors to the museum at Kanoya Air Base, Japan, can get a look inside the cockpit of a fighter plane similar to ones flown by the kamikaze.

The toll they took on the US Navy was brutal, particularly during the Battle of Okinawa. The kamikaze attacks off Okinawa resulted in the sinking of 26 US ships and damage to 168, causing 40% of the 12,000 US troops killed in the battle. The kamikaze pilots' sacrifice left a lasting impact on the history of World War II and the US Navy's deadliest battles.

Kenta Torihama, great-grandson of Tome Torihama, a confidant of the kamikaze pilots, outside his restaurant near the Chiran Peace Museum.

The intense militarism and loyalty to the Emperor drove the kamikaze pilots to carry out suicide missions, reflecting a sense of identity rooted in total obedience and willingness to die for their Emperor. The legacy of their sacrifice continues to be remembered and honored at the Kanoya and Chiran museums, where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the kamikaze pilots' role in history.

The Last Stand and Remembrance

The Kanoya and Chiran museums are located near Kagoshima on the southern end of Kyushu island, where the World War II airfields from which the kamikaze flew were situated. These museums serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by the kamikaze pilots and their significant impact on history. Visitors can gain insight into the lives and experiences of the pilots, as well as the historical context in which they operated.

The Chiran and Kanoya museums also provide an opportunity to explore the last stand of Japan's samurai warrior class, as Kagoshima is considered to be the last stand of Japan's samurai warrior class. The legacy of the kamikaze pilots is intertwined with Japan's history, and the museums offer a comprehensive experience for those interested in delving into this aspect of Japanese history.

For history travel enthusiasts, visiting the site of the samurai's last stand at Shiroyama mountain in Kagoshima is another worthwhile way to spend a few hours in the area. The historical significance of Kagoshima and its connection to the kamikaze pilots and the samurai warrior class provides a deeper understanding of Japan's rich history and the stories of those who shaped it.