Japanese Perspective

[Geek44]

I read a book last year about the surviviors of Japan's Kamikaze 'program'. Fantastic book that I will certainly read again. I learned that to the Japanese, the female form depicted on weapons as in nose art was/is(?) a kind of blasphemy. At the time, it made them view the Americans, who's attitude and culture was totally different, as sissies. Which leads me to a question for the group...
I'm interested in Japanese culture and have been since I was quite young. My father brought several original Japanese wood-block prints (Ukiyo-e) from Finland when he migrated...three are from the 18th century. I've done some reading into Japanese history and culture...I'm no expert but I have some understanding. During the war, there was the practice of beheading Allied pilots and aircrew who were shot down, often on the spot. To us totally barbaric and not the kind of behaviour most Allied servicemen displayed. To the Japanese though, this practice was coming from a totally different place. These pilots they were executing were in fact considered among the bravest of their enemies. The idea of traversing hundreds or even thousands of miles in aeroplanes to fight was highly regarded. In their minds, they were affording these warriors an honourable death. Different beliefs, perspectives, creeds, etc. Fascinating stuff to me.

[gi-rene]

Ouch...

[Wustenfuchs]

Originally Posted by Geek44

Some of it is just amazing. There's stuff that's been done by some guy at the base, but there's stuff that's been done by folks with real skill. I read a book last year about the surviviors of Japan's Kamikaze 'program'. Fantastic book that I will certainly read again. I learned that to the Japanese, the female form depicted on weapons was/is(?) a kind of blasphemy. At the time, it made them view the Americans, who's attitude and culture was totally different, as sissies. Which leads me to a question for the group...
I'm interested in Japanese culture and have been since I was quite young. My father brought several original Japanese wood-block prints (Ukiyo-e) from Finland when he migrated...three are from the 18th century. I've done some reading into Japanese history and culture...I'm no expert but I have some understanding. During the war, there was the practice of beheading Allied pilots and aircrew who were shot down, often on the spot. To us totally barbaric and not the kind of behaviour most Allied servicemen displayed. To the Japanese though, this practice was coming from a totally different place. These pilots they were executing were in fact considered among the bravest of their enemies. The idea of traversing hundreds or even thousands of miles in aeroplanes to fight was highly regarded. In their minds, they were affording these warriors an honourable death. Different beliefs, perspectives, creeds, etc. Fascinating stuff to me.
Attachment 1853

Woah! I am unaware of this but it sounds likely. I'm into collecting Japanese sake cups, Imari, Katani things and such. What book are you refering to?

[Geek44]

The book is called 'Blossoms In The Wind - Human Legacies of the Kamikaze' by M.G. Shetfall. ISBN 0-451-21852-3
It covers all forms of 'suicide attack' including aircraft, Okha (Bakka Bomb) flying bomb and 'Kaiten' suicide torpedo. An excellent book in my opinion. The authour is a real Japanophile and speaks the language. He's compiled the book and photos from surviving personnel interviews. It's about 450 pages and a paperback. Classic airport book.

[MAGNA]

Interesting information. Even times bring different values. Our perspective of conflict is different now to what it was in WWII. I understand what you mean by the beheadings even though it may not make sense to me. Other cultures have done similar things over time.

[cyberia]

Originally Posted by Geek44

The book is called 'Blossoms In The Wind - Human Legacies of the Kamikaze' by M.G. Shetfall. ISBN 0-451-21852-3
It covers all forms of 'suicide attack' including aircraft, Okha (Bakka Bomb) flying bomb and 'Kaiten' suicide torpedo. An excellent book in my opinion. The authour is a real Japanophile and speaks the language. He's compiled the book and photos from surviving personnel interviews. It's about 450 pages and a paperback. Classic airport book.

OK, this kind of stuff really grabs my interest. Nick, I have some questions on the whole suicide concept. Can you field them for me?

[Geek44]

I can do my best mate...as I said, I'm no expert but I know a thing or one.

[cyberia]

Well, I am about as naive on the subject as one could get. Its something I always had an interest in, but never followed up with any study. So any question marks you can erase will be a plus.

First off, were those who took part in Kamikaze, Okha and Kaiten raids volunteer.

I seen to recall once reading something to the contrary.

[Geek44]

I think there was some 'lip-service' paid to the concept of voluntary participation, but flight and/or navy students were often asked to attend a lecture regarding the progress of the war...at the end, they were asked who wanted to volunteer. Of course most did volunteer because of the 'herd mentality', the need to support one's comrades and the fear of ostracism should they not volunteer. The participants were 'glorified' as Gods in some ways also...similar to the propaganda fed to modern suicide bombers in the Middle East today. I guess, in short, the majority of participants had their youth and naivete taken advantage of and were basically manipulated into the program. Fairly easy to do given the structure of Japanese culture at the time, 'Bushido' was still an ingredient as were the teachings of Shinto and Zen. The godfather of the program even had the good grace to commit ritual suicide at wars end. The customary self disembowelling took place and he lay dying on his living room floor for fourteen hours. Some might say a fitting demise for a man responsible for the pointless deaths of hundreds.
Many pilots carried 'katana' in their cockpits in the Samurai tradition. These blades were mass produced for 'Tokko' pilots. Their inferior quality was obvious even to the young boys receiving them.
Some managed to convince themselves that they were doing the right thing, some basked in the 'glory' and others succumbed to the fear and inevitability. Most knew that the war was already lost after Midway. Ironically, one pilot was the sole survivor from six family members.

[cyberia]

Top shelf post my friend. Some of this I knew but I had no where near as much detail and I thank you.

An account I read on this, must have been 30 years ago and in a not too reputable magazine, was titled "No Choice But Be A Hero In Your Zero".

A tacky title, I agree.

In it the author said that planes used for such missions were rigged with explosives so that should a pilot try to land rather than carry out his orders, the plane would explode.

I have never heard this since.

Was there was any truth to this?