Rare Insights into Japan’s Feared Special Attack Unit Revealed through Final Letters from Young Kamikaze Pilots

The conventional image of a kamikaze pilot often conjures visions of a determined face concealed by goggles, embarking on a final, fatal mission. However, the reality of these young individuals who undertook suicide attacks during World War II includes poignant moments that are revealed through the last letters they left behind.

The Kanoya Air Base museum and the Chiran Peace Museum, both situated on Japan’s Kyushu island, showcase the lesser-known faces of kamikaze pilots. Contrary to the stereotypical portrayal, the images depict a range of emotions, from a teenager weeping in a dank bunker to high schoolers cheerfully petting a puppy just hours before their expected suicide missions.

These museums exhibit hundreds of photographs, offering a glimpse into the lives of these young pilots. Some of the images include their final words, often expressed in letters to their mothers, expressing apologies for youthful indiscretions and pledging to make their parents proud.

Among the poignant stories is that of Yasuo Tanaka, the youngest kamikaze pilot at just 16. Flying an Okha, essentially a bomb with wings dropped from a mother aircraft, Tanaka’s photograph is displayed at the Kanoya museum. While his last letter is not available, other letters from young kamikaze pilots reveal the bravado of youth.

Torao Kato, an 18-year-old second lieutenant, wrote boldly to his mother: “Dearest mother, please live a long life full of vigor. I will try to destroy a big one.”

The kamikaze pilots ranged in age from 17 to 19, known as Young Boy Pilots, who joined the air force training corps at 14 before the kamikaze units were established. Many did not initially comprehend that they would become kamikaze pilots, but once aware, they accepted their duty with unwavering determination, believing it was worth sacrificing their lives for their country and parents.

The Chiran Peace Museum, during a presentation on the history of kamikaze, shares stories that evoke tears from the audience. A particularly striking image is that of a young kamikaze petting a puppy, capturing a poignant moment before their sacrificial missions.

The toll inflicted by kamikaze attacks on the US Navy during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 was brutal, with 26 US ships sunk and 168 damaged. In total, 1,036 army personnel and 1,584 naval personnel died in kamikaze missions, flying more than 1,730 combat missions.

The museums also shed light on the confidants of the kamikaze pilots, such as Tome Torihama, who ran the Tomiya Inn in Chiran. Many pilots entrusted her with their last words, bypassing military censors. The artifacts from her family, preserved in a small museum in Chiran town, provide further insights into this historical period.

Despite the emotional weight of these stories, there is a call for increased awareness and understanding. Kenta Torihama, great-grandson of Tome Torihama, emphasizes the importance of learning from the kamikaze’s last letters, offering lessons about the folly and tragedy of war. He encourages more foreigners to visit these museums, fostering a deeper understanding of the kamikaze pilots’ experiences.

The Kanoya and Chiran museums, located near Kagoshima on Kyushu island, serve as crucial historical sites, preserving the stories of kamikaze pilots and their impact on World War II. Additionally, Kagoshima’s historical significance as the last stand of Japan’s samurai warrior class adds to the rich tapestry of this region, making it a destination for history enthusiasts.