Blog #7 Japan's Kamikaze Pilots and Contemporary Suicide Bombers: War and Terror
When someone reads this article for the first time, it may seem to simply talk about the horrid and terrible danger that kamikaze and suicide bombers pose. Yet as i went through it a few times this piece by Yuki Tanaka more explains the inside story of brave soldiers who are simply out there defending their families and loved ones.
Tanaka gives a historical and in depth back story of the kamikaze pilots of Japan, and by using personal journals and stories many written by surviving pilots the author is able to give the reader a very personal understanding of these misunderstood soldiers. These young men were bright, idealists right out of college who were conscripted into the army; they were not the horrid war hungry monsters that many people viewed them as. Once major conscription began in 1943, it was because the Japanese understood that they would not win the war and the government hoped to use kamikaze pilots to reach an agreement with allies and surrender. It was a foolish and life destroying strategy that killed hundreds of young Japanese men. The question burns, how did these young men deal with life knowing their days were numbered?
Tanaka's essay is a very formal tone, he uses this style and tone to emphasize the sadness and destruction of these young men's lives. All of these Kamikaze pilots go through rigorous training for moment where they will complete their mission but also lose everything else they have. Most of these men did not go through with these life ending missions for the glory of Japan or the future of their emperor, rather it was done for their families back home. The simple glory that they can bring to their families back in their small towns and villages. Another major influence is the bond they build between each other as they train as a group. No one wants to fall out and let down the other members of their squad, so they emotionally support each other as they fly in formation to complete their one and only mission.
The audience for an essay such as this is teenagers to adults. Almost all people should understand and respect what these men died for. Although they were against us, they fought for the same thing we did to protect our families and loved ones.
Tanaka also expresses how different the kamikaze and suicide bombers are, the kamikaze are conscripted and fight for their protection of their homes and families. Whereas the bombers are lost in thoughts of personal glory for themselves as well as treasures beyond death. These suicide bombers are promised many things from their commanders that cloud their minds and led to their demise.
I found this a very eye opening paper, that made me understand these unfortunate yet brave soldiers in an all new way. How do you think these men feel as they fly towards their objectives? Scared? Proud? Resentment?
In what ways do you find kamikaze pilots and suicide bombers similar?
Tanaka gives a historical and in depth back story of the kamikaze pilots of Japan, and by using personal journals and stories many written by surviving pilots the author is able to give the reader a very personal understanding of these misunderstood soldiers. These young men were bright, idealists right out of college who were conscripted into the army; they were not the horrid war hungry monsters that many people viewed them as. Once major conscription began in 1943, it was because the Japanese understood that they would not win the war and the government hoped to use kamikaze pilots to reach an agreement with allies and surrender. It was a foolish and life destroying strategy that killed hundreds of young Japanese men. The question burns, how did these young men deal with life knowing their days were numbered?
Tanaka's essay is a very formal tone, he uses this style and tone to emphasize the sadness and destruction of these young men's lives. All of these Kamikaze pilots go through rigorous training for moment where they will complete their mission but also lose everything else they have. Most of these men did not go through with these life ending missions for the glory of Japan or the future of their emperor, rather it was done for their families back home. The simple glory that they can bring to their families back in their small towns and villages. Another major influence is the bond they build between each other as they train as a group. No one wants to fall out and let down the other members of their squad, so they emotionally support each other as they fly in formation to complete their one and only mission.
The audience for an essay such as this is teenagers to adults. Almost all people should understand and respect what these men died for. Although they were against us, they fought for the same thing we did to protect our families and loved ones.
Tanaka also expresses how different the kamikaze and suicide bombers are, the kamikaze are conscripted and fight for their protection of their homes and families. Whereas the bombers are lost in thoughts of personal glory for themselves as well as treasures beyond death. These suicide bombers are promised many things from their commanders that cloud their minds and led to their demise.
I found this a very eye opening paper, that made me understand these unfortunate yet brave soldiers in an all new way. How do you think these men feel as they fly towards their objectives? Scared? Proud? Resentment?
In what ways do you find kamikaze pilots and suicide bombers similar?