Kamikaze

USS Bunker Hill hit by two Kamikazes

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MokoShurai

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D4Y Yoshinori Yamaguchi col

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A6M5 52c Kyushu

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USS Essex (CV-9) is hit by a Kamikaze off the Philippines on 25 November 1944

Arima Masafumi

Kamikaze (神風, literally "divine wind") refers to a military tactic employed by the Japanese Empire during World War II, where pilots conducted suicide attacks, crashing their aircraft loaded with explosives into enemy ships. The practice aimed to inflict maximum damage on enemy naval vessels, particularly aircraft carriers and battleships, which were critical to the United States Navy's Pacific operations. The term "kamikaze" was inspired by the "divine wind" (also called "kamikaze") typhoons that historically protected Japan by destroying Mongol invasion fleets in the 13th century.

Origins and Implementation

The kamikaze tactic was officially adopted by the Japanese military in 1944 as the situation in the Pacific Theater became increasingly desperate for Japan. The decision to employ suicide attacks reflected the dire circumstances faced by Japan, including shortages of aircraft, pilots, and fuel, as well as the overwhelming industrial and military might of the Allies. Kamikaze missions were seen as a way to level the playing field, using the pilots' lives as the ultimate weapon against superior enemy forces.

Training and Execution

Kamikaze pilots, often young men motivated by a sense of duty, loyalty to the Emperor, and the samurai spirit, underwent brief and intense training periods. They were celebrated as heroes in Japan, with their sacrifices glorified as noble acts of patriotism. Before their missions, pilots would often participate in ceremonial preparations, including donning a hachimaki (headband) with patriotic slogans, drinking a ceremonial cup of sake, and writing a final letter or poem to their families.

The execution of kamikaze attacks involved pilots flying their aircraft, often modified to carry maximum explosives and with minimal fuel to reach their target but not return, into enemy ships. The primary targets were aircraft carriers, due to their critical role in projecting air power, but battleships, cruisers, and destroyers were also targeted.

Impact

The impact of kamikaze attacks on the outcome of World War II is a subject of debate among historians. While these attacks did inflict significant damage on U.S. naval vessels, sinking or damaging dozens of ships and killing or wounding thousands of sailors, they did not alter the course of the war. The industrial capacity of the United States allowed for rapid repairs and replacement of lost ships and personnel, while Japan's resources continued to dwindle.

Legacy

The legacy of the kamikaze pilots is complex. In Japan, they are often remembered as national heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Memorials and museums, such as the Yasukuni Shrine and the Chiran Peace Museum for Kamikaze Pilots, honor their memory. Internationally, the kamikaze tactic is frequently cited as an example of fanaticism and desperation in warfare, raising ethical questions about the use of suicide attacks in military conflicts.