Everyone knows how the events of December 7th, 1941 unfolded. After all, just as FDR said, it is a “day that will live in infamy.” However, anyone who isn’t a military fanatic may not know all of the key strategies that brought about that fateful day during WWII. In fact, they may not even know the man who masterminded the attacks.
That man is Isoroku Yamamoto, who was both Admiral and Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Imperial Navy. Read on to discover important facts about the man who orchestrated such a stunning blow to the American people.
8. He Was a Samurai’s Son
Yamamoto’s upbringing was a blend of exotic and traditional. His father was a samurai within the Takano family during his days in Nagaoka, Japan. Years later, he was adopted by the Yamamoto family, a decidedly normal decision for samurai families when no other blood-born son was available to take the family name.
And as his son, Yamamoto was introduced to samurai values as well. However, beyond this, he led a rather conventional lifestyle and invested himself in Japanese culture. He enjoyed spending time with geisha, taking on the practice of calligraphy and acquired a love for gambling for its ability to challenge him intellectually.