Kamikaze Pilots Often Did Not Have a Choice
Kamikaze pilots are some of the most notorious warriors in history. They were dreaded for their resolve, and due to traditional Japanese ideals, many people believed that these pilots were honored to make the sacrifice for their country. “TIL kamikaze pilots weren’t 100% volunteer. Pilots were asked to put their hand up in a big group if they didn’t want to volunteer. Amid peer pressure, hardly anyone was able to say no to the mission.” – Obscure Fact by Violet Peacock.
The word kamikaze means “divine wind,” a reference to a typhoon that fortuitously dispersed a Mongol invasion fleet threatening Japan from the west in 1281. These pilots would make deliberate and strategic crashes into their enemy – expecting to not survive the hit. Not all Japanese pilots of the era were Kamikaze pilots. It’s estimated that between 3,000 to 4,000 pilots were in this category. But this tactic only had a 10% success rate. For years after, the tactics were referred to as “insanity”. And they played on saying that these pilots were shameful. So many Japanese people grew up being taught that this was a shameful chapter in their history. It is only recently that they are beginning to take back the narrative.
Also Read: Today First Kamikaze Attack In WWII Is Staged.