Reference
“Wings of Defeat”, a film by Risa Morimoto and Linda Hoaglund focuses on Japan during World War II and the role of the Kamikaze pilots. The film tells of survivors of the Kamikaze’s and their emotions and feelings towards their glorified roles in Japan. While many considered them fanatics that would sacrifice themselves for their country, the Kamikaze survivors of this film argue that fear and abuse contributed to their Kamikaze missions. Through this documentary these Japanese survivors account the terror they experienced as well as the heartbreak they felt watching their country be torn apart during World War II.
Many have believed that Kamikaze’s were proud of their commitment to their country and willing to voluntarily sacrifice their lives for their country. It has been a lesson taught throughout many history classrooms; however, “Wings of Defeat “tells a much different story than these lessons. The film starts with Risa Morimoto who is on the quest to find out about her uncle’s role as a Kamikaze. Although her uncle died years early she begins to find out the role of the Kamikaze by interviewing other surviving Kamikaze pilots and family survivors of World War II. Upon her search she finds the grim truth of Kamikaze pilots and the internal conflicts of remaining true to their country and wanting to live. She discovers that many of the pilots did not want to tell their family their role in the military because of the heartache of knowing their fate. One survivor, Nakajima Kazou stated his anger towards the Showa Emperor and never forgave him for the lives he took by enlisting Kamikaze pilots. Through their eyes a dark shadow was put over them for if they refused their Kamikaze mission they knew the government would kill them. The question wasn’t “am I going to die” but more “how am I going to die”. The film also gives a brief history on why the Kamikazes were used. Through major defeat from the United States, the Japanese military were running out of resources. Their entire fleet had been destroyed and their land had been firebombed leaving the citizens of Japan starved. In a last ditch effort, Japanese military ordered the use of all pilots as Kamikazes. Known as Tokkotai these men were sent on missions knowing they would not return. Through the use of propaganda these suicide missions became glorified stating it was for the country and that they would be remembered as heroes. Many of the Kamikaze survivors felt the burden of carrying this role but knew they did not have a choice and would have to face death.
This film would be suitable for high school age students. While the film gives a lot of interesting information it is a little bit dry to show in its entirety. Also, you need to make sure you have subtitles on since most of it is in Japanese. However, the personal stories are certainly interesting and shed new light on the role of Kamikazes in World War II. There are a few scenes in particular that would be useful to show students. For US History a great scene to show would be how the US veterans talked about the sinking of the U.S.S. Drexler by a Kamikaze. While the United States military was stunned that Japanese military men would risk their lives, they agreed with them and felt that they would do the same. It is also included in that scene the idea that even after major defeat by the United States, the Kamikazes were seen as inspirations however that idea was not believed even my the pilots. It’s an interesting scene to show because it gives the reaction of the United States veterans and how they respected the Kamikazes yet shows that the Kamikazes barely respected their roles. Another scene that would be useful to show in the classroom is from scene six. The scene shows a World War II Japanese film of an officer explaining how men would die and what that sacrifice would mean to “die gloriously”. This scene would be appropriate when discussing propaganda usage in World War II. This film is also useful as a teacher resource. It provides a different picture of the Kamikaze that is often overlooked in US history textbooks. It also gives a better understanding to explain the concept of Kamikazes to students.
4 stars
