Âa dôki no sakura (1967) - full transcript
THIS FILM IS DEDICATED TO
THE SPIRITS OF THE YOUNG HEROES
WHO DIED DURING
THE PACIFIC WAR
Toei Co., Ltd. Presents
THE DIARIES OF THE KAMIKAZE
(Aa Doki no Sakura)
Produced by
Hiroshi Okawa
Written by
Katsuya Susaki & Sadao Nakajima
Cinematographer
Shigeru Akatsuka
Production
Takatoshi Suzuki
Music by
Hajime Kaburagi
Editing by
Tadao Kanda
Cast
Koji Tsuruta
Ken Takakura
Hiroki Matsukata
Shin'ichi Chiba
Isao Natsuyagi
Kunio Kurai
Yoshiko Sakuma
Junko Fuji
Asao Koike
Kenjiro Ishiyama
Masanari Takahashi
Yurkio Mishimi
Toshi Amatsu
Rin'ichi Yamamoto
Shoichi Ozawa
Aiko Mimasu
Ko Nishimura
Shigeru Amachi
Directed by
Sadao Nakajima
OCTOBER 21, 1943
The military situation in the
Pacific has worsened.
Because of this,
on September 23, the Japanese
government issued an emergency
decree , abolishing any
exemption from military duty.
About 100,000 students
with humanitarian professions
had been forced
to interrupt their studies and
prepare for deployment.
On October 21,
under dank autumn rains
a muster of student sections
was held in the
Meiji Jingo stadium.
This path will lead
to the front.
In these troubled times
no one can be
a bystander.
You, brave young men,
left your student days behind
you to go to the battlefield.
Following the example of our ancestors,
you will defend your homeland.
You must prevent the destruction
of our country.
Good luck to you all
in this war.
Today, I have a request for you.
The war began with clashes
with the Chinese, and further...
When can you
go back to school?
I only think about that.
Let me die, I don't want my
fate to depend only on
my determination and courage.
DECEMBER 10, 1943,
NAVY BASE IN MAIZURU
Of the drafted students,
13,000 young men
were stationed at separate
bases around Japan
at the lowest rank of crewman.
I already said how
it would look like
when students are dressed
in a naval uniform
but in general it suits you.
So, now it seems like you
look a little bit like sailors.
Yes.
- Louder!
- Yes!
Despite the fact that Japan is
in a serious situation
and is fighting hard,
you have shied away for two or
three years from military service
and lived your civilian life.
And so what? You had a good time.
But from now on
everything will change!
Apparently, after a short
period of training
you will be promoted from crewmen
second class to officers
of the student reserves.
But don't think that you
all will be promoted!
Is that clear?
You are all just common peasants.
Don't think that we
will make it easy for you,
just because you're students!
- Hey you, with the glasses!
- Aye!
- What's your name?
- Shinishi Fukushima.
-Wrong.
I'm Shinichi Fukushima.
Wrong!
Crewman second class
Shinichi Fukushima
That's it. In the future
you will answer in this manner.
You think that if you wear
glasses, you're the smartest?
It only means that
in the civilian world you
read too many books.
How do you wear your peak-less cap?
Put it on properly!
Yes, sir!
Fool!
Now listen!
From now on
we will get rid of all of
your lousy civilian habits!
About face!
About face!
That's it! Hurry up! Do it!
Do it well!
Brat! Do it right!
Don't raise your heads!
Move! Slackers!
Hey, you! What are you doing?
Get a hold of yourself! Don't be lazy!
How are you?
I can't even sit down properly!
I'm most comfortable on the toilet.
Why?
There, I can think alone quietly.
I don't even want to think
about anything anymore.
I just want to become
an officer as quickly as possible.
Fukushima!
Enough already! This isn't
your civilian world!
Hanazawa...
Fear not!
I have good news for you.
They say that soon we will
be allowed to receive visitors.
Brother!
Brother!
Mother and father are here.
What is it,
why are you crying?
Because... Because his hands
are covered in calluses.
Don't baby him.
And you call yourself a teacher's wife?
You don't know how
to be a mother.
Stop. We're not
here to quarrel.
You can swear whatever you want,
at least this reminds me of home.
You see? He talks
like a grown man.
Tatsuya...you're all grown up.
Well, I don't know.
I wouldn't say that.
Try to become a real man.
It'll be better if you got married!
It's not easy now! All the guys
have been sent to war.
What? Can't some guy
be found here for me?
Reiko, we didn't come here
to find a groom for you.
I brought you something to eat.
You can't!
We aren't allowed to eat
during the visits.
But they eat everything
here. Look!
You shouldn't gulp it down like that!
Your parents didn't come?
It would have been difficult for
them to come back from the dead.
What?
I already parted ways with
them a long time ago.
I didn't know.
It's not important anymore.
I just wanted to breath
some non-military air.
Hey, Reiko.
Reiko!
Three relatives have come for me.
I'll let you have my sister.
No, thanks.
Given him enough civilian
air to breathe.
- Brother...
- Please.
Very nice to meet you.
I'm Reiko.
I'm Hanazawa.
Look. Want to try it?
Sweet rice balls.
I've prepared them myself.
They look good!
Brother didn't want to eat them.
What a pity!
You made them for nothing.
Okay then...
- These are great.
- Take another one.
I'll take another.
What is this!
Moron!
You aren't the only one!
Have you forgotten that you
aren't allowed to eat or drink here?
Visiting time is over! All the new
recruits back to the barracks!
Hanazawa, sir...
Hanazawa, don't be disappointed!
C'mon! That's nonsense!
I'm sorry.
Don't apologize.
At least I had something
wonderful to eat.
Thank you very much,
Reiko-san.
Tatsuya!
This is your medicine.
I'll send you
more each month.
Keep an eye on your health.
Tonight, we will be
leaving Maizuru.
I'll go with you.
Fukushima.
I knew...
that with such poor vision
I couldn't become a pilot.
Our objective is still the same.
It's war after all.
When you finish washing these
containers, you will come to me!
Shiratori.
He even wants to train
us on the last night.
FEBRUARY 1, 1944, TSUCHIURA
NAVAL AIR STATION
3,200 young men, selected
from all parts of the fleet
were assigned to flight training.
The ground staff was
located in Kogashima.
And the pilots in Tsuchiura.
We have been waiting for you.
Where have you been all this time?
Your spirit can't be as pampered
as that of a ground soldier!
You should be proud of the fact
that you're naval officers.
Only a fleet officer is this elegant,
brilliant and courageous!
When I look at you,
you all look very young.
You each have a strong body.
Chances are that you're not stupid.
In other words,
you are first class stallions
of the Japanese nation.
Quiet... I'll be straight with you.
You all will have to die.
In the South Pacific our enemy
began furiously counterattacking us.
Unfortunately, our country's
industry is lagging behind.
You can only hit the enemy with your
determination to sacrifice...
your life in combat.
Is that clear?
From tomorrow on, start your training
with pride for the Japanese people
and the resolve to
fight until the end.
Clear?
Do it properly!
Fight!
For real!
If you die,
then at least die as heroes.
Harder! Harder!
Jackass!
Get up!
Go on!
Only forward! If you die,
then as heroes!
Up!
Climb up!
Come on, what are you doing there, you fool!
Climb up already! Come on!
Damn!
- Commander!
- Yes.
The entire fifteenth squadron
is not allowed to fly from now on.
Listen!
What does today's failure mean?
You haven't tried at all!
Have you forgotten
about battle determination, of
which our commander spoke?
No such luck.
And you bragged about
wearing an officer's uniform.
Hanazawa!
What?
Yui!
As for the two of you,
have you even tried?
We will teach you how to
be true students.
Come here!
Wait!
The ones that were defending are
also responsible for us losing.
Why do you want to
hit your friends?
We were all university students.
Shut up!
You talk like a civilian!
You come here too!
Wait!
You'll do nothing without the
authorization of the person on duty!
All right then.
I'm asking your permission.
Fuwa!
Resolve isn't the only thing
pilots need for fighting.
Student Yui, can you tell me
what the message was?
Everyone died.
Student Nanjo has arrived.
Come here.
Who is this 'Noriko'?
My wife.
You're married?
- It doesn't say so in you file.
- True.
If it's not official,
then she's not your wife.
It says here:
Yesterday the comarum blossomed.
What does that mean?
I have a son!
What?
A daughter would have been the peach tree flowering.
That is what I
agreed with my wife.
A secret code?
And in addition her father has
given his consent.
You trying to outsmart the censor?
No!
It doesn't matter.
The commander was right.
At least one real stallion
can be found amongst you.
Wait!
Don't you dare let your wife
and son be ashamed of you!
I know that, from the moment
I arrived in this unit.
Alright!
Student Nanjo, allow me to leave!
Next!
Student Hanazawa has arrived!
Come closer.
Reiko Shiratori?
Yes.
- Stop smiling!
- Yes, sir!
How do you know her?
During a visit, she gave
me sweet rice balls.
- I'm asking how are you together?
- Just friends.
This long letter would
suggest otherwise.
Tell her it can contain
a maximum of five lines,
each line no more than ten words.
Only seasonal greetings are
allowed to be more.
Yes, sir!
End of barracks check!
The ashtrays are outside.
Tomorrow's sessions will be
held precisely on schedule.
Everyone must die...Fighting spirit...
Do they really believe they
can win the war this way?
Japan is making a mistake.
Yui!
I thought...
that at least in the Navy
they had more rational thinking.
But the Japanese fighting spirit...
Shiratori! Do you seriously believe that?
This war will be won
by material superiority.
The real forces in the war
are the political and economic
powers of the country.
In this regard, today's
Japan is too weak.
To hell with their
sacrifice and martyrdom.
What's wrong?
A military uniform doesn't suit you.
Not at all.
- Shiratori!
- Taki, is that you?
Do you have a cigarette?
This war is complete crap.
If I die, the Japanese culture
will lag behind more than 50 years.
- Where were you going?
- Izumi.
- Me too!
- Great!
Yes, I'm here.
Hey, is everything clear!
To the same place!
I am going to become a fighter pilot.
If you have to fly, it's best
that you only have
to worry about yourself.
Yui!
We will go to Tokushima together.
I'm glad that I
will become a scout.
When doing a reconnaissance flight we can
use our minds better than simple pilots.
Many think that I'm
not suited for that.
Hanazawa!
This time we will part.
- Where are you going?
- Izumi.
Attention!
Today, Student Taki
fled from a neighboring company.
You want to become an officer
and then calmly desert?
It seems that we have to drag you
around with a rope around your neck,
otherwise you will be
distracted by female civilians!
First of all, you don't have
enough patriotic spirit!
I'm not surprised that there are
traitors to the nation here.
Where is your resolve, at a time when our
country is threatened with destruction?
If you try to escape, you
will not succeed in hiding.
Taki was arrested three
hours after his escape.
You know what you can expect
if you try to escape?
Court-martial and execution
will await you!
At this time, the Japanese forces
suffered
one defeat after another in
the Marshall Islands.
JUNE, 1944, NAVY AIR STATION
ON SOUTHERN KYUSHU
Height: 200, horizontal flight.
What horizontal flight?
Change, change, plan.
Pedal! Instruments...Instruments!
Lift up your head!
Enough!
Raise your hands,
raise your hands!
Do not lower your hands!
Shut up!
A junior officer cannot be insolent!
I'm in charge! Let go!
I won't!
What are they doing there?
This is bad. Really bad.
I'd love to save you from
having to fly, but I can't.
The situation at the front
is worsening.
You all need to
do your duty.
Now.
- Do you want to fly?
- Yes, sir!
After hearing your responses,
I will be happy to instruct
you on the whole flying part.
Don't laugh!
Such a moment will come!
And you won't have to
wait long for it.
Only one will win.
Either the enemy will win
or you will become real pilots.
We have very little time.
To expedite the preparation,
from tomorrow on we will
start flying in groups.
Turn 50 degrees,
half a length of interval,
the distance is 150 meters.
Only Japanese pilots deal with
such nonsense, eh?
This is what you call flying
around here!
Jackasses! Stop the chatter
during the flight!
Turn right!
Number three, what's wrong?
Shiratori, what is it?
Shiratori, are you all right?
What, you can't even ride a bicycle?
Are things this bad for the Navy?
I don't know how to ride a
bicycle but I can fly.
Don't strain yourself,
go to the barracks and
rest for a while.
- Excuse me...
- Yes?
- Leave was to be tomorrow?
- It has been moved to today.
- Where are you from?
- From Tokyo.
I really wanted to make it.
Who did you come for?
Nanjo of the third company.
- Nanjo?
- You know him?
We're in the
same company.
This is your grandson?
Yes, my first.
- How old is he?
When he was born, there
was a very strong snowstorm.
In February?
Exactly, exactly.
It was after the New Year.
My child was also
born at that time.
So you also
have a child, sailor?
Excuse me, but what time
does leave end?
At four.
So we have only one hour left.
How much you've grown, eh?
When you grow up,
the war will be over.
You have to grow up quick.
Grow up quick.
You hold the baby in the right position.
I can see that you are a father.
Yeah, right.
I haven't been a father to my own child yet.
I haven't even seen him.
- Time's up.
- That's too bad.
It would have been enough
just to see him.
Can that be done somehow?
Excuse me, have you seen
Nanjo from the third company?
- You know Nanjo?
- No.
Maybe...
Where is he?
Nanjo!
Where have you been?
Quick, there is no time!
Noriko!
Look at your son. Here!
Who's daddy?
Every day, I nurse our son.
I have to go...
All the best to you.
Nanjo!
What is more difficult; riding
a bicycle or flying a plane?
They are equally difficult.
I would like to fly with you someday.
But today we see each
other for the last time.
Why?
They say that Saipan is in danger.
I will fly out there.
Commander!
The rest I leave to you.
Commander, the motor is failing!
Pretend I'm not here.
Pretend you are flying alone.
Yes, sir!
Leave it to me.
Make yourself wide.
Place the pillow to your belly.
Properly tighten your belt!
Report speed and altitude.
60 knots, height 600.
60 knots, height 550.
60 knots, height 500.
60 knots, height 400.
55 knots, height 300.
Height 250.
Trees on the left!
Good, we will hit that tree
with our wing.
Slow down the plane and land.
- Is the pillow on you?
- Yes.
Take off your goggles!
Here we go.
Commander!
- Are you hurt?
- No!
If you can't land,
do it the same way.
- Clear?
- Yes, sir!
Nothing serious.
Don't mind me.
I bear full responsibility
for today's accident.
Commander!
Is that clear?
Shiratori.
Anyone who flies a plane is
always on the verge of death.
But you don't die like
some mangy dog.
On July 10th, the entire garrison
on the island of Saipan, fell.
As a result, Japan lost control of
the airspace over the Pacific Ocean.
During the heavy fighting, the
government of Tojo was dismissed.
SEPTEMBER 1944, NAVY AIR
STATION IN SOUTHERN KYUSHU
- Is that you, Fukushima?
- Hi, Shiratori!
- How you've progressed!
- Just as you did!
Now, that will not do.
Attention! Everyone listen!
The commander of the ground support
forces wants to welcome you.
His men were called in at the
same time as we were.
Line up!
Line up!
Dear pilots, I'm glad to finally
get to see all of you.
We will not fly any aircraft and
that's why our training ended earlier.
We will prepare the way ahead of you,
toward the sound of battle
in the southwest Pacific.
I wish you good luck.
Thank you! We are touched,
really touched.
We too wish you much luck in the war!
- Salute!
- Salute!
Let everything go well.
We say goodbye!
Remove chocks!
Remove chocks!
In the future, the situation at the
front will only worsen.
Children are forced to work;
everyone worked at
manufacturing weapons
and increasing the food
supplies for the front.
People blindly believed the
Japanese military leaders' claim
that Japan would win.
By the beginning of 1945, our
frontline students were already
promoted to lieutenants.
Everybody get up!
Line up in front of the beds!
Attention!
Listen!
Our first air squadron
conducted a suicide attack
in the Philippines.
The attack was extremely successful.
Pilots with aircraft loaded
with explosives crashed
at full speed into enemy ships.
Lt. Seki and five other pilots
named their squadron at the
Shinpo attack base
squadron 'Sikisima'.
It seems that the high command
has finally made a decision.
Only this way can Japan be
spared destruction.
Only this way!
- Lt. Fuwa!
- Yes, sir!
Can you do the same?
I will also take part
in the kamikaze division!
Unfortunately, nothing can be done right
now, all training flights have been canceled.
Commander, why have
they been canceled?
No fuel.
There isn't a single drop of
gasoline left for training.
This is the end.
It's all over for Japan.
What are you talking about?
Japan doesn't have any oil;
we lost the advantage at sea
and we can't rely
on supplies from the south.
This is the end.
Shiratori, what will end?
Are you saying that
Japan will lose?
I don't feel that
Japan will lose,
but I can't imagine how
it can win.
You idiot!
- What is this?
- Stop it.
Enough, Fuwa!
- Stop!
- Line up!
Hurry up, line up, we have company!
Students, how are you
conducting yourselves!
In the Philippines, the pilots are
making suicide attacks,
but you are screaming like
horses around here!
You have no right to
wear an officer's uniform!
We'll teach you!
Line up in two lines!
Spread your legs!
Clench your teeth!
Go!
Morons!
Stop it!
Do you want more?
Attention!
I see that those who beat,
have a lot of enthusiasm,
and that those who are beaten
also don't just give up.
I don't believe medical officers
have the right to
lecture us, the officers of
the military academy.
You have too much energy.
Do I need to give you a shot
so that you can cool down?
Are you mocking us?
You shouldn't get
so angry over so little.
You who have completed
the military academy,
and you, who have come
to us from universities,
you are the same young people.
All of Japan is fighting now.
You should know...
that most of the land
support forces, which left
the Usko base, fell in battle
as soon as they arrived.
Some served on aircraft carriers,
others in the air defense
of the Philippines.
Pray for their souls.
Listen!
Twenty men under the command
of Lt. Yui
from the Tokushima airbase
reporting to your base.
As observers, we will spread ourselves into your
crews. This will be a great honor for us!
- So, you're glad you're here!
- So are we!
- Yui!
- Hello!
During these six months, you
have become a different person.
It's true. And I was surprised
how he has improved himself.
And I was by his
side the whole time.
You and I...
are two attached cherries.
We blossom in the flower garden.
Everything that has blossomed...
must one day fall down.
Let's fall down together...
Look here.
...for our homeland.
Hanazawa!
You see, eh?
When did this happen?
Reiko visited me twice
in Tokushima.
And she calls herself a sister!
She never visited me.
You know, a brother and a boyfriend
are completely different things.
Although we aren't close relatives...
...I think we shouldn't be separated.
The enemy's next target is Okinawa.
Attacks of enemy ships with
a lot of firepower can only be
countered by
special attack tactics,
one aircraft diving
against one ship.
The Tenth Air Squadron
decided to focus all their power
into this special attack.
I order that...
Usko Navy Airbase also
prepare for the impending battles
and immediately begin
practicing special attacks.
Come in!
First Lt. Jinnouchi
reporting for duty.
As of now, it will be possible
to resume flight training.
However, it will not be the
same training as it was previously.
All of you
are transferred to
different fighting forces.
First Lt. Jinnouchi will
be your commander.
Your task...
...is to become the main force
of future suicide attacks.
I'm sure
that you, the pilots of His Majesty,
are fully determined.
However, this is not an order.
Decide for yourself.
Anyone who will go on the special attacks,
take a step forward!
On March 23rd, a fleet of
1,500 American ships launched
a massive attack on Okinawa.
The General Staff immediately responded
by beginning Operation No. 1.
Here!
When you arrive at this point, you
can finally close your eyes.
You can release the stick.
The plane will fly on to the target.
Alright, open the curtains.
You have
only one problem.
You have to become
part of the aircraft.
You have to become part of the
bomb with 350 kilos of explosives.
War is not a game.
Forget about the excessive
excitement and heroism.
Clear?
I'll tell you one more thing.
You'll just become a tool!
- Be attentive on the road.
- I will.
Talk to your brother about Hanazawa.
Mother!
Do you know...
This is a time when you never
know what might happen.
No, I'll decide myself about Hanazawa.
After all, brother...
Hurry up, you must hurry.
What is wrong with you?
Give regards to Tatsuya for me.
To Hanazawa too.
Mother!
Don't be angry that I've disappointed you.
Let's go!
Mother, everything is fine!
I better run.
Where did Hanazawa go?
I don't know.
Reiko.
When he gave me this letter,
he was blushing terribly.
Read it.
What's wrong?
Reiko, thank you for the love
that you gave me
over the past year.
However, I consider this letter
to be my words of farewell.
Looking at your future,
I have no right to love you.
I lost my parents
a long time ago.
I know how to be alone.
Maybe I'm just a weak-kneed orphan.
But I can no longer
continue our relationship.
No, I don't want to!
I don't want to!
Reiko.
I want to see him!
I want to see Hanazawa!
I want to see him!
It's cruel.
It's so cruel.
Reiko.
Don't you know
what kind of choices
we had to make?
You cowards! You and Hanazawa both!
You did this on purpose!
No!
Brother, it's...
He had no right to love you.
Didn't Hanazawa himself
write exactly that to you?
I can't leave my daughter...
...in the hands of a military pilot.
I can't give her to you...
...though she wants to marry you.
- Finally asleep?
- Yes.
Kenichi, I hope you know
that I'm your father.
He's too small for that.
He's only a year old.
Didn't he smile when he saw me?
Beloved...
...don't open the door
until I tell you to.
Kenichi.
Remember my face well.
If you don't have time, then
you won't remember it.
My love...
I wanted the ceremony
to include only the two of us.
The two of us...
No one can separate the two of us.
Nothing. No one.
Not even the war.
My love!
Lt. Nanjo, Lt. Nanjo!
Alert!
Alert!
Understood.
My love!
You shouldn't worry.
Wait!
Noriko!
Use it as a scarf.
Hurry!
Hurry! Hurry!
Hello, this is Mrs. Nanjo.
This is Shiratori. Nanjo is taking off.
Yui, what are you doing here?
26 degrees 30 minutes
north latitude,
127 degrees 50 minutes
east longitude.
I noted this on the map
with the crossing of these lines.
This is the place
where I will die.
Just a moment.
I wish the time
we have left to live
was like a strong steel rope.
I don't understand you.
I don't understand that you are so
different than you were in the past.
This happened when Taki escaped!
I decided to follow my own path.
Taki?
Where did Taki end up?
Forget him already!
Yui.
You must decide whose side you are on.
You've changed.
You've become a
completely different person.
A group of B-29 aircraft
are flying from
the Kinisaki Peninsula
toward this base.
Get ready for an air raid!
Enemy aircraft overhead!
Take cover!
To the shelter.
Lt. YUI
Damnit!
This can't be!
I'm going to light them on fire!
Get out of the way!
Attention!
Fujii.
You studied at a Buddhist Institute.
Say some sutra.
The diary of Yui
is better than my sutra.
Shiratori, read something from it.
I was born at a critical
moment in Japanese history.
Darkness was originally predicted
for our generation.
Only 80 years have passed
since the Meiji reforms.
Japan, trying to quickly catch up
with the Western countries,
ended up showing the world
its fragility.
Japan was in a
critical situation.
But I, Masumi Yui,
am still Masumi Yui.
I think the finest thing for me is
to go to the lecture hall and
a library and study social sciences.
I want to go down this
road every day.
On the road I meet the
hostess at a snack bar,
the uncle at the antique store,
the girl from the coffee shop,
the old man at the kiosk.
All these people are
incredibly important in my life.
I just want to live in peace
and just devote myself
to learning and science.
...if I survive this.
...if I survive this.
Yui.
You bastard.
I understand, Yui.
Burn faster!
A second air raid was reported.
I'll call you by name.
If you are alive,
then answer.
- Lt. Shimada!
- Here!
- Lt. Okayama!
- Here!
- Lt. Yasumi!
- Here!
- Lt. Shiratori!
- Here!
- Lt. Otsuka!
- Here!
Lt. Koizumi!
Lt. Koizumi!
- Lt. Hanazawa!
- Here!
- Lt. Yamane!
- Here!
- Lt. Fujii!
- Here!
These ten men will leave today
at 23:30 on the last train
to the Kushiro airbase.
Just for your information,
I will add
that this time only the cadet students
and graduates of military
academies will go.
I will lead only 27 pilots
personally into battle.
Commander!
Please allow me to go also.
I am determined to
die for my country.
I'm not planning on
being left behind!
- Don't rush your death!
- But...
Consider what I said to
be my last words of farewell.
The named pilots immediately
pack up and we will meet
at the main gate at 22:30.
- Clear?
- Yes, sir!
Attention!
Finally something for us!
- Ready?
- Yes!
Fuwa!
Wait!
- But I...
- Everything is all right.
Now that I know that I will die,
I will miss you.
We quarreled all the time.
Though I don't know why now.
This night has suddenly
become so beautiful.
Shiratori.
You...
You hold on here.
APRIL 1945, KUSHIRO AIRBASE
SOUTH KYUSHU
First Lieutenant Jinnouchi and
28 pilots report their arrival
at Uska base.
Your 18 colleagues from the 18th
Imperial flight unit
flew this morning against
enemy ships
that we located at Okinawa
and made suicide attacks
against them.
They caused severe
damage to them.
Since you are the pilots
of the special attack forces,
you should not expect
to return alive.
Attention!
Commander, sir!
- Commander!
- Attention!
What, you're still here?
What's so strange about that?
They say that Jinnouchi
makes you work hard.
He's the devil.
In battle, you should follow me. I'll show
you how to steer your aircraft into a ship.
Although I have only one eye,
I will not give up my trump card.
- Commander!
- What?
I deeply apologize to
you for the eye.
I still haven't redeemed myself.
What are you talking about?
I'm more interested in whether
you've learned how to ride a bicycle.
You still haven't, have you?
Commander...
Why is he returning?
Nanjo!
You came back?
He's dead.
Honda!
Honda!
South of Kikaijima Island,
we encountered
several enemy planes.
The commander was killed in battle.
I continued west,
flying over Tokushima.
There was a second battle
with enemy planes,
resulting in engine
damage to my aircraft.
The maximum speed I could
reach was 100 knots.
At the same time,
it started to rain,
visibility dropped to almost zero.
I thought that it would be too
difficult to find the target.
So I dropped my bomb and flew back
to make another flight.
Or maybe you only wanted
to save your life?
No.
- Lt. Nanjo.
- Yes!
As soon as your plane
has been repaired,
you will take off immediately.
Yes, sir.
Lt. Nanjo!
Enough. You may go now.
Lt. Nanjo, allow me to leave!
Anytime someone comes back
from a suicide attack,
it affects the determination
of the rest.
Commander!
What are you saying?
Jinnouchi!
The commander is right...
- If they come back, then...
- Don't talk nonsense!
Do you have any idea what
they have to go through?
The feelings of those who
are flying to their deaths
can only be understood by those
that await the exact same fate.
Others will never understand.
Lt. Nanjo got
scared in battle!
Dropped his bomb and
then ran back!
His friend Honda was killed
and he didn't care.
I refuse point-blank to fly with
such a cowardly pilot!
Me too!
Jinnouchi!
I understand your feelings.
But I'll tell you one thing.
This does not only
apply to Nanjo.
All the pilots who have been
selected for suicide attacks
are already removed from
the list of officers.
He's back again!
You there!
Yes!
Does Siragiku coming here bother you?
Speak!
Alright!
He always arrives at the same time.
Whenever Siragiku arrives, a kamikaze
attack is always the next day.
They say that he brings a list of pilots
who will fly to their deaths the next day.
Hello!
Where have you been wandering?
I was at headquarters.
The official order hasn't
been release yet,
but they say, that I was
paired with you; you are worth it.
Thank you.
I couldn't stand it anymore
inside the hospital.
Because of that injury they didn't
want to send me back to Tsutiure.
Although I have only one eye,
I will not leave a trump card to
the student officers
and student cadets.
Kenmochi.
I wished that you...
I understand you...
That under-achievers like me
got one last chance to shine.
A kamikaze pilot shouldn't be a
particularly good pilot.
Kenmochi...
First Lt. Jinnouchi,
headquarters is calling you.
Understood.
I just didn't want to die
a meaningless death, like some lousy dog.
At least you believe me.
Stop it, Nanjo!
We thought that you were dead.
We are happy that our
friend is still alive.
That's right, Nanjo.
Don't worry.
I'm not the same as Taki.
Allow me to come in!
Lt. Nanjo, I'm returning your things
that you entrusted to me.
- No need.
- Why?
- I'm flying again soon.
- Really?
It's likely they will
repair my plane tonight.
What do you want?!
I came to ask Lt. Nanjo
about something.
Do you think you will get
away that easy, getting Honda
killed and returning shamelessly.
Honda will never be at rest.
Lt. Nanjo, you are a coward!
Nanjo isn't a coward.
- Then let him prove it!
- What?
If you're not a coward...
...then slit your belly with this.
You idiots!
Don't you know what it
means to be a member
of the special attack forces?
Do you think that just because you
are able to scream here,
you can ram your aircraft
into an enemy ship?
You have to go back to
your barracks immediately.
An order came for an
attack tomorrow.
Sgt. Kikuchi,
allow me to leave!
You will stay.
I will announce the names
of those who will fly tomorrow.
- Lt. Nanjo.
- Here!
- Lt. Shiratori
- Here!
- Lt. Fujii.
- Here!
- Lt. Hanazawa.
- Here!
That is all.
Each of you will
lead two groups.
That is all. At ease!
APRIL 8
TODAY'S ATTACK CANCELLED
Jinnouchi!
You want me to...
Captain Tiga told me what you did.
You had me assigned here.
To take care of my peace of mind.
What?
I and the student officers...
want to spend the last journey
with the one who
knows us best.
Fortunately, you were
in the hospital.
So you are the best
candidate for that.
Jinnouchi!
I know that this is a painful task.
But you can do it.
You say that with one eye,
I am only capable of this?
No one except you can do that.
This is not the last kamikaze attack.
I will be going too.
I will make a suicide
attack with you.
Kenmouchi!
Jinnouchi.
It was reported that during
your flight your mother died.
Commander, send me to fly
instead of Jinnouchi.
Kenmochi.
As a pilot, I will not
leave anyone behind.
We cannot lose
airplanes for nothing.
I can find other people,
but no other airplanes.
With your vision, you
cannot hit the enemy.
Commander!
A new order has come for you.
Listen!
First Lt. Kenmochi, on April 8,
today,
you're entrusted with the training
of special attack pilots on this airbase.
That is all.
Death is sometimes an easier way out.
OUR CHICKENS ARE
LAYING EGGS EVERY DAY.
TAKE THE EGGS
TOMORROW TOO.
Allow me to enter.
Lt. Shiratori!
- Did something happen?
- Yes, you have visitors.
- Who is it?
- Your family is here.
Over there.
Allow me to leave!
I almost forgot.
Here is your medicine.
Tatsuya!
When is your flight?
Today or tomorrow?
What are you saying?
Father, take care of mother.
Mother, take care of father.
Your parents are here, but we
can't do anything for you.
Father...when I was a kid,
you often played
sumo wrestling with me.
Mother watched us with laughter.
It was at that time that
I started going to school.
I always bragged then
that when I reached fifteen,
I would be able to defeat father.
But at fifteen, I lost.
At sixteen, too.
On my seventeenth birthday,
I finally won.
But that evening I was
terribly scolded by mother.
She said to me: "You should already
think like an adult".
Mother, do you remember?
Since that time,
six years have passed.
I'm still not what I'm
supposed to be,
but I've grown to
be a strong man.
Father.
Mother.
I thank you for everything.
Tatsuya!
If we knew
that your life would
be so short,
we would certainly have
raised you differently.
- Orderly!
- Yes!
What are you looking at?
He hasn't arrived yet!
- Siraguki?
- Yes!
Is that so?
I'm pleased with your devotion.
Siraguki had his flight today.
However, he was intercepted
by an enemy aircraft
over Kirishima.
What?
Whether the plane arrives or not,
tomorrow's attack
will still take place.
All the planes of the Kushiro airbase
will take part in the suicide
attacks at Okinawa.
Tonight, we will still
be needing your help.
Yes!
Hey, tell the one who pays
for all that
he must drink more sake.
This is the same sake which is use
for sacrifices to the temple gods.
This is his last evening.
Be gentle with him.
Please.
- What are you burning?
- Photographs.
My greatest love.
If you have someone, then
why are you here with me?
Are you angry?
Be angry!
Why aren't you angry?
Because you're a god.
A god?
Everybody says so.
All those generals
and our mother.
With your death, we
will win the war.
Am I a god?
A good-for-nothing god.
What happened?
Everybody is lying so easily.
If I'm a god, then take the
fountain pen out of my pocket.
Write what I tell you.
- My handwriting is ugly.
- It doesn't matter!
Write it in big characters.
Tomorrow, Jiro...
Tomorrow Jiro will become a god.
This is my testament.
Nanjo, where did you
fly to last time?
30 miles north-northeast of
Yoron Island.
How were you able to return
from such a distance?
Shiratori...
How did you drop the bomb?
When you turn the lever...
Shiratori.
When a person wants to live, even
a little bit, it's very painful.
It is as if your nerves
are all broken.
We are already dead.
Shiratori!
He has so much energy!
What?
You, come in.
Come in.
I would like to see you
two make peace.
Why? Because you will fly
to your death together.
You wouldn't want to die
holding a grudge against each other.
Lt. Nanjo!
I apologize for my last words!
Okay, Kikuchi.
I will also be flying tomorrow.
You too, commander?
- We will all die together!
- Yes.
Alright.
Tonight we will have a
good drink to that.
Yes!
Idiot, do it properly!
Taki!
Is that you, Taki?
It's me, Shiratori.
You're alive after all.
I see you have suffered a lot.
But the fact that you're
alive is what matters.
This is wonderful, Taki!
This one is ready.
He's not right in the head.
Because of his crime,
he is treated as a piece
of garbage everywhere he goes.
In the end, he lost it.
But at least he can carry things.
This being a time when
we lack manpower.
Stop it!
Attach this bomb properly.
Yes, sir!
So...
You're already dead.
I understand now.
No one can avoid war.
Shiratori!
I will not allow any of
you to die for nothing.
If there is anything I
can do, tell me.
This is some medicine which
my mother got for me.
But it won't help me.
May it come in handy for you.
Shiratori.
You're truly a kind soul.
You bastard.
Commander!
Thank you for everything.
Kampai!
I want you to hit your target.
Attention!
Come here!
Set you watches to 06:30.
In 5 seconds.
Now!
Listen carefully!
Keep in formation no matter
what may occur around you.
Everyone follow me!
- Clear?
- Yes, sir!
Line up!
Dismissed!
Communications check.
Can you hear me?
I hear you.
- Sgt. Kukui?
- Yes.
Plane no. 25 has a
broken spark plug.
Report this to your superiors.
Lt. Nanjo, everything is all right.
Let's fly!
- Go and report it!
- Yes, sir!
Remove the chocks!
Do it! Remove them now!
Let's fly!
Lt. Nanjo, wait!
Lt. Nanjo, wait!
Hanazawa!
It's nothing! Everything is okay!
Goodbye!
AT THIS MOMENT
THEY WERE STILL ALIVE
ONLY FOUR MONTHS LATER,
THE WAR WAS OVER
THE END
THE SPIRITS OF THE YOUNG HEROES
WHO DIED DURING
THE PACIFIC WAR
Toei Co., Ltd. Presents
THE DIARIES OF THE KAMIKAZE
(Aa Doki no Sakura)
Produced by
Hiroshi Okawa
Written by
Katsuya Susaki & Sadao Nakajima
Cinematographer
Shigeru Akatsuka
Production
Takatoshi Suzuki
Music by
Hajime Kaburagi
Editing by
Tadao Kanda
Cast
Koji Tsuruta
Ken Takakura
Hiroki Matsukata
Shin'ichi Chiba
Isao Natsuyagi
Kunio Kurai
Yoshiko Sakuma
Junko Fuji
Asao Koike
Kenjiro Ishiyama
Masanari Takahashi
Yurkio Mishimi
Toshi Amatsu
Rin'ichi Yamamoto
Shoichi Ozawa
Aiko Mimasu
Ko Nishimura
Shigeru Amachi
Directed by
Sadao Nakajima
OCTOBER 21, 1943
The military situation in the
Pacific has worsened.
Because of this,
on September 23, the Japanese
government issued an emergency
decree , abolishing any
exemption from military duty.
About 100,000 students
with humanitarian professions
had been forced
to interrupt their studies and
prepare for deployment.
On October 21,
under dank autumn rains
a muster of student sections
was held in the
Meiji Jingo stadium.
This path will lead
to the front.
In these troubled times
no one can be
a bystander.
You, brave young men,
left your student days behind
you to go to the battlefield.
Following the example of our ancestors,
you will defend your homeland.
You must prevent the destruction
of our country.
Good luck to you all
in this war.
Today, I have a request for you.
The war began with clashes
with the Chinese, and further...
When can you
go back to school?
I only think about that.
Let me die, I don't want my
fate to depend only on
my determination and courage.
DECEMBER 10, 1943,
NAVY BASE IN MAIZURU
Of the drafted students,
13,000 young men
were stationed at separate
bases around Japan
at the lowest rank of crewman.
I already said how
it would look like
when students are dressed
in a naval uniform
but in general it suits you.
So, now it seems like you
look a little bit like sailors.
Yes.
- Louder!
- Yes!
Despite the fact that Japan is
in a serious situation
and is fighting hard,
you have shied away for two or
three years from military service
and lived your civilian life.
And so what? You had a good time.
But from now on
everything will change!
Apparently, after a short
period of training
you will be promoted from crewmen
second class to officers
of the student reserves.
But don't think that you
all will be promoted!
Is that clear?
You are all just common peasants.
Don't think that we
will make it easy for you,
just because you're students!
- Hey you, with the glasses!
- Aye!
- What's your name?
- Shinishi Fukushima.
-Wrong.
I'm Shinichi Fukushima.
Wrong!
Crewman second class
Shinichi Fukushima
That's it. In the future
you will answer in this manner.
You think that if you wear
glasses, you're the smartest?
It only means that
in the civilian world you
read too many books.
How do you wear your peak-less cap?
Put it on properly!
Yes, sir!
Fool!
Now listen!
From now on
we will get rid of all of
your lousy civilian habits!
About face!
About face!
That's it! Hurry up! Do it!
Do it well!
Brat! Do it right!
Don't raise your heads!
Move! Slackers!
Hey, you! What are you doing?
Get a hold of yourself! Don't be lazy!
How are you?
I can't even sit down properly!
I'm most comfortable on the toilet.
Why?
There, I can think alone quietly.
I don't even want to think
about anything anymore.
I just want to become
an officer as quickly as possible.
Fukushima!
Enough already! This isn't
your civilian world!
Hanazawa...
Fear not!
I have good news for you.
They say that soon we will
be allowed to receive visitors.
Brother!
Brother!
Mother and father are here.
What is it,
why are you crying?
Because... Because his hands
are covered in calluses.
Don't baby him.
And you call yourself a teacher's wife?
You don't know how
to be a mother.
Stop. We're not
here to quarrel.
You can swear whatever you want,
at least this reminds me of home.
You see? He talks
like a grown man.
Tatsuya...you're all grown up.
Well, I don't know.
I wouldn't say that.
Try to become a real man.
It'll be better if you got married!
It's not easy now! All the guys
have been sent to war.
What? Can't some guy
be found here for me?
Reiko, we didn't come here
to find a groom for you.
I brought you something to eat.
You can't!
We aren't allowed to eat
during the visits.
But they eat everything
here. Look!
You shouldn't gulp it down like that!
Your parents didn't come?
It would have been difficult for
them to come back from the dead.
What?
I already parted ways with
them a long time ago.
I didn't know.
It's not important anymore.
I just wanted to breath
some non-military air.
Hey, Reiko.
Reiko!
Three relatives have come for me.
I'll let you have my sister.
No, thanks.
Given him enough civilian
air to breathe.
- Brother...
- Please.
Very nice to meet you.
I'm Reiko.
I'm Hanazawa.
Look. Want to try it?
Sweet rice balls.
I've prepared them myself.
They look good!
Brother didn't want to eat them.
What a pity!
You made them for nothing.
Okay then...
- These are great.
- Take another one.
I'll take another.
What is this!
Moron!
You aren't the only one!
Have you forgotten that you
aren't allowed to eat or drink here?
Visiting time is over! All the new
recruits back to the barracks!
Hanazawa, sir...
Hanazawa, don't be disappointed!
C'mon! That's nonsense!
I'm sorry.
Don't apologize.
At least I had something
wonderful to eat.
Thank you very much,
Reiko-san.
Tatsuya!
This is your medicine.
I'll send you
more each month.
Keep an eye on your health.
Tonight, we will be
leaving Maizuru.
I'll go with you.
Fukushima.
I knew...
that with such poor vision
I couldn't become a pilot.
Our objective is still the same.
It's war after all.
When you finish washing these
containers, you will come to me!
Shiratori.
He even wants to train
us on the last night.
FEBRUARY 1, 1944, TSUCHIURA
NAVAL AIR STATION
3,200 young men, selected
from all parts of the fleet
were assigned to flight training.
The ground staff was
located in Kogashima.
And the pilots in Tsuchiura.
We have been waiting for you.
Where have you been all this time?
Your spirit can't be as pampered
as that of a ground soldier!
You should be proud of the fact
that you're naval officers.
Only a fleet officer is this elegant,
brilliant and courageous!
When I look at you,
you all look very young.
You each have a strong body.
Chances are that you're not stupid.
In other words,
you are first class stallions
of the Japanese nation.
Quiet... I'll be straight with you.
You all will have to die.
In the South Pacific our enemy
began furiously counterattacking us.
Unfortunately, our country's
industry is lagging behind.
You can only hit the enemy with your
determination to sacrifice...
your life in combat.
Is that clear?
From tomorrow on, start your training
with pride for the Japanese people
and the resolve to
fight until the end.
Clear?
Do it properly!
Fight!
For real!
If you die,
then at least die as heroes.
Harder! Harder!
Jackass!
Get up!
Go on!
Only forward! If you die,
then as heroes!
Up!
Climb up!
Come on, what are you doing there, you fool!
Climb up already! Come on!
Damn!
- Commander!
- Yes.
The entire fifteenth squadron
is not allowed to fly from now on.
Listen!
What does today's failure mean?
You haven't tried at all!
Have you forgotten
about battle determination, of
which our commander spoke?
No such luck.
And you bragged about
wearing an officer's uniform.
Hanazawa!
What?
Yui!
As for the two of you,
have you even tried?
We will teach you how to
be true students.
Come here!
Wait!
The ones that were defending are
also responsible for us losing.
Why do you want to
hit your friends?
We were all university students.
Shut up!
You talk like a civilian!
You come here too!
Wait!
You'll do nothing without the
authorization of the person on duty!
All right then.
I'm asking your permission.
Fuwa!
Resolve isn't the only thing
pilots need for fighting.
Student Yui, can you tell me
what the message was?
Everyone died.
Student Nanjo has arrived.
Come here.
Who is this 'Noriko'?
My wife.
You're married?
- It doesn't say so in you file.
- True.
If it's not official,
then she's not your wife.
It says here:
Yesterday the comarum blossomed.
What does that mean?
I have a son!
What?
A daughter would have been the peach tree flowering.
That is what I
agreed with my wife.
A secret code?
And in addition her father has
given his consent.
You trying to outsmart the censor?
No!
It doesn't matter.
The commander was right.
At least one real stallion
can be found amongst you.
Wait!
Don't you dare let your wife
and son be ashamed of you!
I know that, from the moment
I arrived in this unit.
Alright!
Student Nanjo, allow me to leave!
Next!
Student Hanazawa has arrived!
Come closer.
Reiko Shiratori?
Yes.
- Stop smiling!
- Yes, sir!
How do you know her?
During a visit, she gave
me sweet rice balls.
- I'm asking how are you together?
- Just friends.
This long letter would
suggest otherwise.
Tell her it can contain
a maximum of five lines,
each line no more than ten words.
Only seasonal greetings are
allowed to be more.
Yes, sir!
End of barracks check!
The ashtrays are outside.
Tomorrow's sessions will be
held precisely on schedule.
Everyone must die...Fighting spirit...
Do they really believe they
can win the war this way?
Japan is making a mistake.
Yui!
I thought...
that at least in the Navy
they had more rational thinking.
But the Japanese fighting spirit...
Shiratori! Do you seriously believe that?
This war will be won
by material superiority.
The real forces in the war
are the political and economic
powers of the country.
In this regard, today's
Japan is too weak.
To hell with their
sacrifice and martyrdom.
What's wrong?
A military uniform doesn't suit you.
Not at all.
- Shiratori!
- Taki, is that you?
Do you have a cigarette?
This war is complete crap.
If I die, the Japanese culture
will lag behind more than 50 years.
- Where were you going?
- Izumi.
- Me too!
- Great!
Yes, I'm here.
Hey, is everything clear!
To the same place!
I am going to become a fighter pilot.
If you have to fly, it's best
that you only have
to worry about yourself.
Yui!
We will go to Tokushima together.
I'm glad that I
will become a scout.
When doing a reconnaissance flight we can
use our minds better than simple pilots.
Many think that I'm
not suited for that.
Hanazawa!
This time we will part.
- Where are you going?
- Izumi.
Attention!
Today, Student Taki
fled from a neighboring company.
You want to become an officer
and then calmly desert?
It seems that we have to drag you
around with a rope around your neck,
otherwise you will be
distracted by female civilians!
First of all, you don't have
enough patriotic spirit!
I'm not surprised that there are
traitors to the nation here.
Where is your resolve, at a time when our
country is threatened with destruction?
If you try to escape, you
will not succeed in hiding.
Taki was arrested three
hours after his escape.
You know what you can expect
if you try to escape?
Court-martial and execution
will await you!
At this time, the Japanese forces
suffered
one defeat after another in
the Marshall Islands.
JUNE, 1944, NAVY AIR STATION
ON SOUTHERN KYUSHU
Height: 200, horizontal flight.
What horizontal flight?
Change, change, plan.
Pedal! Instruments...Instruments!
Lift up your head!
Enough!
Raise your hands,
raise your hands!
Do not lower your hands!
Shut up!
A junior officer cannot be insolent!
I'm in charge! Let go!
I won't!
What are they doing there?
This is bad. Really bad.
I'd love to save you from
having to fly, but I can't.
The situation at the front
is worsening.
You all need to
do your duty.
Now.
- Do you want to fly?
- Yes, sir!
After hearing your responses,
I will be happy to instruct
you on the whole flying part.
Don't laugh!
Such a moment will come!
And you won't have to
wait long for it.
Only one will win.
Either the enemy will win
or you will become real pilots.
We have very little time.
To expedite the preparation,
from tomorrow on we will
start flying in groups.
Turn 50 degrees,
half a length of interval,
the distance is 150 meters.
Only Japanese pilots deal with
such nonsense, eh?
This is what you call flying
around here!
Jackasses! Stop the chatter
during the flight!
Turn right!
Number three, what's wrong?
Shiratori, what is it?
Shiratori, are you all right?
What, you can't even ride a bicycle?
Are things this bad for the Navy?
I don't know how to ride a
bicycle but I can fly.
Don't strain yourself,
go to the barracks and
rest for a while.
- Excuse me...
- Yes?
- Leave was to be tomorrow?
- It has been moved to today.
- Where are you from?
- From Tokyo.
I really wanted to make it.
Who did you come for?
Nanjo of the third company.
- Nanjo?
- You know him?
We're in the
same company.
This is your grandson?
Yes, my first.
- How old is he?
When he was born, there
was a very strong snowstorm.
In February?
Exactly, exactly.
It was after the New Year.
My child was also
born at that time.
So you also
have a child, sailor?
Excuse me, but what time
does leave end?
At four.
So we have only one hour left.
How much you've grown, eh?
When you grow up,
the war will be over.
You have to grow up quick.
Grow up quick.
You hold the baby in the right position.
I can see that you are a father.
Yeah, right.
I haven't been a father to my own child yet.
I haven't even seen him.
- Time's up.
- That's too bad.
It would have been enough
just to see him.
Can that be done somehow?
Excuse me, have you seen
Nanjo from the third company?
- You know Nanjo?
- No.
Maybe...
Where is he?
Nanjo!
Where have you been?
Quick, there is no time!
Noriko!
Look at your son. Here!
Who's daddy?
Every day, I nurse our son.
I have to go...
All the best to you.
Nanjo!
What is more difficult; riding
a bicycle or flying a plane?
They are equally difficult.
I would like to fly with you someday.
But today we see each
other for the last time.
Why?
They say that Saipan is in danger.
I will fly out there.
Commander!
The rest I leave to you.
Commander, the motor is failing!
Pretend I'm not here.
Pretend you are flying alone.
Yes, sir!
Leave it to me.
Make yourself wide.
Place the pillow to your belly.
Properly tighten your belt!
Report speed and altitude.
60 knots, height 600.
60 knots, height 550.
60 knots, height 500.
60 knots, height 400.
55 knots, height 300.
Height 250.
Trees on the left!
Good, we will hit that tree
with our wing.
Slow down the plane and land.
- Is the pillow on you?
- Yes.
Take off your goggles!
Here we go.
Commander!
- Are you hurt?
- No!
If you can't land,
do it the same way.
- Clear?
- Yes, sir!
Nothing serious.
Don't mind me.
I bear full responsibility
for today's accident.
Commander!
Is that clear?
Shiratori.
Anyone who flies a plane is
always on the verge of death.
But you don't die like
some mangy dog.
On July 10th, the entire garrison
on the island of Saipan, fell.
As a result, Japan lost control of
the airspace over the Pacific Ocean.
During the heavy fighting, the
government of Tojo was dismissed.
SEPTEMBER 1944, NAVY AIR
STATION IN SOUTHERN KYUSHU
- Is that you, Fukushima?
- Hi, Shiratori!
- How you've progressed!
- Just as you did!
Now, that will not do.
Attention! Everyone listen!
The commander of the ground support
forces wants to welcome you.
His men were called in at the
same time as we were.
Line up!
Line up!
Dear pilots, I'm glad to finally
get to see all of you.
We will not fly any aircraft and
that's why our training ended earlier.
We will prepare the way ahead of you,
toward the sound of battle
in the southwest Pacific.
I wish you good luck.
Thank you! We are touched,
really touched.
We too wish you much luck in the war!
- Salute!
- Salute!
Let everything go well.
We say goodbye!
Remove chocks!
Remove chocks!
In the future, the situation at the
front will only worsen.
Children are forced to work;
everyone worked at
manufacturing weapons
and increasing the food
supplies for the front.
People blindly believed the
Japanese military leaders' claim
that Japan would win.
By the beginning of 1945, our
frontline students were already
promoted to lieutenants.
Everybody get up!
Line up in front of the beds!
Attention!
Listen!
Our first air squadron
conducted a suicide attack
in the Philippines.
The attack was extremely successful.
Pilots with aircraft loaded
with explosives crashed
at full speed into enemy ships.
Lt. Seki and five other pilots
named their squadron at the
Shinpo attack base
squadron 'Sikisima'.
It seems that the high command
has finally made a decision.
Only this way can Japan be
spared destruction.
Only this way!
- Lt. Fuwa!
- Yes, sir!
Can you do the same?
I will also take part
in the kamikaze division!
Unfortunately, nothing can be done right
now, all training flights have been canceled.
Commander, why have
they been canceled?
No fuel.
There isn't a single drop of
gasoline left for training.
This is the end.
It's all over for Japan.
What are you talking about?
Japan doesn't have any oil;
we lost the advantage at sea
and we can't rely
on supplies from the south.
This is the end.
Shiratori, what will end?
Are you saying that
Japan will lose?
I don't feel that
Japan will lose,
but I can't imagine how
it can win.
You idiot!
- What is this?
- Stop it.
Enough, Fuwa!
- Stop!
- Line up!
Hurry up, line up, we have company!
Students, how are you
conducting yourselves!
In the Philippines, the pilots are
making suicide attacks,
but you are screaming like
horses around here!
You have no right to
wear an officer's uniform!
We'll teach you!
Line up in two lines!
Spread your legs!
Clench your teeth!
Go!
Morons!
Stop it!
Do you want more?
Attention!
I see that those who beat,
have a lot of enthusiasm,
and that those who are beaten
also don't just give up.
I don't believe medical officers
have the right to
lecture us, the officers of
the military academy.
You have too much energy.
Do I need to give you a shot
so that you can cool down?
Are you mocking us?
You shouldn't get
so angry over so little.
You who have completed
the military academy,
and you, who have come
to us from universities,
you are the same young people.
All of Japan is fighting now.
You should know...
that most of the land
support forces, which left
the Usko base, fell in battle
as soon as they arrived.
Some served on aircraft carriers,
others in the air defense
of the Philippines.
Pray for their souls.
Listen!
Twenty men under the command
of Lt. Yui
from the Tokushima airbase
reporting to your base.
As observers, we will spread ourselves into your
crews. This will be a great honor for us!
- So, you're glad you're here!
- So are we!
- Yui!
- Hello!
During these six months, you
have become a different person.
It's true. And I was surprised
how he has improved himself.
And I was by his
side the whole time.
You and I...
are two attached cherries.
We blossom in the flower garden.
Everything that has blossomed...
must one day fall down.
Let's fall down together...
Look here.
...for our homeland.
Hanazawa!
You see, eh?
When did this happen?
Reiko visited me twice
in Tokushima.
And she calls herself a sister!
She never visited me.
You know, a brother and a boyfriend
are completely different things.
Although we aren't close relatives...
...I think we shouldn't be separated.
The enemy's next target is Okinawa.
Attacks of enemy ships with
a lot of firepower can only be
countered by
special attack tactics,
one aircraft diving
against one ship.
The Tenth Air Squadron
decided to focus all their power
into this special attack.
I order that...
Usko Navy Airbase also
prepare for the impending battles
and immediately begin
practicing special attacks.
Come in!
First Lt. Jinnouchi
reporting for duty.
As of now, it will be possible
to resume flight training.
However, it will not be the
same training as it was previously.
All of you
are transferred to
different fighting forces.
First Lt. Jinnouchi will
be your commander.
Your task...
...is to become the main force
of future suicide attacks.
I'm sure
that you, the pilots of His Majesty,
are fully determined.
However, this is not an order.
Decide for yourself.
Anyone who will go on the special attacks,
take a step forward!
On March 23rd, a fleet of
1,500 American ships launched
a massive attack on Okinawa.
The General Staff immediately responded
by beginning Operation No. 1.
Here!
When you arrive at this point, you
can finally close your eyes.
You can release the stick.
The plane will fly on to the target.
Alright, open the curtains.
You have
only one problem.
You have to become
part of the aircraft.
You have to become part of the
bomb with 350 kilos of explosives.
War is not a game.
Forget about the excessive
excitement and heroism.
Clear?
I'll tell you one more thing.
You'll just become a tool!
- Be attentive on the road.
- I will.
Talk to your brother about Hanazawa.
Mother!
Do you know...
This is a time when you never
know what might happen.
No, I'll decide myself about Hanazawa.
After all, brother...
Hurry up, you must hurry.
What is wrong with you?
Give regards to Tatsuya for me.
To Hanazawa too.
Mother!
Don't be angry that I've disappointed you.
Let's go!
Mother, everything is fine!
I better run.
Where did Hanazawa go?
I don't know.
Reiko.
When he gave me this letter,
he was blushing terribly.
Read it.
What's wrong?
Reiko, thank you for the love
that you gave me
over the past year.
However, I consider this letter
to be my words of farewell.
Looking at your future,
I have no right to love you.
I lost my parents
a long time ago.
I know how to be alone.
Maybe I'm just a weak-kneed orphan.
But I can no longer
continue our relationship.
No, I don't want to!
I don't want to!
Reiko.
I want to see him!
I want to see Hanazawa!
I want to see him!
It's cruel.
It's so cruel.
Reiko.
Don't you know
what kind of choices
we had to make?
You cowards! You and Hanazawa both!
You did this on purpose!
No!
Brother, it's...
He had no right to love you.
Didn't Hanazawa himself
write exactly that to you?
I can't leave my daughter...
...in the hands of a military pilot.
I can't give her to you...
...though she wants to marry you.
- Finally asleep?
- Yes.
Kenichi, I hope you know
that I'm your father.
He's too small for that.
He's only a year old.
Didn't he smile when he saw me?
Beloved...
...don't open the door
until I tell you to.
Kenichi.
Remember my face well.
If you don't have time, then
you won't remember it.
My love...
I wanted the ceremony
to include only the two of us.
The two of us...
No one can separate the two of us.
Nothing. No one.
Not even the war.
My love!
Lt. Nanjo, Lt. Nanjo!
Alert!
Alert!
Understood.
My love!
You shouldn't worry.
Wait!
Noriko!
Use it as a scarf.
Hurry!
Hurry! Hurry!
Hello, this is Mrs. Nanjo.
This is Shiratori. Nanjo is taking off.
Yui, what are you doing here?
26 degrees 30 minutes
north latitude,
127 degrees 50 minutes
east longitude.
I noted this on the map
with the crossing of these lines.
This is the place
where I will die.
Just a moment.
I wish the time
we have left to live
was like a strong steel rope.
I don't understand you.
I don't understand that you are so
different than you were in the past.
This happened when Taki escaped!
I decided to follow my own path.
Taki?
Where did Taki end up?
Forget him already!
Yui.
You must decide whose side you are on.
You've changed.
You've become a
completely different person.
A group of B-29 aircraft
are flying from
the Kinisaki Peninsula
toward this base.
Get ready for an air raid!
Enemy aircraft overhead!
Take cover!
To the shelter.
Lt. YUI
Damnit!
This can't be!
I'm going to light them on fire!
Get out of the way!
Attention!
Fujii.
You studied at a Buddhist Institute.
Say some sutra.
The diary of Yui
is better than my sutra.
Shiratori, read something from it.
I was born at a critical
moment in Japanese history.
Darkness was originally predicted
for our generation.
Only 80 years have passed
since the Meiji reforms.
Japan, trying to quickly catch up
with the Western countries,
ended up showing the world
its fragility.
Japan was in a
critical situation.
But I, Masumi Yui,
am still Masumi Yui.
I think the finest thing for me is
to go to the lecture hall and
a library and study social sciences.
I want to go down this
road every day.
On the road I meet the
hostess at a snack bar,
the uncle at the antique store,
the girl from the coffee shop,
the old man at the kiosk.
All these people are
incredibly important in my life.
I just want to live in peace
and just devote myself
to learning and science.
...if I survive this.
...if I survive this.
Yui.
You bastard.
I understand, Yui.
Burn faster!
A second air raid was reported.
I'll call you by name.
If you are alive,
then answer.
- Lt. Shimada!
- Here!
- Lt. Okayama!
- Here!
- Lt. Yasumi!
- Here!
- Lt. Shiratori!
- Here!
- Lt. Otsuka!
- Here!
Lt. Koizumi!
Lt. Koizumi!
- Lt. Hanazawa!
- Here!
- Lt. Yamane!
- Here!
- Lt. Fujii!
- Here!
These ten men will leave today
at 23:30 on the last train
to the Kushiro airbase.
Just for your information,
I will add
that this time only the cadet students
and graduates of military
academies will go.
I will lead only 27 pilots
personally into battle.
Commander!
Please allow me to go also.
I am determined to
die for my country.
I'm not planning on
being left behind!
- Don't rush your death!
- But...
Consider what I said to
be my last words of farewell.
The named pilots immediately
pack up and we will meet
at the main gate at 22:30.
- Clear?
- Yes, sir!
Attention!
Finally something for us!
- Ready?
- Yes!
Fuwa!
Wait!
- But I...
- Everything is all right.
Now that I know that I will die,
I will miss you.
We quarreled all the time.
Though I don't know why now.
This night has suddenly
become so beautiful.
Shiratori.
You...
You hold on here.
APRIL 1945, KUSHIRO AIRBASE
SOUTH KYUSHU
First Lieutenant Jinnouchi and
28 pilots report their arrival
at Uska base.
Your 18 colleagues from the 18th
Imperial flight unit
flew this morning against
enemy ships
that we located at Okinawa
and made suicide attacks
against them.
They caused severe
damage to them.
Since you are the pilots
of the special attack forces,
you should not expect
to return alive.
Attention!
Commander, sir!
- Commander!
- Attention!
What, you're still here?
What's so strange about that?
They say that Jinnouchi
makes you work hard.
He's the devil.
In battle, you should follow me. I'll show
you how to steer your aircraft into a ship.
Although I have only one eye,
I will not give up my trump card.
- Commander!
- What?
I deeply apologize to
you for the eye.
I still haven't redeemed myself.
What are you talking about?
I'm more interested in whether
you've learned how to ride a bicycle.
You still haven't, have you?
Commander...
Why is he returning?
Nanjo!
You came back?
He's dead.
Honda!
Honda!
South of Kikaijima Island,
we encountered
several enemy planes.
The commander was killed in battle.
I continued west,
flying over Tokushima.
There was a second battle
with enemy planes,
resulting in engine
damage to my aircraft.
The maximum speed I could
reach was 100 knots.
At the same time,
it started to rain,
visibility dropped to almost zero.
I thought that it would be too
difficult to find the target.
So I dropped my bomb and flew back
to make another flight.
Or maybe you only wanted
to save your life?
No.
- Lt. Nanjo.
- Yes!
As soon as your plane
has been repaired,
you will take off immediately.
Yes, sir.
Lt. Nanjo!
Enough. You may go now.
Lt. Nanjo, allow me to leave!
Anytime someone comes back
from a suicide attack,
it affects the determination
of the rest.
Commander!
What are you saying?
Jinnouchi!
The commander is right...
- If they come back, then...
- Don't talk nonsense!
Do you have any idea what
they have to go through?
The feelings of those who
are flying to their deaths
can only be understood by those
that await the exact same fate.
Others will never understand.
Lt. Nanjo got
scared in battle!
Dropped his bomb and
then ran back!
His friend Honda was killed
and he didn't care.
I refuse point-blank to fly with
such a cowardly pilot!
Me too!
Jinnouchi!
I understand your feelings.
But I'll tell you one thing.
This does not only
apply to Nanjo.
All the pilots who have been
selected for suicide attacks
are already removed from
the list of officers.
He's back again!
You there!
Yes!
Does Siragiku coming here bother you?
Speak!
Alright!
He always arrives at the same time.
Whenever Siragiku arrives, a kamikaze
attack is always the next day.
They say that he brings a list of pilots
who will fly to their deaths the next day.
Hello!
Where have you been wandering?
I was at headquarters.
The official order hasn't
been release yet,
but they say, that I was
paired with you; you are worth it.
Thank you.
I couldn't stand it anymore
inside the hospital.
Because of that injury they didn't
want to send me back to Tsutiure.
Although I have only one eye,
I will not leave a trump card to
the student officers
and student cadets.
Kenmochi.
I wished that you...
I understand you...
That under-achievers like me
got one last chance to shine.
A kamikaze pilot shouldn't be a
particularly good pilot.
Kenmochi...
First Lt. Jinnouchi,
headquarters is calling you.
Understood.
I just didn't want to die
a meaningless death, like some lousy dog.
At least you believe me.
Stop it, Nanjo!
We thought that you were dead.
We are happy that our
friend is still alive.
That's right, Nanjo.
Don't worry.
I'm not the same as Taki.
Allow me to come in!
Lt. Nanjo, I'm returning your things
that you entrusted to me.
- No need.
- Why?
- I'm flying again soon.
- Really?
It's likely they will
repair my plane tonight.
What do you want?!
I came to ask Lt. Nanjo
about something.
Do you think you will get
away that easy, getting Honda
killed and returning shamelessly.
Honda will never be at rest.
Lt. Nanjo, you are a coward!
Nanjo isn't a coward.
- Then let him prove it!
- What?
If you're not a coward...
...then slit your belly with this.
You idiots!
Don't you know what it
means to be a member
of the special attack forces?
Do you think that just because you
are able to scream here,
you can ram your aircraft
into an enemy ship?
You have to go back to
your barracks immediately.
An order came for an
attack tomorrow.
Sgt. Kikuchi,
allow me to leave!
You will stay.
I will announce the names
of those who will fly tomorrow.
- Lt. Nanjo.
- Here!
- Lt. Shiratori
- Here!
- Lt. Fujii.
- Here!
- Lt. Hanazawa.
- Here!
That is all.
Each of you will
lead two groups.
That is all. At ease!
APRIL 8
TODAY'S ATTACK CANCELLED
Jinnouchi!
You want me to...
Captain Tiga told me what you did.
You had me assigned here.
To take care of my peace of mind.
What?
I and the student officers...
want to spend the last journey
with the one who
knows us best.
Fortunately, you were
in the hospital.
So you are the best
candidate for that.
Jinnouchi!
I know that this is a painful task.
But you can do it.
You say that with one eye,
I am only capable of this?
No one except you can do that.
This is not the last kamikaze attack.
I will be going too.
I will make a suicide
attack with you.
Kenmouchi!
Jinnouchi.
It was reported that during
your flight your mother died.
Commander, send me to fly
instead of Jinnouchi.
Kenmochi.
As a pilot, I will not
leave anyone behind.
We cannot lose
airplanes for nothing.
I can find other people,
but no other airplanes.
With your vision, you
cannot hit the enemy.
Commander!
A new order has come for you.
Listen!
First Lt. Kenmochi, on April 8,
today,
you're entrusted with the training
of special attack pilots on this airbase.
That is all.
Death is sometimes an easier way out.
OUR CHICKENS ARE
LAYING EGGS EVERY DAY.
TAKE THE EGGS
TOMORROW TOO.
Allow me to enter.
Lt. Shiratori!
- Did something happen?
- Yes, you have visitors.
- Who is it?
- Your family is here.
Over there.
Allow me to leave!
I almost forgot.
Here is your medicine.
Tatsuya!
When is your flight?
Today or tomorrow?
What are you saying?
Father, take care of mother.
Mother, take care of father.
Your parents are here, but we
can't do anything for you.
Father...when I was a kid,
you often played
sumo wrestling with me.
Mother watched us with laughter.
It was at that time that
I started going to school.
I always bragged then
that when I reached fifteen,
I would be able to defeat father.
But at fifteen, I lost.
At sixteen, too.
On my seventeenth birthday,
I finally won.
But that evening I was
terribly scolded by mother.
She said to me: "You should already
think like an adult".
Mother, do you remember?
Since that time,
six years have passed.
I'm still not what I'm
supposed to be,
but I've grown to
be a strong man.
Father.
Mother.
I thank you for everything.
Tatsuya!
If we knew
that your life would
be so short,
we would certainly have
raised you differently.
- Orderly!
- Yes!
What are you looking at?
He hasn't arrived yet!
- Siraguki?
- Yes!
Is that so?
I'm pleased with your devotion.
Siraguki had his flight today.
However, he was intercepted
by an enemy aircraft
over Kirishima.
What?
Whether the plane arrives or not,
tomorrow's attack
will still take place.
All the planes of the Kushiro airbase
will take part in the suicide
attacks at Okinawa.
Tonight, we will still
be needing your help.
Yes!
Hey, tell the one who pays
for all that
he must drink more sake.
This is the same sake which is use
for sacrifices to the temple gods.
This is his last evening.
Be gentle with him.
Please.
- What are you burning?
- Photographs.
My greatest love.
If you have someone, then
why are you here with me?
Are you angry?
Be angry!
Why aren't you angry?
Because you're a god.
A god?
Everybody says so.
All those generals
and our mother.
With your death, we
will win the war.
Am I a god?
A good-for-nothing god.
What happened?
Everybody is lying so easily.
If I'm a god, then take the
fountain pen out of my pocket.
Write what I tell you.
- My handwriting is ugly.
- It doesn't matter!
Write it in big characters.
Tomorrow, Jiro...
Tomorrow Jiro will become a god.
This is my testament.
Nanjo, where did you
fly to last time?
30 miles north-northeast of
Yoron Island.
How were you able to return
from such a distance?
Shiratori...
How did you drop the bomb?
When you turn the lever...
Shiratori.
When a person wants to live, even
a little bit, it's very painful.
It is as if your nerves
are all broken.
We are already dead.
Shiratori!
He has so much energy!
What?
You, come in.
Come in.
I would like to see you
two make peace.
Why? Because you will fly
to your death together.
You wouldn't want to die
holding a grudge against each other.
Lt. Nanjo!
I apologize for my last words!
Okay, Kikuchi.
I will also be flying tomorrow.
You too, commander?
- We will all die together!
- Yes.
Alright.
Tonight we will have a
good drink to that.
Yes!
Idiot, do it properly!
Taki!
Is that you, Taki?
It's me, Shiratori.
You're alive after all.
I see you have suffered a lot.
But the fact that you're
alive is what matters.
This is wonderful, Taki!
This one is ready.
He's not right in the head.
Because of his crime,
he is treated as a piece
of garbage everywhere he goes.
In the end, he lost it.
But at least he can carry things.
This being a time when
we lack manpower.
Stop it!
Attach this bomb properly.
Yes, sir!
So...
You're already dead.
I understand now.
No one can avoid war.
Shiratori!
I will not allow any of
you to die for nothing.
If there is anything I
can do, tell me.
This is some medicine which
my mother got for me.
But it won't help me.
May it come in handy for you.
Shiratori.
You're truly a kind soul.
You bastard.
Commander!
Thank you for everything.
Kampai!
I want you to hit your target.
Attention!
Come here!
Set you watches to 06:30.
In 5 seconds.
Now!
Listen carefully!
Keep in formation no matter
what may occur around you.
Everyone follow me!
- Clear?
- Yes, sir!
Line up!
Dismissed!
Communications check.
Can you hear me?
I hear you.
- Sgt. Kukui?
- Yes.
Plane no. 25 has a
broken spark plug.
Report this to your superiors.
Lt. Nanjo, everything is all right.
Let's fly!
- Go and report it!
- Yes, sir!
Remove the chocks!
Do it! Remove them now!
Let's fly!
Lt. Nanjo, wait!
Lt. Nanjo, wait!
Hanazawa!
It's nothing! Everything is okay!
Goodbye!
AT THIS MOMENT
THEY WERE STILL ALIVE
ONLY FOUR MONTHS LATER,
THE WAR WAS OVER
THE END