The Story Behind the Japanese Holdouts of World War II

The samurai warriors ceased to exist when Japan opened itself to modernization. But their legacy went on, with the beliefs and philosophies being adopted and practiced in modern Japan. But during the Second World War, the code of Bushido took on a rather brutal incarnation. Originally formulated in the early 18th century as a code of conduct for the samurai, this way of the warrior demanded respect, loyalty, bravery and self-sacrifice. Nevertheless, a form of Bushido was adopted by the Imperial Japanese Army, and when combined with military trainings and indoctrinated reverence to the emperor, it resulted to soldiers’ willingness to fight to the death and refusal to give up. So much so, that there are reports of fanaticism and abuses within the soldier’s ranks. Up in the air, Japanese pilots put on the ultimate sacrifice when they partook in Kamikaze suicide missions.