Kamikaze: A Japanese Pilot's Own Spectacular Story of the Famous Suicide Squadrons [Paperback]

Yasuo Kuwahara (Author), Gordon T. Allred (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2007

Originally published in 1957, this enduring classic—the first-ever English publication cowritten by a Japanese suicide pilot—remains a touching and insightful look into the world of the kamikaze. This edition, now completely revised, reflects the valuable insight and perspective gained by the author since the time of the book’s initial publication. From the age of 15, Yasuo Kuwahara began a life of military service that included suffering through brutal basic training, participating in ferocious aerial combat against the Allies, and avoiding a suicide mission when an atomic bomb was dropped in Hiroshima, near his hometown. From being handpicked for kamikaze service to finding the discipline to die for the emperor, this history presents a firsthand account of the fascinating life of a kamikaze fighter pilot.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School—This classic World War II autobiography, first published in 1957, opens when Kuwahara received a visitor one night in 1943. While the gentleman had come under the pretense of congratulating the teen for his high academic achievements, it soon became obvious that he really intended to recruit him for a regiment in the Japanese Emperor's air force. Kuwahara trained as a kamikaze pilot, a pilot who straps himself into a plane and then divebombs into the target to gain glory and honor for himself and the Japanese Empire. His training is depicted as inhuman; he was beaten and tormented on a daily basis, all to devalue his own sense of humanity and individuality. It's absolutely terrifying reading about boys and young men so ready to plunge to their deaths. For balance, the author shows a number of people who spoke out against the war effort, a surprising detail that confronts the decades-old stereotype of an entire nation rallying hopelessly behind a dying empire. The book closes with a grim portrayal of the U.S.'s atomic bombing of Hiroshima and its grisly aftermath. Through the eyes of a terrified young man, Kuwahara's descriptions of the horrors of war are accessible and compelling to teens. This book has not become dated, and readers will appreciate the updated introduction, written in light of its 50th anniversary.—Matthew L. Moffett, Pohick Regional Library, Burke, VA
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Review

"This classic World War II autobiography [is] absolutely terrifying reading. Kuwahara's descriptions of the horrors of war are accessible and compelling."  —School Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: American Legacy Media; 7th edition (April 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976154757
• ISBN-13: 978-0976154754
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #279,320 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #82 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Ethnic & National > Japanese

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Unbelievably brutal and brave world of Japanese soldiers, April 17, 2007

By 

G. Toyn "WWIIBuff" (Utah) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kamikaze: A Japanese Pilot's Own Spectacular Story of the Famous Suicide Squadrons (Paperback)

In basic training, Kuwahara and the other cadets were beaten with clubs, learning to endure pain and to disregard their own lives. In flying school, physical abuse was encouraged and Kuwahara was nearly beaten to death by his hancho. When these loyal young cadets finally graduate, they are no longer boys, but hardened men willing to plunge their bomb-laden planes in a suicide dive onto the deck of U.S. Navy carrier.

Some Kamikaze pilots lived for only one purpose -to die for the emporer. Although inwardly doubting the cause, all were willing to do anything in defense of their homeland.

Yasuo Kuwahara was one of them, amd he tells this extraordinary story of life and death in the last nine months of World War II. This excellent book will percolate within you, and elicit a visceral response to this young mans incredible journey. For me, I gained a tremendous insight into the desperate young pilots of the suicide squadrons. That he survived to tell this heartwrenching story makes it among the most incredible stories of World War II.

This book reads like a novel. It is a literary work like no other biography I've ever read. The fact that it is true makes it even more compelling.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kamikaze is an overwhelmingly insightful and vivid look into the life-or-death intersection of war and culture, October 6, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kamikaze: A Japanese Pilot's Own Spectacular Story of the Famous Suicide Squadrons (Paperback)

Now in a newly revised and expanded 50th anniversary edition, Kamikaze: A Japanese Pilot's Own Spectacular Story of the Famous Suicide Squadrons is a classic biography published in 1957 about the famous suicide squadrons of Japan. Co-author Yasuo Kuwahara tells his story of entering military service at age 15, enduring training so severe that nine men of his squadron committed suicide, qualifying for fighter pilot school, and surviving fierce aerial combat. Co-author and university literature teacher Gorden T. Allred has recently worked to improve the literary impact of Kamikaze, by revisiting each word and sentence without changing any elements of the story. Kamikaze is an overwhelmingly insightful and vivid look into the life-or-death intersection of war and culture, and is highly recommended.

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite book in all the world., September 14, 2007

By 

Andrea Elise (Santa Monica, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kamikaze: A Japanese Pilot's Own Spectacular Story of the Famous Suicide Squadrons (Paperback)

I'm an avid reader, and this is my favorite book ever. Read it, and you'll never watch grainy footage of Kamikaze attacks without tears in your eyes and understanding in your heart.

This is a brilliant book.