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Notes from a suicide manual
The Guardian ^
| Thursday August 22, 2002
| Albert Axell
Posted on 08/25/2002 7:38:40 PM PDT by forsnax5
The introduction of Japanese kamikaze pilots was one of the most dramatic developments of the second world war. But what motivated these young men to fly their fatal missions? There are some clues in the manual they carried in their cockpits for inspiration, and which is now published in English for the first time. Here are some extracts.
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
TOPICS: Culture/Society; Japan
KEYWORDS: kamikaze; suicide; war
This is a bit creepy, but interesting. Here's a sample paragraph:
At the very moment of impact: do your best. Every deity and the spirits of your dead comrades are watching you intently. Just before the collision it is essential that you do not shut your eyes for a moment so as not to miss the target. Many have crashed into the targets with wide-open eyes. They will tell you what fun they had.
1
posted on
08/25/2002 7:38:40 PM PDT
by
forsnax5
To: forsnax5
The Anarchists and Street Creeps must have had this for a long time, but they never intend to die (dammit), just destroy property and irritate the hell out of those who contribute to society...
2
posted on
08/25/2002 7:43:48 PM PDT
by
Vidalia
To: forsnax5
"Today in flower, tomorrow scattered by the wind.
Such is our blossom life.
How can we think it's fragrance lasts forever."
Cherry Blossom Poem.
3
posted on
08/25/2002 7:43:56 PM PDT
by
tet68
To: forsnax5
The Palestinians have translated it. I understand it's a best seller in the Occupied West Bank.
4
posted on
08/25/2002 7:45:41 PM PDT
by
IronJack
To: forsnax5
"We need to invade their countries,
kill their leaders,
AND convert them to Christianity"
A. Coulter
5
posted on
08/25/2002 8:00:22 PM PDT
by
apackof2
To: forsnax5
In any event, only delightful memories come back to you. You cannot see your own face at that moment. But because of a succession of pleasant memories flashing through your mind, you feel that you smiled at the last moment. You may nod then, or wonder what happened. You may even hear a final sound like the breaking of crystal. Then you are no more. There will be plenty more - forever!! And on the other side of their last breath, they'll be in a horror too terrible to describe - John Hagee's "Seven Wonders of the World."
6
posted on
08/25/2002 10:48:18 PM PDT
by
Rockyrich
To: forsnax5
It should be noted that these guys were not experienced pilots!They had only "soloed"a couple of times(if that)!!That's why some of the instructions sound like rudimentary flying instructions!!!That's exactly what they are.The US Navy and Marines had decimated their experienced pilots especially during the Marianas campaign of 1944.One decisive air-battle came to be known as:"The Marianas Turkey-Shoot".That action alone cost the Japanese over 300 pilots!!!!!
To: forsnax5
Breathe deeply three times. Say in your mind: "Yah" (field), "Kyu" (ball), "Joh" (all right) as you breathe deeply.Fascinating. Yakyuu is the modern word for baseball, and yakyuujou is the modern word for baseball park.
8
posted on
08/26/2002 6:24:10 PM PDT
by
altair
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