War Stories Season 1 Episode 6
War Stories
Season 1

Ep 6. Day of the Kamikaze

  • TV-PG
  • February 18, 2008
  • 75 min

In Season 1, Episode 6 "Day of the Kamikaze" of the show War Stories, viewers are taken on a journey through one of the most devastating moments in history - the use of kamikaze attacks by the Japanese during World War II.

Throughout the episode, viewers gain insights into the mindset of kamikaze pilots and officers in command who ordered these suicide missions. We see how the Japanese, faced with the reality of an impending defeat, turned to desperate measures to make a final stand against the Allied forces.

Particularly, the episode features firsthand accounts of the attacks from both Japanese and American soldiers. A former Japanese naval officer who served during World War II speaks of the brutal training regime for kamikaze pilots and how their belief in giving their lives for the country deepened as they prepared for their mission.

Similarly, a veteran from the US Navy describes the extreme danger of being on a ship during kamikaze attacks and recalls the devastation he witnessed as the Japanese fighters crashed into American vessels.

As the episode progresses, viewers are shown previously unseen footage of kamikaze pilots on their final missions, highlighting the bravery and dedication of these men. However, the episode also shows the horror of what war can bring when the lines blur between victim and aggressor. One account tells of a kamikaze pilot who was forced to undertake a suicide mission by his commanding officer, despite his personal reluctance.

The episode also showcases how the American military responded to the kamikaze attacks. Viewers are taken through accounts from both pilots and naval officers and gain insights into how the US forces developed new tactics and technologies to defend against this new threat. Footage is shown of the first US kamikaze "kill" which proved that not all kamikaze missions resulted in success.

Overall, the episode provides an intense examination of the motivations behind the kamikaze attacks and the impact they had on the Second World War. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of what drives individuals to undertake acts of extreme sacrifice, and how military tactics and technology are developed to counter new and dangerous threats.

While the topic of suicide missions in war can be difficult to watch, Day of the Kamikaze presents a respectful exploration of a fascinating subject matter while honouring the service and sacrifice made by soldiers on all sides of the conflict.

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Description
  • First Aired
    February 18, 2008
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    75 min
  • Language
    English