In this article, I will explore the Kamikaze Special Attack Corps, as depicted in Godzilla Minus One, using records obtained from various sources such as literature.
What is the Kamikaze Tokko-tai?
When translated directly into English, ‘神風’ (Kamikaze) means ‘Divine Wind,’ and ‘特攻隊’ (Tokko-tai) means ‘Special Attack Corps.’ In the 1200s, there were two invasions by the Mongol Empire, both of which were repelled by typhoons, leading to the historical origin of the term. As a tactic, it involves loading bombs onto fighter planes. Instead of dropping the bombs, the planes deliberately crash into enemy’s war ship, with the pilot sacrificing themselves in a suicidal attack.
The background led to the Kamikaze attack
During World War II, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan found itself in a disadvantaged position in its war with the United States. The sheer number of American warships, coupled with disparities in weapon technology, including differences in reconnaissance capabilities and the performance of fighter planes, made it challenging to successfully drop bombs.
In this desperate situation, where a conventional peace agreement might be expected, the strong nationalist ideology made the prospect of being dominated by a foreign power a profound humiliation. The military, driven by a loyalty to protect the nation even at the sacrifice of soldiers’ lives, resorted to suicidal tactics.
Pilot’s Emotions
Viewed from an foreigner perspective, the Japanese pilots might be perceived as influenced by fanatical nationalism. However, the actual reception among soldiers varied. While some willingly chose to join the Kamikaze squad to defend Japan, others held negative views. Even some commanders disagreed with Kamikaze.
By the peer pressure, many young individuals were compelled to join the Kamikaze team against their personal wishes in the end. Upon the announcement of the war’s end, Kamikaze members expressed a mix of despair and the joy of survival. It’s essential to note that not everyone willingly participated in the fanatical suicide tactics.
The Protagonist’s Emotions
The protagonist, Shikishima, in Godzilla Minus One likely faced considerable societal pressure and internal conflict regarding his participation in the Kamikaze Special Attack Corps. It is speculated that he neither fully endorsed nor rejected to join Kamikaze, leading him to fabricate a false malfunction to evade the suicide mission. Real-life accounts from Kamikaze veterans express regret over surviving and often include apologies to fallen comrades. Some veterans dedicated their post-war lives to memorializing the deceased. In the context of the movie, characters like Shikishima seemed motivated to fulfill their unfulfilled desires by attempting to defeat Godzilla.
