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Masami Takahashi
Last Kamikaze:
Testimonials from WWII Suicide Pilots

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Abstract:  This film explores the minds of former suicide bombers who participated in the first well-orchestrated suicide mission in modern history, the  one carried out by the air arm of the Imperial Japanese Navy during WW II. Although in the beginning, these suicide pilots were university graduates and intellectual elites in their 20s, by 1942 the Navy was aggressively recruiting a large number of boys who were only in their low teens. Fortunately, some never flew their final suicide mission because the war ended before it was their turn to fly out.  The producer/director interviews several friends of his deceased father (who was also a former suicide pilot) in order to understand the mindset and motives behind such an extraordinary behavior. Now in their 70s and 80s, these individuals reflect upon their past and talk candidly about their lives, issues related to patriotism, spirituality, and on-going turmoil in the Middle East.

Production Date:
3/1/07

Distributor:
Masami Takahashi
2220 N. Geneva Tr, #2
Chicago, IL 60614

Phone:
773-442-5845

Email:
m-takahashi@neiu.edu

Running Time:
57

Medium:
DVD

Film Credits:
Charles Nolley (Technical Consultant)

Film Audience:  Our intended audience is anyone who are interested in the broadest interpretation of the film's themes. In particular, because of the increasing number of suicide bombing incidents in the Middle East regions, those people whose lives have  been affected, either directly or indirectly, by the ongoing conflict in that region are expected to show their interests in this project.  It will also be of interest to scholars and educators, including historians specializing in WWII, or anyone who are interested in the motives behind current suicide bombing incidents in the Middle East or those who are exploring the matured minds of older adults.

Filmmaker:  Masami Takahashi, Northeastern Illinois University

Keywords:  suicide attack, kamikaze, WWII, Japan


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