Original subtitles

We have allowed for that possibility.

I recommend we sail guided by scouting aircraft.

I'm against that. Using scouting aircraft increases the chance of being detected.

I think so too. Surprise is essential in this.

Now, I will listen to headquarters staff opinions.

Our enemies on the bases at Midway, Wake and Johnston Island are constantly patrolling.

Their submarines are undoubtably searching for us at this very moment.

I do not see how our fleet can travel 2,000 miles without being discovered ...

... by enemy patrols.

The staff believe that this attack has very little chance of success.

Do you have an alternative?

We should not take on such a risky plan. Instead, we should ...

That's enough.

But Admiral, in the event that we were defeated at the beginning of the war...

Japan is a small country with little industry. In a war against the United States, we will lose.

Still, if we must fight them, the only way to beat them will be ...

... to try to take advantage of a suprise attack.

We have no other choice.

- Saka? - Yes, sir.

I understand what you are trying to say. But I have faith in the success of this plan.

I need you to work out the necessary strategy.

Aye, aye. I will not oppose this decision. I will do everything possible to carry out the plan, Admiral.

Take care.

PRIME MINISTER KONOYE'S RESIDENCE

I'm thinking of personally appealling to President Roosevelt.

An excellent idea.

But first I need to understand the real potential of the Navy's attack plan.

Tell me frankly, I need to know.

What are our options if negotiations fail?

If we receive the order to attack, I can play havoc with them for the first year.

And after that?

If the war lasts longer, I cannot guarantee anything.

We should avoid a war with the United States at all costs.

I am not a politician.

But Minister, I urge you to do everything in your power ...

... to reach an agreement in the Pacific with the United States.

Agreed. I will do my best.

I feel better now. I must return to the fleet.

Special Bulletin! Special Bulletin!

OCTOBER 18, 1941

'GENERAL TOJO FORMS NEW CABINET'

- Boatswain Omi. - Yes, sir.

- How long have you been in the Navy? - A year and ten months.

- A long time. - Yes, sir.

You've spent more time at your post than the prime minister.

From Nagano, Chief of Staff of the Imperial Navy To Yamamoto, Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Fleet ...

NAVY HEADQUARTERS OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF

Our country, claiming self-defense, has decided to declare war on the United States, Britain and The Netherlands.

You must make all necessary preparations to begin the war in the month of December.

The fleet will sail north in small groups to the Kuril Islands ...

... meeting up in Hittokapu Bay by November 23. We then set sail for Hawaii.

Our submarines will reach Hawaii on December 2nd to conduct reconnaissance.

The attack order will be coded as "Climb Mount Niitaka".

When you receive this message, launch the attack as scheduled.

In Washington, peace is still being negotiated.

There isn't much hope but in case an agreeement is reached, the operation is to be cancelled ...

... and the fleet must immediately return to Japan.

That will not be easy.

While in enemy waters, anything can happen.

Even if we arrive undetected, it is still a high risk situation.

The men will be disappointed.

Why do you serve in the military?

Our only goal is the maintenance of peace.

If any of you believe, that upon receiving the order, that you cannot obey ... then resign now!

The attack force left for Hawaii travelling through the North Pacific. There were six aircraft carriers.

Akagi, Kaga, Soryu, Hiryu, Shokaku and Zuikaku together with 378 aircraft forming ...

... the 'Kido Butai' - the First Carrier Strking Forcei.

The world had never seen such a force.

AIRCRAFT CARRIER AKAGI

'Climb Mt. Niikata' - I do not think that we will receive the attack order.

- Soon we will begin radio silence. - Slow down.

- Reduce to ten knots. - Yes. sir.

Order for Admiral Yamamoto. The Government has decided to declare war on the ...

... United States, Britain and The Netherlands. Stand by for action.

Captain!

- Is it the order to attack? - Yes, 'Climb Mount Niitaka' on December 8.

Admiral.

Combat orders: First - Attack and destroy the U.S. Pacific Fleet in Hawaii.

Second - The attack is to take place on December 8 Tokyo time.

- Captain! - Yes?

The war is finally starting!

December 7th - 1800 hours (Tokyo time)

The headquarters of the Imperial Navy has been informed ...

... that the vessels now in Pearl Harbor are:

Nine battleships, three light cruisers, three heavy cruisers and 17 destroyers.

In the spring there were 4 light cruisers. No heavy cruisers and no aircraft carriers.

Odd ... Where are the carriers?

Commander?

Ensure that our declaration of war reaches the enemy before the attack begins.

It will. Don't worry, Admiral.

I do not want to play dirty. If we attack without warning, we will lose honor.

Tell that to the Foreign Ministry.

The fate of our nation depends on this operation.

- Captain? - Yes, sir.

- Can I ask you something? - Of course.

I will be flying lower than usual. How low should I fly?

- I'll be flying at 300 feet. - You're going to piss them off.

- Who? - You will fly very low. I am speaking about the American ships.

The first squadron will take off at 0130 hours.

We have been preparing day and night for this. You have trained very hard.