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the sea once closed Japan,

then opened it again.

After centuries of isolation,

Japan was quickly modernized

during the meiji and taisho periods.

It strengthened its military forces

to cope with foreign powers.

The imperial Navy was thus born,

formed by the consequential
state requirement.

Having brilliant victories
in the sino-Japanese and

Russo-Japanese wars,

it entered the ranks of the finest fleets,

making Japan the world's third
greatest maritime power.

But then came the showa period

when the country resorted
to the armed forces

to resolve territorial
policy ambitions.

As Japan's appetite for
conquest grew unchecked,

there had to be an eventual
reckoning, referred to as

"the tragic age."

The imperial Navy

September 1940
the world situation surrounding Japan

at this time became more
stressful by the day.

The Navy ministry participated
in many discussions that Autumn.

The purpose of which was to decide whether Japan should
join a military alliance with Germany and Italy.

Seventy separate meetings were held by five
different cabinets with no decision reached.

Then the Navy ministry,
which had always opposed such an alliance,

suddenly agreed to
join the tripartite pact.

On that day, at a very high
level meeting of the Navy ministry,

the fate of the imperial
Navy was sealed.

Koshiro oikawa,
minister of the Navy

Isoroku Yamamoto,
commander-in-chief of the combined fleet

Yamamoto.

You said if we make a triple
alliance with Germany and Italy

America would stop
supplying Japan steel and oil.

However, no one can say whether
it would lead directly to war or not.

After all, this was also about improving
Japanese-American relations.

But if we continue to
ighore the voice of the people

then this could spill
over into internal unrest.

Considering all this, I have
come to the current conclusion.

I had no choice.

I really could not do anything
but to take this course.

If possible, in consideration
of the circumstances,

please forgive me.

You think you'll get off with an apology?!

This is too important.

This is a question of life and
death for our people and nation.

J and the smoke is not visible
in the cloudless sky j

j and the wind does not wave j

j smooth like a mirror is the yellow sea j

- dad!
- Dad!

Big brother!

What about masato?

He passed the exams for the
naval academy!

What are you saying?!

See for yourself! Here is the telegram.

"Mr. masato odagiri. You passed
our exams. Signed, director."

Hurrah!

He did it!

Hurrah!

Hey, masato!

The naval academy is not
an ordinary military school.

So my dream for you, that I have
cherished for so long, has come true.

Masato, congratulations. I'm
sure mom will be very happy, too.

Thank you!

All ready.

What is it? Why do I get one?

Won't you get dressed to go?

Where to?

Mom...

Why are you running?

We gave father the news,
and he ran faster than a bullet.

Father, this came for you.

"At 9am on September 15th

you are to appear for service."

I have been recalled to the Navy.

Why do they call up old men
like you? It seems odd.

Old! Who are you calling an old man? This
old man is different! Here, take a look.

This summons includes an apology.

They apologize for keeping me in the reserves,
hot considering my 18 years of faithful service.

They write: Please, if possible,
come back.

You really served
18 years in the Navy?

Yes, I was promoted
to chief petty officer.

But with graduates of military schools,
everything is different.

Rapid rise up the career ladder. Someone my age
might already be a commander or even captain.

So brother will also
become a ship captain?

Masato, try to graduate with honors!

Come back with the honorary dagger
bestowed by his imperial majesty.

Which of us is more alluring?

Me or the deva? Which one?

If you compare the deva with yoko,

then of course he is much stronger.

But if you compare yoko to the deva then,
of course, you are much more beautiful.

What?! You have two cherry
blossoms on your collar!

Congratulations!

March 1st,
I was promoted to sub-lieutenant.

It seems like you're
moving up very fast.

Does that worry you?

No, I just...

Well, should we
cancel the engagement?

Nothing of the sort!

Sub-lieutenant hongo is on his way!

Shinji!

Brother, welcome back!

You look good. Congratulations!

Thank you.

So this is the world-famous
third year cadet?

I'm home.

Welcome back.

Ah, yoko! Look, today I bought
a very interesting thing.

This Buddha figurine.

Take a look.

Oh, how wonderful.

Only today there is something
much better than this.

Hey, be careful, it's very fragile.
What could be better than...

Welcome back.

Really... both of you?

Father, in the Navy, shinji and I are
how related like a parent and child.

Come on,
you'll always be my children.

Father, have some.

Well, well.

Father, brother is...

Constantly reminding me that...

He must achieve your dream.

So, after all this time
you still remember...

How much I wanted you to go to
the naval academy?

Well, not exactly.

Now that I've graduated, I can
relax and serve as a naval officer.

Shinji, you're next.

Cheers. Sing?

You don't have to ask me twice.
Let's go.

J the hill flowers that bloom in crimson j

j the color of the coast's
fragrant leaves j

j they boast to the
flowers of the capitol j

j the moon truly wanes at mt. Yoshida j'

j of the castles on the
rhine and the alps j

j the cold rains and the avalanches j

j the evening reaches the dark waves j

j of a day's shadow in the distant north j

June 16, 1941

June 16, 1941
German troops, without declaring war,

June 16, 1941
suddenly attacked the Soviet union

suddenly attacked the Soviet union

and began to move
inexorably forward.

Spurred by Germany's successes, the triple
alliance countries, now including Japan,

forced the occupation of the Southern
parts of French indochina.

As a result, America
toughened its attitude

and imposed an embargo on
oil exports to Japan.

At current rates, our oil
supplies will be gone in a year.

Osami Nagano, chief of the imperial Japanese naval general staff
at current rates, our oil supplies will be gone in a year.

Osami Nagano, chief of the imperial
Japanese naval general staff

osami Nagano, chief of the imperial Japanese naval general
staff everything is happening as Yamamoto predicted.

Everything is happening
as Yamamoto predicted.

We can only look to improving
Japanese-American relations

as a last hope to avoid war.

Something made more difficult by
war-mongers in the fleet.

Who, exactly?

I'm talking about the
commander of the first air fleet.

You mean nagumo?

Almost completely ignorant on the
capability and potential of naval aviation.

He was appointed to that position
largely due to his seniority.

In peacetime, that might
have been acceptable.

But facing a wat...

Still, you can't ignore nagumo completely.

In my opinion, a more suitable candidate
would have been ozawa.

Jisaburo ozawa, commandant of the imperial Japanese
naval academy well, what is it you want to ask me?

Jisaburo ozawa, commandant of
the imperial Japanese naval academy

jisaburo ozawa, commandant of the imperial Japanese
naval academy sir, we heard that you recommend

sir, we heard that you recommend

that our aircraft carrier forces
be organized into a single air fleet.

We are expecting to be stationed
on the aircraft carrier zuikaku.

But we have no idea when it
will be commissioned into the fleet.

Until then we must train
oh that old tub hosho.

Therefore, we beg you to speed
up completion of the zuikaku.

- We beg you!
- We beg you!

Each of you has one more
year left in your flight training?

With so little experience
and so much time remaining,

is there any purpose in
expediting construction?

"Strengthening the personal
decision that I am absolutely

opposed to any war
with the United States, is

the diametrically
opposed reality that

just such a military
conflict may be unavoidable.

This has led to a very
strange state of affairs.

What will be the decree of fate?"

Come in.

I apologize for the intrusion.

I received a message
that you wanted to see me.

You came at an opportune time.

How so?

I wanted your opinion about my dilemma.

I came thinking you might be
wanting to resign, to retire.

But I understand
they won't let you.

Moreover, they are
going to make you pay

for the sins of all those who agreed
on entering into a triple alliance.

An air attack on Hawaii.

How would you do it?

How to do it?

On Hawaii.

With airplanes.

In that year, the imperial fleet

decided to form a
new naval strategy

where the main striking power was
built around fast-moving aircraft carriers.

The "mobile force".

Aircraft carrier "akagi"

chuichi nagumo,
commander of the first air fleet

chuichi nagumo, commander of the
first air fleet with the new planes,

chuichi nagumo,
commander of the first air fleet

chuichi nagumo, commander of the first air
fleet there is no doubt that naval aviation

there is no doubt that naval aviation

has become the star of the fleet.

Ryunosuke kusaka,
chief-of-staff to nagumo

ryunosuke kusaka, chief-of-staff to
nagumo Yamamoto expects a lot from us.

Yamamoto expects a lot from us.

Maybe that's why he
asks the impossible from us?

But the most annoying
to me is his chief-of-staff.

Are you talking about ugaki?

He's a battleship admiral. He doesn't care
to understand anything about airplanes.

Matome ugaki,
chief-of-staff of the combined fleet

matome ugaki, chief-of-staff of the combined
fleet admiral, I do not understand airplanes.

Admiral, I do not understand airplanes.

However, sir, I am going to

assist in any way possible
with whatever you are planning.

When you were deputy Navy minister,
at the behest of fate,

your advice was rejected in
concluding the triple alliance pact.

I wholeheartedly sympathized with you.

September 16, 1941

there was disagreement about the feasibility
of the Hawaii operation September 16, 1941

September 16, 1941

not only by the Navy general staff but also
by officers in the fleet. September 16, 1941

not only by the Navy general staff but
also by officers in the fleet.

Not only by the Navy general staff but also
by officers in the fleet. Naval war college

naval war college
on the basis of war games,

naval war college

naval war college
the problems encountered

the problems encountered

were presented
to the Navy general staff.

It proved unusually difficult to
achieve any consensus.

Attacking Hawaii carries
the twin challenges of unleashing

a far-flung war immediately
following destruction

of the us pacific fleet
in one decisive blow

using the limited military
resources we have.

But only a lightning attack can
guarantee such results.

In my opinion, this is the only
way for this plan to succeed.

I would like to express

seiichi ito, vice-chief of the Navy
general staff I would like to express

seiichi ito,
vice-chief of the Navy general staff

seiichi ito, vice-chief of the Navy general
staff the opinion of the general staff.

The opinion of the general staff.

We understand the complexities and
uncertainties of such a military operation.

But as reasons against making
such a surprise attack

at Pearl harbor, we would
want to give the following:

First.

Refueling on the open ocean
will be extremely problematic.

Second.

An unseen approach to
the main us base for

the pacific fleet

will be close to impossible.

Finally, and most importantly,

there is still hope that our current
diplomatic efforts will succeed.

A sudden attack like this will
make the United States unwilling

to sue for peace, making a protracted
war, unfavorable to Japan, unavoidable.

Having considered all arguments,
we concluded that

because of all these risks
the attack on Pearl harbor

should not be undertaken.

If you are so opposed, then

do you have an alternative plan?

Fukudome.

You explain it.

Should current
hegotiations fail,

for Japan to survive we must first

seize the oil and other resources
we heed from these Southern areas.

The us would consequently
declare war and

their pacific fleet, having
an initial military advantage,

will begin a long, slow advance,
westward from Pearl harbor

moving through seas that
we would then already control.

We take the battle to them first by
aircraft and submarine

gradually reducing their
combat power so that

our battleships can destroy
what's left of the enemy

in one final decisive battle.

This is the traditional concept of
how Japan would win a pacific war.

Don't you think the shortcomings of
that plan are already well-known?

We can't rely on the short-range of our
battleship's guns to stop the us pacific fleet.

Ugaki!

Didn't you create that plan when
you were on the general staff?

You recommended building 'yamato' and 'musashi';
The two largest battleships in the world!

Now, I'm the chief-of-staff
for admiral Yamamoto.

So how you renounce
the use of battleship guns?!

And still...

It's just too risky.

Unfortunately, the general staff cannot
approve an air attack on Pearl harbor.

What more can I say?

What is the opinion of
the mobile force?

I am against this operation.
Even so, the destruction

of the pacific fleet in Hawaii
in one blow is very tempting.

But with the forces currently at
our disposal, it's impossible.

Our four aircraft carriers and their escorts
would have to sail 3,500 miles in secrecy.

Nothing like this has
been done before.

That's exactly why it will work.

We are not here to hear the excuses
why the mobile force cannot do this.

Admiral nagumo,

the aircraft carrier
zuikaku is almost ready.

Along with shokaku, that would make
six aircraft carriers in the mobile force

and an additional 162 aircraft.
That should be enough.

What do you think?

Would the general staff reconsider
if we used six aircraft carriers?

No, we must strike south first!

The general staff decided!

Moving through the south takes too long.

If there is no way to avoid war,

any hope for victory means
we must attack Pearl harbor.

December 8, 1941 - Japan time

Understanding that war
could no longer be avoided,

the attack on Pearl harbor had been
debated at the highest levels.

Admiral Nagano reluctantly
ordered the attack, saying:

"If Japan accepts the demands of
the United States, Japan will perish."

"If Japan fights the United States,
Japan may perish."

"We hope to solve our problems
in diplomatic negotiations."

"But unfortunately we must fight if
we are commanded to wage war."

Fate commanded war.

Hawaii!

Attack formation!

Signal surprise attack successful!

Now! Let's go!

Steady... now!

Steady... release!

Commander, we did it!

Surprise brought us success!

Summarizing the
results of our attack:

Five enemy battleships sunk.

Also four destroyers and more than a dozen
other enemy ships either sunk or on fire.

Altogether 300 aircraft destroyed.

It seems our results
exceeded expectations.

Yes! Fine! This is a good start!

Admiral,

the American pacific
fleet has been destroyed!

Why were there no aircraft
carriers at Pearl harbor?

A few days ago,

the Lexington and
enterprise were seen there.

This attack was of no strategic value
if we missed their aircraft carriers.

From that day on,
the rallying cry

across America was:
"Remember Pearl harbor!"

The next day, president Roosevelt
asked for a declaration of war saying:

"The Japanese government has deliberately
sought to deceive the United States

by false statements and expressions
of hope for continued peace."

The attack on Pearl
harbor had another result.

It confirmed the superiority
of airplanes over battleships.

Something that would be proven
again and again in the pacific war.

It also served as notice that
Japan was capable of building

the enormous ships
necessary to fight such a war.

In particular,
the formidable battleship "yamato.

Battleship "yamato"

battleship "yamato" under construction
in secret for five years,

under construction in
secret for five years,

yamato was a triumph of
naval design and engineering.

The largest battleship
ever to sail the seas.

Equipped with 18-inch guns and many
technological innovations.

Just look at her!

She's a floating fortress.

February 12, 1942

the yamato officially becomes
the flagship of the imperial Navy.

J from all sides j
j her empire is the sea j

j and her brave guardian sailors... j

so, what do you think?

Did you build it yourself?

Of course, who else?

Wow...

I feel like I've become
the commander-in-chief.

Admiral?

Where should we attack next?

Let me see...

We've dealt with Hawaii
so ho need to go back there.

The Philippines are ours.

Also ours.

- Java?
- Sumatra and Malaya are ours too.

All true.

Rabaul occupied.

Admiral, what is your decision?

Admiral, what's next?

Our Yamamoto must be struggling

with this same question.

Our plan was rejected.

So the general staff, as always, cares
only for moving the war southward.

As long as this thinking
continues then the war will drag on.

I dare not

criticize the government publicly.

But I'm responsible for the imperial Navy

and we need to end this war.

If we delay, then America will soon show
us their industrial and military might.

End this war quickly. For that,
we must invade midway.

April 18, 1942

April 18, 1942
American aircraft carrier "hornet"

April 18, 1942

April 18, 1942
launching sixteen land-based b-25 bombers,

launching sixteen land-based b-25 bombers,

make a surprise air strike
at Tokyo, Yokohama, Kobe and nagoya.

The imperial general staff,
under fire,

realizing the new dangers to
the Japanese home islands,

quickly approved 'operation mi';
The invasion of midway island.

So it seems that
we must attack midway now.

In the past five months, we've sailed
to the north pacific, central pacific,

the Indian ocean and
the coral sea; Over 50,000 miles.

The same as if we had
gone twice around the globe.

Kusaka,

Japan has been attacked.
All that is beside the point.

The aircraft carriers we missed at
Pearl harbor are what struck Tokyo.

We must lure the
American carriers to midway.

However, the carriers zuikaku and shokaku
can't participate at midway

because of extensive damage
they suffered at coral sea.

You can blame the general staff
for squandering our resources.

Just when we need
everything we have.

Four aircraft carriers
can't get the job done?

No, not at all.

It's just that we rush from
battle to battle

based on the latest whims
of the general staff.

I've had enough of
their interference.

However,
we can kill two birds with one stone;

destroy the American carriers,
capture midway,

and the United States will sue for peace.

May 28, 1942

admiral nagumo and the mobile force with
four aircraft carriers sailed for midway.

Admiral Yamamoto
followed 300 miles behind

on the flagship yamato with
the main body of the imperial fleet.

It was largest operation the imperial Navy had ever
undertaken; Involving 200 ships and 100,000 men.

Aboard the yamato, a message
was received from the general staff

noting increased
American radio traffic

indicating a possible naval force
in the vicinity of midway.

Admiral Yamamoto believed this same report
had been received by the mobile force.

Oh, I'm sorry. This
must be the wrong room.

No, come on in. Pour us sake.

Come in, come in.

Here you are.

What about our hostess?

Is she coming?

I'm sure she is.

I'm sure all you
sailors can spend

a few minutes with me drinking
sake before the big battle.

What battle?

The big one.

Where?

Midway, midway...
The whole fleet's there.

Should be happening
any day now. Midway...

Is where the whole fleet
went to smash America.

Already headed to midway.

You sailors take it easy.

The geisha is dismissed!

Things have certainly changed
since Pearl harbor.

Before no one but the highest
ranks knew anything about it.

Look at it now!

Even the geishas are
chanting "midway! Midway!"

Maybe the Americans know, too.

June 3th, 1942

June 5th, 1942
the mobile force attacks midway

June 3th, 1942

June 5th, 1942
in preparation for its invasion

in preparation for its invasion

before the American Navy
can come to its defense.

However, the United States had
broken the Japanese naval codes

and midway was
prepared for the attack.

Consequently, the strike leader,

seeing that the midway defenses
were still intact,

radioed there was need for a
second strike against midway.

Admiral,

most of our scouts have reported in.
No American carriers in the area.

Alright, we attack midway again!

Admiral nagumo decided
to attack midway by rearming

his second strike group aircraft
that had been loaded with

torpedoes and armor-piercing bombs
in case American ships were found.

Their target was now midway,
not American warships.

Bomb re-arming completed!

- Signal officer.
- Yessir!

Notify all carriers -
standby to launch aircraft.

Message from scout plane number four!

Message from scout plane number four!

Twelve enemy ships sighted,
including at least one aircraft carrier.

Admiral, we have to send our
aircraft to attack that carrier now!

Land-attack bombs are almost
useless against warships.

They will at best make holes
in the carrier's flight deck.

But they won't sink it.

We'll have to wait and re-arm
our attack aircraft.

Sir, what if the
enemy carrier attacks us first?

Signal from hiryu.

From: Captain yamaguchi
to: Admiral nagumo

recommend we launch now!
Recommend we launch now!

I have the same opinion.

Admiral, your decision?

Admiral?!

Admiral,

I think we should attack the
enemy aircraft carrier with torpedoes.

Re-arm with torpedoes.

Re-arm the second strike group

for an attack on
the enemy carrier.

Stop loading land-attack
bombs and go back to torpedoes.

From torpedoes to bombs

and back again from
bombs to torpedoes.

This delay and confusion caused by admiral
nagumo was fatal to the mobile force.

Air group commander,
report to the bridge! Now!

Five more minutes. Five more minutes
and we'll be finished.

Signal the other carriers -
prepare to launch aircraft.

Dive bombers!
Enemy dive bombers!

Right rudder!

Port-side damage from bomb hit!

Fire spreading!

Was this the result
of "victory disease"

or just poor scouting?

No matter which,
it was the first defeat

suffered by Japan since
the outbreak of hostilities.

This naval battle, resulting in
the loss of four aircraft carriers,

influenced all subsequent
thinking of the imperial Navy.

This terrible tragedy was
due to an inexcusable error

in my operational
planning of the operation.

I beg you to accept my
humble apology.

I will never rid myself of the
shame for what has happened.

But if it is possible, I ask for...

Admiral...

I beg you to give me a chance to
take revenge on the enemy. I beg you!

You can tell Nagano
we will all keep fighting.

Sit down.

It has been said that our
intelligence was lacking.

How could you have been surprised
after the message from

the general staff about a possible
gathering of enemy warships?

Did you receive such a message?

No, we didn't.

Why didn't you tell us?

Are you so in love with
the yamato's big guns that...

Watch what you are saying!

Of course, we thought
that this information had reached you.

It had not.

The ships of the mobile
force are all short-masted.

Unlike this behemoth yamato,

we did not have any
super-sensitive radios.

We missed the enemy
carriers in Hawaii

and they were waiting
for us at midway.

Could the enemy have
broken our codes?

That possibility
cannot be excluded.

But admiral Yamamoto is a gambler.

In a war, chance is always a factor.
This time he gambled and lost.

Where is the next
action going to be?

Any idea?

The pacific is a vast ocean.

Until that time, few people
had ever heard of guadalcanal.

In the months that followed,
there was a series of pitched battles

that took place, in which
both navies sustained

heavy losses they could ill afford.

Sissmss nara ma eas se sani se ee se ese ns ee sameer sesamin os saree se ea ae eee as
ese ee ee ee se tee seen et ere ee ee sma zsa a sooo AAA sees tatars as se sonata egy

the Japanese aircraft carriers shokaku and zuiho
were damaged and forced to retire. October 26, 1942

the Japanese aircraft carriers shokaku and
zuiho were damaged and forced to retire.

The aircraft carrier zuikaku stayed behind
and fought. Aircraft carrier "zuikaku"

gentlemen.

Today, you men of the zuikaku
may determine the outcome of the war.

Some of you have already
flown two missions today.

But we have to ask you to fly
against the enemy one more time.

Having collected you
from the other carriers,

I appoint lieutenant hongo
as strike leader.

You are responsible for seeing
that everyone returns alive.

Sir,

how can we leave this carrier
without a single fighter plane aboard?

Do not worry about
enemy attacks.

Both of the enemy's aircraft carriers
are already seriously damaged.

Enemy planes, starboard.

Enemy aircraft 30 degrees
to port. Approaching fast!

How is this possible?

Our fighters are turning back.

What?

Enemy aircraft diving!

Starboard helm!

Starboard!

Here they come!

They got him!

Everyone quiet! Silence!

Thanks to our fighters, we're saved.
But what will happen to our strike planes?

What will happen to them
without any fighter escort?

Kudo, hold on!

Another 30 minutes.

Don't fall asleep!

Stay alive!

Hold on!

Run!

Kudo, we made it!

Careful of his eye.

Hongo!

Stupid bastard!

Because you turned back,
enemy fighters tore us to pieces!

Only four planes returned
because you disobeyed orders!

You had to be some type of hero.

I'll never forgive you.

We were lucky not
to lose the shokaku.

The zuikaku was lucky too.

If our fighters hadn't returned,
none of us would still be here.

I'm going to see mogi.

Wait!

Mogi isn't here any more.

He's been transferred.

He couldn't look you in the eye
about turning back.

A farmer I met just gave me
that statue of Buddha.

A friendly face, don't you think?

Have some tea.

I have a request to make of you.

Please tell yoko that the
engagement is off.

Tell her yourself. She's here.

Now you know how she feels
about marrying you.

What did you think when you
saw me in a wedding kimono?

I was stunned.

Reporting mission completed!

"Dearest yoko,

I was ordered to return to base.
They sent a car to pick me up.

I'm sorry I couldn't tell
you in person. Yours, eiichi."

"Japan is facing the greatest
crisis in its history.

In war, there are those who must die

and there are those
who must live.

It is unfortunate that
ohe of us must die.

You must survive this war.

Live that Japan may live.

Learn that Japan may learn.

Thank you, brother."

Those who must die

and those who must live.

You should not salute me.

I am a simple sailor with a rank
lower than that of his own son.

But proud that he graduated
from the naval academy.

Father.

I have been looking forward to the
day when I could salute my son.

Well, then?

You have become a worthy son!

Masato!

Brother!

Welcome home!

I am glad to be back.

Brother, congratulations!

Thank you! Father?

The honorary dagger bestowed
by his imperial majesty.

Let me see!

Hands off!

Masato, we're all proud of you.

You graduated the
top of your class.

You'll be moving up the
ranks quickly.

It's wonderful when a child can
make a parent's dreams come true.

Sister, there's something
I need you to know.

What is it?

I want to do what's
best for my country

but that might upset father.

Wouldn't the top graduate
be assigned to the best ship?

I will be flying a plane.

A plane?

March 1943

march 1943
Japan loses its tenuous hold on guadalcanal

march 1943

march 1943
and evacuates the remaining troops.

And evacuates the remaining troops.

Imperial fleet headquarters was
forced to redeploy from truk to rabaul.

Admiral ozawa was tasked
with defending the new base

in the face of increasing
American sea and air power.

The narrow window

of opportunity for victory

rabaul
of opportunity for victory

rabaul

rabaul by Japan in the pacific

rabaul

rabaul was rapidly closing.

Was rapidly closing.

Soon, America was
counter-attacking on all fronts.

Only 15 months had passed
since the war had begun.

Yamamoto's prediction about Japan
losing a long war was coming true

and there was little
he could do about it.

How far to rabaul?

180 miles.

Let's land on buin.

Buin

where's the duty officer?

Nomura, stay with the plane.

Who's in charge?

You were flying to rabaul
and need more fuel?

We don't have any.

Then get some.

What ship are you from?

The zuikaku.

The zuikaku!

Mogi?

You're still alive.

Forgive me.

There isn't anything to forgive.

I deserved that beating.
But they didn't.

Tagana, ooe, ueda, endo, miura, okajima.

I still remember the names
of those who died that day.

Where is zuikaku?

After leaving rabaul,

she was given a ferry mission.

Want to see combat?

Shit!

Bastards!

Where are the mechanics?

Here.

Fill up the fuel tanks
of our guests, okay?

Yes, sir.

Good luck.

That day, the plane
that mogi flew out on

never returned.

Commander, third fleet

Admiral.

Oh, it's you.

You lost those fingers in the battle
of the sea of Japan, didn't you?

I was a young midshipman at the time.

That was 38 years ago.

38 years ago.

Look at where Japan is how.
What went wrong?

I understand you're leaving
tomorrow on an inspection tour.

To balalae island near bougainville.

We don't have air
superiority there.

It's not likely you'd
be attacked but

I'll see you get a
large fighter escort.

Absolutely not!

Just think.

The planes and ships I've had to
send into battle with no support.

With what result?
All those men lost, for no benefit.

I'd be betraying them
if I accepted your offer.

But sir...

My friend,

you and I have been
through a lot together.

It can be very
easy to start a war,

but much harder to finish one.

Someone will
have to do it though.

Why did he take
such a unnecessary risk?

All radio messages about
his trip were coded.

Sooner or later,
all codes are broken.

Throughout this war,

Americans were decrypting
Japan's radio messages.

But the general staff was unwilling
to believe such a thing was possible.

Their mistake lead from
one tragedy to another.

The death of isoroku
Yamamoto was the greatest.

J no matter how furious
the wind blows and blows j

j no matter how uplifting the grass,
it is but dust j

"all student deferments
have been eliminated.

I passed my physical and so
am now in the imperial Navy, too.

Brother, you talked about the difference
between those who go to die

and those who go on to live.
Now, I go."

Shinji.

Father, what brings you here?

Reading?

You have three days' leave.
Mom is waiting for you at home.

Father, do you remember ranke?

Are you talking about
the German historian?

Yes, you remember my
high school teacher

who was very thin
because of tuberculosis.

Once he said:

"I've just re-read the full
collected works of ranke."

"Each of you should
do the same thing."

He thought ranke
made excellent sense.

That made quite an
impression on me.

I decided to read all the works
of ranke once I entered college.

I've finished two of them.

Halfway through the third.

But there's no time left with the war.

I'll return these.

"Our youth is not over yet."

"Our life is still going on."

"Nothing is finished yet."

As if awaiting the death
of admiral Yamamoto,

a reborn United States
Navy now advanced

at lightning speed all across
the pacific towards Japan.

The kuriles, the Gilberts
and the marianas were retaken.

The Philippines were now threatened.
Japan had to make a stand.

Admiral soemu toyoda, who succeeded Yamamoto
as commander-in-chief of the combined fleet,

and his chief-of-staff,
admiral kusaka,

called a conference
aboard his new flagship,

the cruiser oyodo, anchored in
Tokyo bay, to discuss future strategies.

The loss of the marianas
was the greatest defeat in the war

with the almost complete
destruction of Japanese naval aviation.

The remaining Garrison on saipan,
including their commander admiral nagumo,

all committed suicide.

We must devise a plan for
our remaining warships,

and our last large carrier,
the zuikaku,

to stop this invasion of
the Philippines.

I propose

sending all our battleships, including
yamato and musashi, to bombard saipan.

That's nonsense!
It couldn't possibly succeed.

It's the only thing we can do

with the ships we have left!

Sept. 26, 1944
the imperial general staff decides

to move into an underground bunker

at one of the universities in
kanagawa prefecture.

Two weeks later,
American forces made

large-scale landings on
Leyte in the Philippines.

Following the 'operation victory'
plan approved by the general staff,

admiral kurita's battleships

including the yamato and musashi

commander, first mobile fleet
including the yamato and musashi

commander, first mobile fleet

commander, first mobile fleet
leave port at Brunei on October 22.

Commander, first mobile fleet

commander, first mobile fleet
sail east through the San Bernardino strait

sail east through the San Bernardino strait

arriving near suluan island
early on the 25th.

The goal of this operation
is to directly attack

the American invasion
forces in Leyte Gulf.

However, there are reports that near San
Bernardino, where admiral kurita will be,

is the American third fleet
commanded by admiral halsey.

Halsey's fleet contains nearly 100 warships
including 18 aircraft carriers

kurita's force will be destroyed unless
we can draw halsey away.

I think I understand.

Tell me exactly what you want
the first mobile fleet to do.

Your task is to divert
halsey's attention north so that

kurita can proceed through
San Bernardino and attack

the American transports and
invasion beaches unopposed.

Be a decoy?

Correct.

Deliberately allow
ourselves to be attacked?

Yes, exactly.

How can this bring us victory?

No, he's right.

If kurita's force can succeed in their
attack at Leyte then this makes sense.

Admiral, you agree?

Kusaka,

our meager carrier forces
cannot bring victory.

Kurita's fleet can.

He must lead our
ships into battle.

But you are senior in rank
to kurita.

I will not be with the ships
attacking Leyte.

Yes, but still...

Admiral,

the first mobile fleet has
taken a lot of punishment

but we can still fight.

There is no need to
execute a plan where

we are merely a decoy.

You want to risk 15,000 men
out of some misplaced pride

and feelings of subordination?

All that matters is that
kurita gets to Leyte.

Kusaka, ugaki.

Tell kurita that I accept
the role of decoy

in order to make
this plan a success.

Admiral kurita and
his staff met at Brunei in Borneo

for a detailed review of the
upcoming operation at Leyte.

For the Leyte attack force,
you'll need to select a flagship

with the best armor and
communications systems.

May I suggest the yamato?

Commander, 2nd fleet chief of staff,
2nd fleet takeo kurita tomiji koyanagi

commander, 2nd fleet chief of staff, 2nd
fleet takeo kurita tomiji koyanagi yamato?

Commander, 2nd fleet chief of staff,
2nd fleet takeo kurita tomiji koyanagi

commander, 2nd fleet chief of staff, 2nd fleet takeo
kurita tomiji koyanagi we prefer the cruiser atago.

Commander, 2nd fleet chief of staff,
2nd fleet takeo kurita tomiji koyanagi

perhaps you could select one of the
other battleships like musashi.

Yes, but...

But we may suddenly stumble
upon the enemy en route.

In that case, we want a ship
that is faster and more maneuverable.

Flagship selection is an
important decision.

Remember, the objective of this
plan is the complete destruction

of all enemy transports and ground
forces on the Leyte beaches.

You propose risking
our mightiest battleships

simply to sink
enemy transport ships!?

You see, if we lose the Philippines, then we
will be cut off from the resources of the south.

Ships without any fuel
are just piles of scrap iron.

You don't have to tell me this!

Please understand

how important clear communications
are to the success of this plan.

Cruiser atago or
battleship yamato?

Which is your flagship?

There is no need
to change flagships.

Fighter squadron 307

reporting for duty with 25
men at your disposal.

Carry on.

You will await further orders.
Dismissed!

Look at the size of this ship!

Huge!

So young.

Kaizuka takeo,
captain of zuikaku

kaizuka takeo, captain
of zuikaku more kids.

Kaizuka takeo,
captain of zuikaku

kaizuka takeo, captain of zuikaku
watch-keeping change in 5 minutes!

Watch-keeping change in 5 minutes!

Ozawa's ships left the sea of Japan

October 20, 1944
ozawa's ships left the sea of Japan

October 20, 1944

October 20, 1944
and headed south toward Leyte.

And headed south toward Leyte.

On board its four aircraft carriers, which
included zuikaku, were a total of 108 aircraft.

There were 1,100 planes on admiral
halsey's third fleet carriers.

We're almost finished.

Chief?

Why were these planes craned
aboard ship while we were in port?

They've always
been flown on before.

These pilots aren't able
to land on a carrier.

They must be really lousy.

By the way, here they are.

Chief!

What?

We have never taken off
from an aircraft carrier before.

And still you feel so brazenly
entitled to board this ship?

But...

But we will do our best
for a successful take-off!

You better!

We don't need still-wet-behind-
the-ears kids like you.

But we sure as hell need
all the planes we can get.

It's a waste to
give these to you!

Got it?

Yes, sir.

I cannot hear you!

Yes, sir!

Okay.

Anything else to say?

Even if we can take off

we certainly won't
be able to land.

We will never return
here no matter what.

We will ram enemy ships.

What?

We will have to destroy the planes
that you tend to with such care.

We wanted to apologize.

You came here...

Just to tell us this?

Yes, sir!

Repair team, assemble!

Can everyone hear?

If any one of those
pilots fails to take off,

it won't be their fault but yours.
I'm holding you responsible.

Clear?

Even if so much as one
screw flies off the plane.

Got it?

Yes, sir!

Why so quiet?

Yes, sir!

Okay, get back to work!

What's your name, squirt?

Nihiso chubachi.

Chubachi, where are you from?

Iwate prefecture. From high school,
transferred immediately to flight school.

Did your father let you?

Father died in the war.
Mother lives alone.

Listen...

You must come back.

You can make a
mistake when landing

but come back.
No matter what happens.

Thank you very much.

Do not slouch!

Friendly dive bomber
approaching from the stern!

Well-trained.

Want to know how
to land on a carrier?

Yes, sir.

Watch carefully.

Perfect! Just like that!

Lieutenant hongo,

reporting for duty.

Very well.

Made it just in time.

Anyone behind you?

I am the only one.

Lieutenant,
we're glad to have you back.

Shinji!

Brother.

How long have you been on zuikaku?

About a month.
I heard you'd come back.

Well... have a seat.

No, no time.
I have to go on duty soon.

We're going
into battle tomorrow.

There is something I've
been wanting to ask you.

Did you see yoko?

No.

I was sent straight here from
base. Just wasn't any time.

Then I'm sorry for yoko.

Brother, why do you crave death?

Shinji!

Why...

Do you know why you are here on zuikaku?
Why we're all here?

I know why.

To be a decoy.
We're here to be sunk!

I am leaving.

I was retired from the Navy.

Because you've got only one eye.

So you knew.
Why did you send for me? Why?

It wasn't me.

Well then who did?

Who sent for me?

The imperial Navy!

The imperial Navy.

J and the flowers and the storm j

hold it!

J I have overcome j

don't you realize we
were ordered

to get ready for battle?

This is how I get
ready for battle.

Screw off!

You bastard, you're drunk!

What does a kid like
you know about battle?

What?

Idiot!

Who do you think you are?
I am a reserve officer.

Bastard! Get up!

You're a disgrace!

As you were!

Go on.

Go on!

Kudo, it's been a long time.

Lieutenant!

Your kid brother? I apologize.

We've been in the
Navy for three years.

Now we're the
old-timers, aren't we?

Yes, veterans.

I envy those who
have gone before us.

By the way,
didn't you have a wife?

She's back living
with her parents.

About a year after the wedding

was when I got wounded.

Things changed.

Have another?

And you?

Me?

I have a similar situation.

Kudo?

I've been side by side with you
since Pearl harbor.

This time I don't know whether
any of us will return or not.

I know.

I count on you.

Yes, together to the end!

On schedule,
admiral kurita's fleet of battleships

left Brunei heading northeast,

past palawan island
toward its rendezvous with destiny.

Torpedo track starboard bow!
Heading toward us!

Atago... sunk!

What?!

By plane?

Submarine.

Kurita and his staff?

They survived.

Relocated to yamato.

The operation
continues as planned.

I will pass along the information
upon receipt of details.

Kurita's force has already
been discovered.

Our plan has not started well.

Our current location is here.

Kurita's force should be here.

They should be entering
San Bernardino strait about now.

They haven't moved toward us yet?

Doesn't halsey knows
we're here by now?

We've been broadcasting radio
messages to attract his attention.

Still nothing.

Admiral,

our scouts have located
the enemy's invasion force.

Will you order an attack?

No, it's too early.

Only after halsey's nose
is definitely pointed in our direction.

Admiral, radio message from
our submarine patrol.

Kurita's ships got through
through the San Bernardino strait

and are now heading east
along samar island.

Halsey must have left the strait!

He took the bait.

When do you think they'll hit us?

It doesn't really make
any difference.

As long as he keeps
moving away from Leyte.

After making sure that

halsey's fleet was following him north,

admiral ozawa gave
the order for all aircraft to take off.

By the time you
could make it back

our carrier will probably
be badly damaged.

Therefore,
I am ordering you to land

at our airfields
located in the Philippines.

Men, once there

you will become
land-based squadrons.

Strike the enemy a
decisive blow! That is all.

Salute.

Man aircraft!

Admiral, we will be back!

Let me in.

Great engine!
In wonderful condition.

Everything alright?

Chubachi!

This amulet has protected me
ever since Pearl harbor.

Thank you very much!

I thank you.

I thank you.

Kudo?

How is your mood?

Extremely invigorated!

Attack aircraft take-off!

Take off one by one.

Attack aircraft take-off!

Take off one by one.

Hats to the sky!

Good luck!
We are counting on you!

Do you think he can handle it?

I hope so.

Look out!

The amulet worked!

That was close.

The fool!

Sir, this is for you
from lieutenant hongo.

There is something inside.

Thanks.

Mother!

Kudo?

Let's go!

Bastards!

The plan was gradually
moving towards success.

Halsey had no idea
that he had been baited.

Gathering all his strength,
he struck at ozawa's force.

Carrier chitose is sinking!
Destroyer shimotsuki immobilized.

Helm reports direct hit.

Helmsman losing rudder control.

Helmsman! Answer!
Helmsman! Answer!

Helmsman! Answer!

Sub-lieutenant hongo at the helm!

Right rudder!

Right rudder!

Right rudder!

Starboard 20 degrees!

Steady!

Port side - torpedo planes!

Sir, helm jammed! Helm jammed!

Jammed.

Port-side engine room flooded!
Everyone dead!

Any communication from ozawa?

Not yet.

Sir,

we were able to get
through San Bernardino.

We can safely assume that the decoy
plan was successful.

Ozawa must tell us that before we
can begin our attack.

Fire!

Hold on!

Stay on that plane!

Fire! Fire!

Die, you sons-of-bitches!

Listing 20 degrees to port!

Number four propeller shaft damaged!

Fire in the third hangar!

Sir, we've done it.

We've decoyed halsey.

Signal officer,

send this message to
toyoda and kurita:

"Decoy plan successfully completed"

"have lured enemy fleet north"

though the message
was sent by ozawa,

for unknown reasons
it did not get to kurita.

Kurita went to Leyte not knowing

where halsey was and
wondering if

he might find him at any moment.

50 more miles to Leyte Gulf.

Admiral, it's a miracle that
we've made it this far.

Yesterday's air attacks by halsey
reduced our ships by half.

All our remaining ships
are damaged.

We should turn around!

Message from southwest fleet headquarters.

Read it.

Enemy fleet located 113
miles north of suluan island.

Time of message?

09:45

that's two hours ago.

Admiral...

By the time we got the message that ozawa's fleet
had successfully completed its decoy mission,

two hours had already passed.

Kurita should be

at Leyte Gulf any minute.

The way is clear for his attack!

Send a message informing kurita.

However, this urgent report

never reached kurita.

The enemy fleet,
under the command of halsey,

is without a doubt
very close by.

The enemy is already using

captured airfields in the Philippines.
Here we are right in the middle.

We could be attacked both from
the sea and the land at any moment.

Attacking transports in
Leyte Gulf makes no sense now.

I completely agree.

We cannot attack the enemy transports with
halsey's fleet breathing down our necks.

You're turning back?

Yes, that's right.

No!

You must not hesitate!

Admiral, everyone expects
us to head for the Leyte Gulf.

Ugaki,

ozawa's force failed
in its task as decoy.

Proof of this is the fact that
halsey is chasing us from behind.

Even so,

our mission is to attack
transports in Leyte Gulf.

Signal course 330 degrees.

Admiral!

Signal course 330 degrees.

Admiral!

Signal course 330 degrees.

However,

the enemy they thought was
heading toward them was a ghost.

The report received from southwest
fleet headquarters was false.

Who sent that message?
From where?

To this day, this question
remains an unsolved mystery.

Due to admiral kurita's
failure to follow orders,

Japan missed any chance
of stopping the Leyte landings.

Meanwhile, on the zuikaku
which had played the role of decoy...

We're ready to transfer the
men to the cruiser oyodo.

Inform admiral ozawa.

I'll stay.

The boat from the
oyodo has arrived.

Hurry up, sir!

I refuse.

Admiral!

All of you leave! Get out!

I... I will stay with captain kaizuka...
I stay here.

All hands, abandon ship.

Hurry up, sir.

Abandon ship.

Hold on!

Take me with you, please!

Let go of me.

I beg you! I beg you!

Here...

I humbly receive.

Zuikaku is sinking!

I am a reporter for the nara news.

Could you share with our readers
the sorrow of the loss of your two sons?

Thank all of you for coming.

By giving your two sons to the country

you must feel truly honored.

Well, I will do my best to see
that a respectful article is written.

We're finished, I think.
We depart tomorrow.

Yes, it is such an honor.

For the glory of the country.

Cry.

Cry for our sons.

I have returned.

Shinji!

Mother! Shinji!

Shinji! Shinji, he...

Went with the ship to the bottom.

At that moment when I
started to lose consciousness,

my body suddenly got
lighter and Rose to the surface.

I survived only because of the
life-vest that brother gave me.

He sacrificed himself.
He died in my place.

Brother left me this message.

"Shinji, I left yoko still blooming."

"Please, take care of yoko."

"Eiichi"

It was seven hours
before I was rescued.

Fighting the waves of the philippine sea,
I thought about just one thing.

I must stay alive!

For the sake of my brother.
And for your sake.

I want to fulfill my
brother's last wish.

I won't ask you to
answer me right away.

I must report back to
headquarters now.

By new year, I should have been dismissed.
Give me an answer then.

I'll be waiting for you at the itsukushima shrine,
where you went with my brother on your honeymoon.

Until then.

"Notice. Ensign shinji hongo"

"by January 10, you are commanded to report
to the battleship yamato for service."

I'm sorry that I made
you torture yourself.

I beg you that...

You forget what I asked of you then.

I will have to go to sea again.

I will leave you to
live alone in peace.

Who do you think I am?

Some doll that you men can
just leave at your discretion?

No, I refuse to be a doll.

Yoko.

Marry me! Here and now!

I promise you.

I'll be back!
I'll come back alive!

J' in the beginning of the year,
what will begin? J

j 1 will proclaim its end so that j
j the new year will be better j

Masato!

Masato!

What, father?

Sit down.

Masato, did you...

Did you sign up
for special attack?

Did you?

Tell me! Well, come on.

I did.

So, after everything...

You fool.

Who volunteers to die
before their parents?

Miyo, what happened?

Brother...

Brother joined the special attack squadron.

Brother?

Wait!

Never, in all my years in the Navy,
have I ordered anyone to die.

You can have a
brilliant career...

Stop it, please.
Now there is a war.

I understand that!

No, you don't understand.

All of Japan is about
to become a battlefield.

Sisters and mother.

Where can they go to
escape the flames of war?

We are fighting in
order to protect them.

Are we not, father?

I'm the dumbest
father in the world.

In my desire to see you an officer,
I have shortened the life of... my own son.

Salute!

Ensign hongo and four more men

reporting for duty
oh battleship yamato.

Kosaku ariga, captain of yamato

kosaku ariga, captain of
yamato welcome aboard.

Kosaku ariga, captain of yamato

kosaku ariga, captain
of yamato carry on!

Carry on!

Hongo, go see him.

Be back in 30 minutes.

Are you in charge here?

Which ship do you belong to?

Battleship yamato.

Reserve ensign?

I see.

We haven't seen action yet like you.

But the nation calls us
the same as you.

After participating in battle,

there will no longer be differences between
reserve and permanent officers.

Sorry.

I didn't mean anything by that.

Sub-lieutenant odagiri.

Ensign hongo.

As as favor, I was asked

to speak to someone
oh the yamato.

But it seems better to ask you.

I must ask you to do it.

Hey, yamashita!

Take this away.

Throw it out?

Why? We all like it.

Just get rid of it.

Anyway, I already...

Are you chief odagiri?

Ensign hongo.

I met your son, sub-lieutenant odagiri,
by chance on the pier just now.

We only talked for ten minutes,
but I felt we were very close in spirit.

Oh, really?

Officer to officer,

he told me that every man aboard

knows about
the yamato you built.

So I came to say hello
to the owner of the yamato.

I am honored.

I'd like to come back
and visit more.

April 1st, 19435

April 1st, 1945
us forces attack and

April 1st, 19435

April 1st, 1945
invade the island of okinawa.

Invade the island of okinawa.

Over 300 warships plus 1,000 cargo ships
and landing craft.

More than 450,000 soldiers and marines

less than 350 miles from Japan.

Imperial Navy headquarters

imperial Navy headquarters
we would like to use certain units of

we would like to use certain units of

of the fleet in a special naval operation.

Vice chief,
Navy general headquarters

vice chief, Navy general
headquarters which ones?

Vice chief,
Navy general headquarters

vice chief, Navy general headquarters on
April 6, kanoya air base's 5th detachment

on April 6, kanoya air
base's 5th detachment

will undertake operation
floating chrysanthemum.

Attacks by several hundred suicide
aircraft against okinawa flying from

various bases which will, without
doubt, plunge the enemy's ranks into chaos.

Using this advantage,
the next day, April 7,

the second fleet detachment, built around
yamato, will sail to okinawa.

Impossible!

We don't even have the
fuel to to fill yamato's tanks.

There would only need to be
enough fuel for one-way.

What?

Everyone in this special attack would
be volunteers sacrificing their lives.

This plan is filled with
determination and valor.

But how can you call this a
plan if it's not possible?

How can you justify
this sacrifice

given the outcome
in October at Leyte?

This time, the outcome is
unimportant.

We just need to get
yamato into the battle.

Yamato both in name and in spirit
is a symbol of Japan!

What will the people say if we lose the
war but still have yamato?

The imperial Navy must prove
our fighting spirit remains unshakable!

I beg you, do not
disgrace yamato!

I do not want to listen
to these petty arguments!

I find it shameful to allow
such senseless, offensive talk

about the Navy's
preservation of prestige.

I disagree.

Those are just my personal feelings.

The matter must be
decided by the commander-in-chief.

What? A suicide mission
by the yamato?

That is so.

But there's something I need you to
take care of in regard to the yamato.

To discuss such a delicate matter, I am
sending a member of the imperial Navy staff.

Kanoya air base

what is this about?

Commander, fifth air fleet

commander, fifth air fleet
in order to implement this plan

commander, fifth air fleet

commander, fifth air fleet
general staff headquarters asks that you

general staff headquarters asks that you

not provide any fighter
escorts when the yamato sails.

No fighter escorts?

You must undertake large-scale
special attacks the day before.

There can be no escort fighters
remaining after that.

How can such an order be given?

The yamato needs protection.
We'll hold back some fighters for that.

Tell that to the imperial Navy staff.

I'm going to the yamato.

To persuade them?

A suicide plan that
you don't believe in

is difficult to convey
as an order.

I know exactly how you feel.

Special attack missions fly out
from this base every day.

"Go die!"

It exceeds the boundaries
of any proper order.

However, as long as the war continues,
I must give those orders.

"Go die!"

Admiral...

You and I have a lot in common.

There is almost nothing
left to command any more.

Only to command the death

of the imperial Navy.

Gentlemen...

You have just heard from the chief-of-staff,
the details of their attack plan.

Let us now listen to the frank
opinions of all gathered.

Matsumoto, head of naval
secret intelligence.

It is, without a doubt,
a plan that

only true fools would
agree to implement.

Strongly against it!

Yoshida, commander 41st destroyer division.

We are not afraid of death.

But this won't bring us any
closer to victory in this war.

Kotaki, commander 21st destroyer division.

The imperial Navy general staff
headquarters is underground.

What but utter blindness
explains such useless plans?

I would like to ask them to get out
of their hole and finally face reality.

Shintani, commanding
17th destroyer division.

It's dying for nothing.

What we ask for is a chance

to fight the enemy and
save our homeland!

Idiots!

Commander, second fleet

admiral.

There are 3,000 men on
the yamato alone.

Including the other ships of the second
fleet, I hold 6,000 lives in my hands.

I do not want even one of my
men to die an unnecessary death.

I was once a member of the general staff. I
know how plans are made that cause many deaths.

I understand the pain that
comes from giving such orders.

However, in considering this
order, let me ask you this:

Was this approved by the
imperial general staff?

The imperial Navy general staff, the Navy minister
and the commander-in-chief of the combined fleet?

All of them completely
agreed with this plan?

They all agreed.

Admiral, we go to okinawa!

We go to okinawa!

We go!

To okinawa!

Admiral, we go!

We must go.

"This may be the last
time I can write you.

I want you to grow up to be
good women like your mother.

This is my last instruction.

Take care of yourselves.

5th of April. From dad."

Come in.

Excuse me.

Including headquarters personnel,

total men aboard the yamato is 3,332.

Have the cadets all left the ship?

Yes, sir.

67 altogether.

They didn't want to leave.
You finally got what you wanted.

It's for the best.

They were only here three days.

I would have liked for them to have
sailed with us into battle.

No, ariga.

That wouldn't be right.

They must stay alive
for the future of Japan.

There is no need to kill them.

Distribute sake to all divisions.
Open the ship's store.

The enemy already knows that
yamato will attack.

Why is that?

A reconnaissance plane
recently flew over.

As soon as we pass the bungo strait,
an enemy submarine will sink us.

That's what happened to shinano.

Enough of this talk.

Let's brighten up the last
days of the imperial Navy!

Right!

Stop talking and thinking
on empty stomachs.

We fight according
to the operational plan.

This is the only
thing we can do.

That is the best way for
an imperial Navy sailor to die.

Let's drink! And sing!

J hey, give us j
j good weather! Hey! J

j tomorrow give us a clear day! J

for me,

all is not lost yet. I have a father,
a mother and yoko, my wife.

I fight for the ones I love.

As long as there is love and
people ready to sacrifice,

our people cannot be destroyed!

Therefore, our death and
the death of yamato

can never be meaningless.

We will not die in vain.

You are born alone
and you die alone.

You leave alone and come alone.

The path for us all leads only to hell.

Speak for yourself.

Hey, Saint, your university
philosophies do not suit us here.

Well, are you ready?

The same as you.

Ensign hongo, a drink?

Yes, with pleasure.

Did he put your soul at ease?

Sub-lieutenant kuroda?

With pleasure.

Enough, thanks.

Not a time to be shy.

If I drink too much,
I might see double.

Good, I don't mind as long
as you fight twice as hard.

Let's sing! All of you with
sakura on the collars!

Sing!

J you and me, my friend, are j
j two cherry blossoms. J

j' in the garden called yamato, j
j we bloom. J

j since we are flowers, j
j we are destined to fall. J

j so let us fall magnificently. J
j' in the name of the country! J

Yoko...

Before sunset on April 7,
hotification of my death will reach you.

Soon, our sakura must fall.

Please, don't cry
for me in the coming spring.

When my time comes,

I will say goodbye,
looking at your smile.

Soon, the yamato will be underway.

Is there nothing else left?

Yesterday, when his majesty
granted me an audience

on the matter concerning the
general direction of the war,

I said that from this moment on all that is
left for us is suicide attacks by planes.

His majesty asked if that meant
the fleet no longer has any ships.

With the greatest trepidation,
I replied that

the Navy has mobilized
all its reserve forces.

I had no choice but to
send yamato into battle.

Minister...

Before the war began and the
question was about the triple alliance,

you that said there
was nothing else to do.

It all started with
"I had no choice".

It all ends with
"I had no choice".

On April 6, 1945, battleship yamato
and nine other ships departed tokuyama

heading to okinawa
through the bungo strait.

For yamato, there was
to be absolutely no air support.

That is inexcusable.

So I am sending fighter escorts by
my own authority.

It will be a very difficult mission so
I'm asking for volunteers.

Departure tomorrow morning at 04:30.

However, there is one
other thing I must ask.

Everyone to return
to base at 10:00.

Sir.

Take us too!

Your unit?

Special attack squadron

"heavenly sword".

Aren't you attacking okinawa?

Not until the afternoon.

We can fulfill your order and still
fly our special attack mission.

Commander!

Please Grant this request

on what will be our
last day in this war.

That day,

admiral ugaki waved a final goodbye
as the okinawa suicide mission took off.

On August 15th, he would die leading
the last suicide mission of the war.

After passing the osumi strait, the yamato
turned south toward okinawa.

But it was known that yamato was
already being tracked

from intercepted radio messages
sent by American submarines.

Friendly aircraft
approaching from the rear!

Bridge, tell chief
odagiri it is urgent

that he report to the main
deck! On the double!

All is well... all is well...

Come back alive! I beg you,
come back alive!

Message from tokunoshima radar:

A large concentration of
enemy aircraft,

estimated to be over 200,
approaching yamato from the northeast.

Tell them to continue reporting.

Tell them to continue reporting.

You should move to
the armored bridge.

I will command
our ships from here.

Battle stations! Battle stations!

Target 35 degrees starboard!

Open fire!

Any news of yamato?

This report just received:

12:30 - first enemy
wave - 200 aircraft.

Damage: 1 torpedo
hit, 2 direct bomb hits.

13:20 - second wave - 120 enemy aircraft,

3 torpedo hits, 10 degrees list.
Starboard hold flooded.

List corrected.
Speed dropped to 18 knots.

Destroyers isokaze and hamakaze sunk.
Suzutsuki on fire.

Yahagi dead in the water.

Fire!

Fire!

Left rudder!

Left rudder!

Enemy aircraft overhead!

Right rudder!

Captain, direct hit
on aft main turret.

Counter-flood starboard!

Can't. Valves damaged.

Send a repair party!

Repair on the double!

Go back! Back!

To the port-side!

Is anyone there?!

Executive officer to the bridge!

Executive officer has arrived!

Report.

Our speed is dropping.

Pumps failing.

Understood.

Radio room destroyed!

Understood.

Captain!

Aft magazine temperature rising!

Flood aft magazine!

Flood aft magazine!

Flood aft magazine!

Is anybody there?

No answer from magazine.

Messenger! Forward!

Messenger!
Where is the messenger?

All dead!

I will do it.

Quickly!

Hey, kinoshita!

Yamashita! Yamashita!

Matsuda!

Everyone was so young!

Why did they all die?

This is the end!

This is the end!

The end!

Come on.

Leave me.

Aft magazine.

You have to... flood it.

I understand!
Flood aft magazine!

Flood the aft magazine!

Masato!

Ship heading north!

Admiral ito, who led the
yamato attack force,

ordered the operation canceled.

After seeing to the rescue of
survivors by the remaining escorts,

he went into his cabin
and closed the door.

This door never opened again.

J painting the skies j

j is this snow, falling so quietly? J

j and melting in the sea j

j drifts on the waves j

j painting the skies j

j is this snow, falling so quietly? J

j making the sea fall asleep j

j and the dream comes to you j

j if you rip it out with your hand, j
j then this pale purple flower j

j bloomed nearby j j just one j

j will it become simple and so ephemeral j

j maybe this is human life j

J if my thoughts reach you j

j' but at least in the sea, j
j your flower will bloom j&

j in the heart of a show Rose j

father,

I have lived longer than you.

A good son who followed his
duty to his mother and father.

Goodbye, sisters!

Mother, goodbye!

J following the old tracks j

j thorny memories j

j turning to face the sea j

j standing alone j

j before me, you went to the forefathers j

j I'm sorry I didn't obey you j

j abandoned, j
j' I cannot find the edge of sorrow j

j and the pain pierces the body j

j when I carry you on my back j

j the days we walked together j

j in your warmth they drew j

j snowflakes like tears j

j are falling on the azure sea j

The end