" I had the fortune to hear"
" the poignant stories of the suicide corps recruits"
" from Tome Torihama, 'Mother to the Kamikaze'. "
" I want to create a legacy"
" on the bravery and beauty of Japanese back in those days."
" Shintaro ISHIHARA"
Get out there and crush the red team!
If we win,
we'll go to Tomiya Restaurant, lads!
On your marks...
Begin.
Stand firm!
Bando, go for it!
It was back in 1943,
when all those young men
descended on our town of Chiran.
Every single one of them dreaming of the skies...
throwing themselves into their flight training.
-One two! One two! -Target!
-Egg rice! -Target!
Target sighted.
Attack!
To your seats!
Silence!
Wait.
As promised, today is on the house
Everyone, eat your fill .
Miyako,
come along.
Mother, don't rush me.
Girls , hurry up now.
-Thanks. -Here you go.
Reiko, lend a hand.
Kanayama the loser's eating already.
How can he eat first!
Paying for it, though.
Charge!
It might be...
ancient history now
but I' ll never forget.
They were such splendid,
such lovely , young men.
" For Those We Love"
" 1944, Mabalacat, Philippines"
For one week
we must make the enemy carrier decks inoperable .
Sir,
didn't you say yourself , suicide strategy is out of the question...
that we mustn't kill off the pilots
we've strived so hard to train?
Correct, I did indeed, however...
now we face losing this war.
We all acknowledge that.
So it is vital that we protect our national identity
through defeat
and into the distant future.
What do you mean by that?
I' m talking about Japan as a nation
and the spirit of our people .
This war was about
freeing like-colored races in Asia
from the white man.
This was incontestably correct...
A just and valid purpose...
This belief...this resolution...
even though our struggle be defeated,
for the honor of our nation,
must be recorded correctly in the annals of history.
For this, young men must die.
This is our only way.
In that case, sir...
ls this to be voluntary or...
Or what?
Or carried out under order?
What do you think?
I understood.
Well ?
Tell me,
how many would volunteer
for a strategy
entailing certain death?
Look into yourselves.
Things have come too far to be solved by fine words.
Got that?
Voluntary in name alone,
this is an order.
There's no other way.
I will bear responsibility for it.
As shall you all .
We must be fully committed for this to meet with success.
-Captain Seki, here -Enter.
Take a seat.
The rumored special attack
has finally been deemed policy.
Vice-Admiral Onishi himself
came today to give the order.
Special attack, meaning ramming tactics?
That's correct.
Charging enemy ships
with 250kg bombs.
Carriers especially.
But I could do it without...
Listen.
Seki, if the first wave doesn't set an example
and nail the target,
we won't get anyone to follow.
So...
are you up to the task?
It 's a big mission, vital to the fate of our nation.
But I. ..
Understood.
I' ll do it.
I will do it.
" Captain Seki's sortie"
" General MacArthur's return to the Philippines"
Us common folk never knew
how the war was really going.
" Firebomb Raids on Tokyo & Osaka"
You'd hear rumors,
the Americans are on Okinawa, that sort of thing...
" Opening of AssauIt on Okinawa"
Then the slogans began,
" All 100 million of us are kamikaze" ,
" We shall all make the final sacrifice"
Here are the repair parts.
Thank you.
-Hurry up! -Here!
-Be quick. -Wake up.
Hurry up, guys.
" 1945, Chiran, Kagoshiima Prefecture."
Father, hurry up...
-Bon appetit... -Bon appetit...
Miyako...
Hello, Tomiya Restaurant.
Good morning.
Right, I' ll tell her.
Who was it, mother?
Your school, Reiko.
You're to wear work clothes today.
Going to an air base, apparently .
Air base?
Chiran Girl' s School support team reporting.
Good.
This way.
Attention. Bow!
At ease. Support team all present.
From today, you'll all work here for a while .
Chiran has become a base for the Special Attack Corps.
l guess you've already heard rumors.
This corps is a group of warriors
who ram their bomb-laden planes
to sink the enemy ships that threaten us.
War heroes protecting the motherland.
To look after them in their last days is a great honor.
Skipper, it's Tabata.
What's wrong?
Another oil leak.
You alright?
I' m losing revs.
Go ahead and land.
Roger.
What's up with that Hayabusa?
ls he okay?
Doesn't look like it.
Are you alright?
That's my 3rd oil leak.
Please fix it once and for all .
Understood.
-Let's get her inside. -Yes...
Push, boys!
Major.
Where's the plane l was promised?
Still under repair in Fukuoka.
It 's been 4 days since my wingman went.
l need to do my duty
by my flight leader's ashes.
I' m aware of that.
Send me. Even in a trainer.
Major Kawaguchi, please.
Bando, you again?
Go to the Bansei base. They have a plane.
Thank you. I'll carry out my orders.
Of course.
Attention, salute.
Unit 35, reporting from Hokota.
2nd Lieutenant Abe with 8 men, sir.
Attention.
Salute!
Unit 47, reporting from Manchuria.
2nd Lieutenant Araki
with 4 men, sir.
7 others will arrive later.
Well done.
Fools ! How long did it take you?
Three darn weeks!
Our plane's weren't combat-ready.
Repair took time, sir.
Nit-picking. As long as they fly .
Salute.
I' m Reiko Torihama, from Chiran Girls ' School.
We were told to look after you.
And I' m Mitsu Origuchi.
Washing, sewing, whatever,
just ask.
Reiko-chan!
Kanayama-san! It 's been ages.
You know her?
Yes, l was a cadet here.
ls your mother well ?
-Well . -Good to hear that.
The lady you told me about?
Hey...are you blushing?
They're just lice.
It 's no big deal.
Reiko-chan...
Kanayama-san.
It 's that book l told you about.
Wonderful. I'll get it back to you soon.
l want you to have it.
l won't get to read it.
" We fear for nothing"
Would you send this?
The army censors everything.
Okay.
" That's what a man should do."
Could you take mine, too?
Okay.
You look sick...pale as heck.
l don't feel good.
" We go directly to the enemy warship."
" That's what a man should do."
Time to go, girls .
Not yet.
Sensei, can we do one more song?
Alright, then.
Let's go, boys.
Three, two, one, go!
" Our fresh spirits..."
" Our fresh spirits"
" rise with the morning sun,"
" Behold , the rising sun of our Nippon."
" We're the shield of Empire."
" Forged of a strong will ."
" With the power and might of iron and steel."
Aunty...Aunty?
Kat-chan? ls it you?
Long time, no see.
What can l do for you?
I' ve got a favor to ask.
My brave boy,
What could it be?
Come this way.
I' ll fly out from Bansei.
A mission? My dear...
l volunteered for the suicide corps.
Why? Why you?
Don't worry, Aunty.
My name's " Katsuji" , right?
" Katsu" means victory. Japan's sure victory.
That's why I' m going.
But... On my last leave,
l couldn't bear to tell my father.
l want you to write him after I' ve flown.
Kat-chan, my dear...
After mother died,
he worked so hard
to raise us 3 kids on his own.
l couldn't tell him
his eldest had volunteered for the corps.
ls it too much to ask?
Mr. Bando, letter for you.
Oh, thanks...
Take a break?
Don't mind if l do.
-Toshiko. -Yes.
-Put some tea on. -Okay.
-Here you are. -Thank you.
To the father of 2nd Lieutenant Bando.
l daresay you're greatly surprised
to receive a letter from a female stranger.
I' m writing
to tell you of something important.
Please, overcome your surprise
and read carefully.
Thank you.
The honorable 2nd lieutenant
volunteered for the suicide corps.
But on his recent leave
he couldn't bring himself to tell you.
He didn't want you to worry.
Good afternoon.
Hello, there.
Ma'am.
Kanayama-san.
Unit 47, 2nd Lieutenant Kanayama,
reporting to Tomiya Restaurant.
This is our flight leader, 2nd Lieutenant Araki.
Araki, pleased to meet you.
He never stops talking about you.
May l make
a last request?
Last? Kanayama-san?
I' d like eggs over rice.
You silly thing.
Have as many as you'd like.
Miyako, Miyako.
Kanayama-san.
Miya-chan. You well ?
It 's been ages.
Miyako, we've got eggs, right?
Well , today...
Come here.
If it's a nuisance, don't worry...
It 's fine. Just a moment.
-Miyako. -Yes.
Mother...
Go to Muranaga-san's . Have him take this.
He won't accept cash any more.
But isn't this your New Years kimono?
Don't worry about that. Be quick.
I' ll make it especially delicious.
Ma'am.
l never met anyone nice like you in Japan.
Here, l forget I' m Korean.
You took care of me for so long,
more so than my real mother.
l can't thank you enough.
Don't be silly. l hardly did anything.
Sir, we have orders
to assemble at group HQ.
ls that so?
Eat your food, first.
But the orders are for everyone?
Wolf it down and you'll catch up.
Thank you for looking after Kanayama.
-Let's go, Matsumoto. -Yes.
l must go, too.
Kanayama-san.
Tomorrow at 5am,
you will attack the enemy task force in Kadena Bay.
Each of you will sink one ship
and achieve eternal glory.
The brigade commander will say a few words.
The war's course is at a critical juncture.
The fate of the Empire
rests on your shoulders.
At this point, our country's only salvation
lies in the human weapons of the Special Attack Corps!
To defend the nation of Nippon,
for the glory of the Japanese race,
you will hit your targets.
Got that?
Do not come back alive.
As long as you are of this corps,
survival is disloyaIty.
Good evening...
Go.
The little we did for them
was trifling indeed.
We couldn't stop them.
We couldn't comfort them.
We could merely pray
for their souls ' repose.
Colonel, may l have a word?
You seem in high spirits.
With their skills, they'll barely make it to Okinawa
much less hit an American ship.
Even naval captain Seki
only succeeded on his 3rd attempt.
Colonel, sir!
So?
Yet still , we condemn them
to die senseless deaths.
It 's already been decided,
so all we can do...
is give them courage,
help them dream and keep sending them.
Colonel!
Don't say it!
Mother dear, are you well ?
Thank you for all those years.
You raised me since l was 6,
even though you were my step-mother.
l am truly thankful.
You are so precious to me.
Sorry l didn't call you " Mom" until this point.
But now l say it aloud,
" You are my Mommy."
and as a man about to fall in battle ,
As your fiance?
these things I' d like to say to you as my woman.
All that remains is for me
to pray for your happiness.
Do not concern yourself with petty regrets.
Do not live in the past.
Be strong, forget what's gone
and look forward to a bright future
Live in the present which begins now.
At last it is time for your mission.
Nothing new need be said.
Listen men. Remember your training and stick to it.
When you ram the enemy, don't close your eyes.
Keep them open. Understood?
Understood...
That is all . Bow to the Colonel.
Bow to the Colonel.
Bow to the Emperor's Palace.
By the right, full turn!
By the left, half turn!
Helmets off.
Final bow.
We pray for your success.
Attention, all .
Unit 47 and 6 others,
leave to attack Okinawa as ordered.
Salute.
At ease.
This ends the departure ceremony.
Dismissed.
Engines start.
Thank you.
Everything all right!
-Good luck, boys. -We're counting on you!
Youngsters... never even known a woman.
Barely 20 years old yet
they give their lives for us.
They are true war heroes...
They are living gods.
Kazue, you should go to Chiran,
volunteer to take care of them.
Yes, l will .
And so these wonderful boys kept coming to Chiran
and leaving just as fast.
Some were unsure, some were afraid.
They made us sad.
Others went to die with a conviction
and resolve that was almost alarming.
This takes me back. Haven't been here for 2 years.
Oshima, you were a cadet here?
Yes. And grew up in a village just nearby.
What does your family do?
They're confectioners.
Confectioners?
Traditional candies.
My teeth were rotten as a kid.
-Let's sing, boys! -Yes.
Our unit's song.
Ladies and Gents, excuse us.
" Thunder roars from our Hayabusa engines."
" Filling the very clouds with its noise."
" The rising sun on our wings."
" And in our hearts the mark of the red eagle ."
" This is our fighter plane."
Form up.
Salute.
-There's your lunch. -Thank you.
Mother.
See you.
What shall we do?
There are no more kimonos.
It can't be helped. l couldn't charge them.
Excuse me.
l was told you might know.
I' m looking for 2nd Lieutenant Tabata.
Where is him? l need to meet him.
Oh, and you are...
I' m his wife.
Tabata-san's ?
He flew out this morning.
Kato, are you alright? You're drifting to port.
I' m alright. l can do it.
Return to base. Jettison bombloads.
Tabata, this is hopeless. We're going back.
Kanayama, back to Chiran.
Why did you return, you idiot?
In that weather, there was no way we'd make it to Okinawa.
Didn't you hear the brigade commander's words?
No matter what, corps members are to strike their targets.
Call yourself a warrior?
So dying is the most important thing?
The others made it.
You lack fighting spirit.
Transmission from Tokunoshima.
Many planes landing there.
Bad weather damaged 5.
Many emergency landings.
Darn it.
You fly again at 5 am. Dismissed.
I' m Nakanishi, unit 7 1 .
We won't be here long but nice to meet you.
Tabata, unit 47.
Nice to meet you.
Darn it.
What's the matter?
Yelled at for coming back.
All that matters is our death.
They give us crappy planes
yet call us disloyal if we can't do the job.
Araki?
Hey, Nakanishi?
Haven't seen you since flight school.
You went out?
Yeah. Never thought Colonel Azuma
would consider things like this.
Colonel Azuma? Our professor is here?
He heads the brigade.
Keeps on about how we're not to return.
Your next mission?
Tomorrow, 5 am.
Really...
In that case, let's cut loose, lads!
Okay...
2nd Lieutenant Masaya Nakanishi, born in Aizu.
My grandpa died as a White Tiger
in the Boshin Wars
so making the final sacrifice is in my blood, maybe.
-It 's genetics, l guess. Cheers. -Cheers.
I' m Sergeant Kawai from Shinshu.
l draw really well .
If you want a caricature for your honey,
now's your last chance.
Thank you!
Corporal Oshima
from just down the road.
l can translate to the locals
if need be.
My name is sergeant Kuno.
Beware the tricky spelling,
the character is often misread.
My speciaIty is the harmonica.
You're so annoying.
I' m Araki. l went through the academy with this stuffed shirt.
Tonight, let's drink our fill and beIt out songs.
Not you, you tuneless oaf.
-Cheers! -Cheers!
" You and me, blossoms on the same cherry tree"
" This air force is the garden we both share."
Ryoko-san...
You can see Tabata-san.
What do you mean?
The weather was bad so they flew back.
Really?
Really.
They've just gone up to the 2nd floor.
That's good, Ryoko-san.
That's good
Tabata-san, one moment.
Your wife is here.
Darling...
Why didn't you tell me that you'd volunteered for this?
Why didn't you tell me?
So your father knew?
That's why he wouldn't allow it?
When's your next mission?
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow?
I' m coming with you. Let me, please.
Don't be stupid.
l can't do that.
Don't die. Please. l don't want you to die.
Don't cry.
Women can but a man mustn't ...
Make me a family member.
At least leave me as your wife.
Good boy.
Ma'am, is he yours?
He's always here but he's not mine.
Can l take him?
Mother.
A visitor.
This way.
I' m 2nd Lieutenant Tabata's father.
l was told you'd know my son's whereabouts.
So l came here to ask you.
Where is my boy?
He flew already, did he?
No. Not yet.
He's with his wife.
She is not his bride.
Where is my son?
Mr. Tabata,
please leave them be.
Please.
Tonight is the only night they have for each other.
So...he flies tomorrow?
Yes.
Mr. Tabata,
Won't you allow her to join your family ?
No. That won't do.
As you'd understand if you were a parent.
Listen,
l can't make her the bride
of a man about to die.
She has a long future ahead of her.
If l let them together,
it's not fair for her parents, either.
l can't do this!
But won't you allow him to depart
with joy in his heart?
Please.
l can't .
In this case, I' ll leave without seeing him.
How can you? You mustn't .
At least meet him...
come see him off.
He will be off tomorrow.
Alright. Thank you.
Father.
My son...
May l help you?
How dare you open so late!
Curfew is at 9pm.
l know, l know.
l know that curfew is at 9pm.
But these boys fly tomorrow.
Might you turn a blind eye this once?
War heroes they may be
but rules are rules.
This picture of me,
I' d like you to look after.
If l die, l don't think anyone's going to come ask for it.
I' d like it.
My relatives all opposed my volunteering.
" A Korean needn't do so much" .
l wanted mother
to see me in an officer's uniform.
She'd saved so hard
so l could go to a top school
and evade persecution.
What happened to her?
She died 6 months ago.
l lost sight of everything.
What'll happen to my country
after this war?
What or
who am l dying for?
One thing l do know,
tomorrow l will die.
Ma'am...
May l sing you a song?
That's unlike you.
A song from my own country.
Ari-rang, Ari-rang
Ara-ri-yooh
Ari-rang hill
you're passing over
My lover
you left me behind
You couldn't make it even 10 mile
and get sick without me
-Ready -Yes...
-Ready? -Yes...
Push!
Put your backs into it.
Hurry!
Skipper, take me with you.
Forget it, you're too ill .
Come another day.
I' ll be fine. Please let me come.
l know how you feel.
We'll wait at the Yasukuni shrine.
I' ll be there. For sure.
Give this to the press officer.
Reiko-chan!
What are you doing?
The special attack corps
weren't the only ones to die.
Reiko's support team,
the girls volunteer corps, local soldiers
were killed innocently .
They all took part in the sacrifice.
Madam... Any one here?
One by one, the flyers went off.
Tabata-san departed 3 times
only to return each time.
What's your excuse this time?
Lack of power from the engine.
They were up all night overhauling it. It 's impossible .
But...
Shameless jerk!
Won't die because of love
for a woman.
You disgrace the lmperial Army.
The court-martial will eat you alive...
Start her up.
-Malfunction? -Yes.
It doesn't make sense.
You'll do a test flight tomorrow.
If we find anything suspicious you're in deep trouble .
So did he do it, or was it poor maintenance?
Pardon me, sir. Poor maintenance.
In that case...
Forgive me, sir.
You imbecile !
You will not let that happen again.
The flyers must not be given excuses!
Ma'am.
Japan will be defeated.
Japan will lose the war.
Tabata-san...
Tabata, come here.
Darn coward!
Clinging to life... aren't you ashamed?
Your unit has all gone.
Nakanishi-san, you must know.
Japan will lose.
How dare you.
-To survive is harder... -Gutless fool.
Are you that afraid to die?
Dying's easy. I' m ready any time.
-Rubbish. -It 's true!
-Japan's future is... -Shut up!
Everything's operational.
Thanks.
2nd Lieutenant Tabata!
Dying's easy. I' m ready any time.
The Navy ordered suicide attacks
-on jetties in the Philippines. -Yes.
So even then it wasn't a question
of sinking carriers...
but to show
how our flyers would keep coming, time after time.
Thus demonstrating that an invasion
of Japan itself would be no easy feat.
So us dying is the whole point.
That's right.
There's a right way
and a wrong way to lose a fight.
We protect Japan by striving
for a fairer peace settlement.
We'll lose...lose the war?
At the end, I' ll go with you.
l won't stand idly by.
Come on, Shiro.
This is my plane, kid.
Here at last. It 's all they had.
They're keeping the new ones
to repel the invasion.
A Hayabusa nonetheless.
Some go
in scout planes rigged with bombs.
Don't be choosy.
Yamada.
There's a spare Hayabusa.
Let him have it.
But that's ...
First come, first served.
l understand, sir
but the rest of my unit will be here soon.
l hitched rides on boats to get back.
l can't hang around.
My guys all did the job. Except me.
That's your tough luck.
What did you say?
Stop it.
2nd Lieutenant Bando will join your unit. Alright?
" Chiran Post Office"
What the heck's this?
You're giving me this?
We've got your plane into great shape.
Please strike the enemy
a hard blow.
" In the moonlight, at the side of the river,"
" The little bird is crying for its mother."
" Born from the land beyond the waves."
" Its wings silver with the sea's spray."
Let's become blood-sisters
for Nakanishi's crew.
What?
For valor. We draw a rising sun
with our blood.
We'll do it tonight and give it to you tomorrow.
No. Now. All of us, here.
Let's do it, then.
Let's do it.
Please wear this when you strike the enemy ships.
We all pray for your success.
Thank you.
Thank you very much.
Skipper, the Kempeitai have taken Tome-san.
Why on earth?
No idea.
Bando-san went right over there.
2nd Lieutenant Koichi Tabata,
Special Attack Unit 47.
You know about the military censor?
Well, do you?
Why do young men about to die
deserve curfews and censors?
Why did you treat them like this?
Watch your language!
What are you doing?
What it is, sir?
Jerk!
What did you say?
What the heck are you doing?
Kat-chan.
So you refuse to hand over 2nd Lieutenant Bando?
Of course we won't.
Then I' ll protest through my commanding officer.
Do what you like.
Excuse me, sir.
Kindly answer my question.
What?
Why do young men about to die
need curfews and censors?
Why did you treat them like this?
You want more punishment?
You expect them to rest in peace?
You only care about their death.
How dare you!
Disperse.
Ma'am, are you alright?
Ma'am...
Nakanishi-san.
Maybe Tabata was right all along.
Are you hurt?
These bruises are my medals.
I' m hungry.
Now, now.
I' m hungry.
Keep going. Not long now 'til we see big brother.
Hey, Toshiko.
Let's eat.
Our last letters and belongings.
I' ll take care of them.
The names are on them.
It 's a nuisance
but please mail to our parents.
You're leaving at last.
Thank you for everything.
That's my umbilical cord.
It is?
Mother gave it to me for luck
when l joined the academy.
It 'll be easier for her with something to remember me by.
- Bring him out. - Yes.
On your feet.
We got our orders. Tomorrow, 4. 30am.
How is she?
She's fine now. Go say goodbye. l just went.
I' ll go change first.
l can't go stinking like this.
Kawai-san, what are you doing there?
What is it?
Just...
Watching you... you looked like my Mom.
Thank you.
You're a true artist.
I' m flying tomorrow. Thank you for everything.
Tomorrow...
Do you get fireflies, here?
Not until it gets warmer.
Why?
My village is famous for them.
When the season comes
the river bank is alive with them.
That must be beautiful.
It is. Looks like a dream every time.
I' m going to turn into a firefly
and come back here.
Turn into a firefly?
Then l can go where l like.
Ma'am...
what does it mean to die?
When you die,
you're forgotten, right?
Nonsense.
How could anyone forget you?
Your parents, your family, me too...
will never forget you.
This one, too.
Really?
Of course. Really.
Yeah? Thank you. Are you sure?
I' m sure. Really.
I' m 19 years old.
I' ll give you the 30 more years l should 've had.
Live a long life, alright? Promise me.
Father?
Brother!
You came all this way?
Didn't think we'd get to see you.
Glad we made it in time.
Katsuji, this is an honor.
Thank you for helping our nation.
Forgive me, Dad.
Don't worry. l understand.
You know...
All the others are waiting for me
at the gates of Yasukuni shrine.
They won't go in without me.
Then hurry up and go. Don't worry about us.
Wish we could dance together one more time, though.
Right...
All in the same yukata.
- Excuse us, anyone home? - Here.
I' m 2nd Lieutenant Nakanishi and this is Corporal Oshima.
We came from Chiran.
We wanted to thank Kazue for her rising sun flag.
We're due to fly out tomorrow.
Father... Kazue... come here.
We fly out tomorrow.
I' ll wear this when l attack.
Thank you very much.
Anyway, won't you come in?
Please, do me the honor
of sharing a last drink with me.
Here, please.
Skipper, excuse me.
Hey, Oshima.
My house is nearby. I' ll go see my parents one last time.
Its an honor,
such as never seen in this household
to have a living hero with us
on the eve of his mission.
Grace us with your presence
on this your final night.
Hey, Hide!
What's wrong?
Are you going to die?
Why do you have to die?
l don't want you to!
For the nation? For Dad and Toshiko?
That's right.
l don't care who it's for. l don't like it.
Hide...
You're a big boy, right?
If you die, will Japan win?
That's right.
Look after them both, alright?
No. l won't. l hate this.
l hate this.
- Hide... - l hate this.
Let's switch.
You go eat.
Make sure it doesn't burn.
Grandpa...
Mom...
Forgive her.
It makes no difference.
Tomorrow, over Okinawa that young man will die.
We pray for your success.
Attention.
Unit 7 1 and 3 others
under Lt. Nakanishi begin our mission.
Salute.
At ease.
Dismissed.
Attention. Line up!
No matter what, don't break formation.
Our opponents won't be lightweights.
If l get hit,
follow no. 2, then no. 3.
Let's sink a carrier.
Yes, sir...
Just to confirm... when we die, we meet up
second cherry tree on the right
behind Yasukuni's main gate.
If you get there first, you must wait.
- We enter the shrine together. - Yes...
Sorry.
I' ll join the boys from my original unit.
They must be getting impatient by now.
Start engines!
There's no more to say. Thanks for everything.
Brother!
Everything's operational. Good luck.
Dad...
Do your best. I' m counting on you.
Brother...
Battle Station! Battle Station!
Head for the clouds!
Oshima!
Skipper!
Skipper, here l come.
It 's Soichi!
Soichi Kawai...
Soichi Kawai is back!
Everyone, come see.
What's wrong?
Kawai is back. Soichi...
Last night,
he said he'd come back
from Okinawa as a firefly.
Soichi...
It came back right on time,
that firefly.
A firefly about this big...
l told them it was Soichi Kawai,
Soichi Kawai came back from Okinawa.
but they all doubted me.
But we all sang that song...
" blossoms on the same cherry tree"
" though far apart, we shall fall together. "
" We all share our roots in the Yasukuni Shrine. "
" Let's bloom, fall and be reunited. "
" Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima & Nagasaki"
l know
your sadness.
I' m also here with you all
to endure the unendurable
and tolerate the intolerable
in order for peace
that will last a thousand generations.
Relying on my subjects' integrity
in protecting our divine nation.
Mama...
As l wrote in my will...
to make amends
to the 5,000 young men,
l ordered to their deaths...
Sir!
l die a painful death.
l need no help.
This...
This is my final order.
Understood?
Sir...
Kawai...
Kuno...
Oshima...
l need... to see them again.
Why only me?
The world began to change
with dizzying speed.
Once lauded " Gods of War", ex-Kamikaze
were ridiculed as "washed-up warriors"
and their comrades' deaths
were discounted as meaningless.
Which is Soichi Kawai's house?
Haru-chan, you've a visitor.
I' m Nakanishi. l was in the same unit.
Please.
Mother, a visitor.
Soichi!
My darling, Soichi...
You're back at last.
But I' m...
Come in, come in...
Mother, it's not him.
Soichi, l waited so long...
From today,
this will be the monument
to those fallen airmen.
No one mourns them
but they gave their only lives
for the nation.
We must never forget that.
" Thunder roars from our Hayabusa engines. "
" Filling the very clouds... "
Nakanishi married Kazue
and they lived nearby.
l heard things were difficuIt between them
and I' d see him off
by himself.
Then one day, 15 years after the end of the war...
Excuse me, is Tome Torihama here?
And you are?
I' m Katsuji Bando's young brother.
Kat-chan...
It 's been a long time.
Thank you for your kindness
to him.
Mr. Bando, I' m glad you're well.
I' m his sister, Toshiko.
We have something to discuss.
Come this way.
Please...
It 's been a long time, indeed.
Indeed.
- Would you read this, please? - Okay.
- Here you are. - Thank you.
My brother is alive.
On some island in Okinawa.
Kat-chan is alive...
Why won't he come back?
A Navy veteran wrote to us.
It seems Katsuji was blown clear of his plane,
rescued by the Americans
and this man met him
in the hospital.
Someone was rumored to be living alone on a deserted island.
We went out there.
Brother dear...
brother...
So 2nd Lieutenant Bando was still alive...
l wonder what happened to him
after that?
Compared to him, your lot is much happier.
It 's such a long time ago aIthough
it feels like just yesterday.
How are things at home?
l thought to start over with my wife
and it's working out well.
I' m glad to hear that.
All of us,
the fallen too, are happy for you.
The dead, too?
Of course.
Think carefully
about why you survived.
Even so... why...
what was it that
possessed us so back then?
That would be love.
No matter how the world of men changes
we're all ready to give up our lives
and dreams
for the sake of those we love.
They lived so hard only to fall
so young
and so fast.
You who survived should
live long on their behalf.
Coming from you,
it's as though I' m hearing it from my old comrades.
Everyone appreciates how hard
it is for those of you left behind.
It 's them...
they've come to see you.
Captain! Aunty!
Aunty!
Captain!
Captain! Aunty!
Aunty!
Captain!
Guys...
it's me... Nakanishi...
I' m sorry.
Thank you...
Thank you. We owe you so much.
The more l look back
the more l realize, what splendid...
what lovely young men they were.