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How Sea-borne Kamikazes Factored Into Japan’s Final Defense Plans
The Shinyo suicide boat
During the final phase of World War II in the Pacific, Japan started employing kamikaze aircraft to devastating effect. Hundreds of Americans lost their lives to suicide attacks as heavily laden planes plunged into the top decks of the US navy’s best ships. After the Japanese high command saw how effective kamikaze attacks were, there was no going back. This was how they were going to make their final stand. Banzai charges. Garrisons willing to die to the last man. Pilots carefully steering their planes into the sides of military ships.
This was the bushido way. This was the oriental mettle. This was the Yamato spirit. Even if they couldn’t win, Japanese honor demanded that everyone give their all to the last before giving in.
Most people are familiar with kamikaze planes, but few people are familiar with shinyo boats.
Shinyo Suicide Boats
Unlike kamikaze planes, shinyo boats were specifically designed to be suicide craft. These small boats were designed to be piloted by one man, could reach speeds of 30 knots…
