Original subtitles

TOHO MOTION PICTURE CORP.

On some islands in the immense expanse of the Pacific Ocean,

gruesome battles were repeated by Japanese and American forces.

The Japanese garrisons confined on cut-off islands always followed

the same fate of death in action. "Choosing an honourable death rather than surrender"

was a cruel and heartless way of fighting a battle and resulted in total annihilation.

GUADALCANAL Killed in Action: 24,000

MAKIN & TARAWA ATOLLS Killed in Action: 5,400

KWAJALEIN & ROI-NAMUR ISLANDS Killed in Action: 7,900

SAIPAN & TINIAN ISLANDS Killed in Action: 39,000

GUAM Killed in Action: 19,000

IWO JIMA Killed in Action: 20,100

And on the Aleutian Islands in the Northern Pacific Ocean,

Attu island's garrison of 2,400 men chose to die rather than surrender on May 29th, 1943.

ATTU Attu island's garrison of 2,400 men chose to die rather than surrender on May 29th, 1943.

ATTU

120 nautical miles to the east,

ATTU KISKA 120 nautical miles to the east,

ATTU KISKA

ATTU KISKA 5,200 soldiers confined on the island of Kiska were awaiting the same fate.

ATTU KISKA

MIRACULOUS MILITARY OPERATION IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN THE RETREAT FROM KISKA (Taiheiyo Kiseki no Sakusen: Kisuka)

Produced by: TANAKA Tomoyuki TAMI Yasuyoshi

from CHIHAYA Masataka's screenplay "Taiheiyo Kaisen Saidai no Kisuki" by SUZAKI Katsuya

Art Direction by: Sound Mixing: KITA Takeo SHIMONAGA Hisashi Lighting by: Photography by: NISHIGAKI Rokur� NISHIKAWA Tsuruz� Sound Recording by: NISHIKAWA Yoshio

Theme song: "Kiska March" y Composer: Music b: "Kiri no Kiska" DAN Ikuma DAN Ikuma King Records Lyrics by: YOKOI Hiroshi

Sound Effects by: KANEYAMA Minoru Assistant Director: Film Processing: BANNO Yoshimitsu Kinuta Laboratory Editor: Production Manager: KOGA Shoichi FUJII Ryohei

References: "SHUKI" PHOTOGRAPHS from/by former 1st Torpedo Fleet "KIRINOKOTO" "Kiroku Shashin Taiheiy-o Sens-o shi" Staff Officer, by former 5th Garrison Chief Naval Surgeon, published by Kobunsha ARICHIKA Rokuji, KOBAYASHI Shinichiro

Cast

MIFUNE Toshiro

SATO Makoto YAMAMURA So NAKAMARU Tadao

FUJITA Susumu NISHIMURA K� TAZAKI Jun SHIMURA Takashi

KODAMA Kiyoshi HIRATA Akihiko FUNATO Jun TSUCHIYA Yoshio KUBO Akira

Director of Special Effects: TSUBURAYA Eiji

Directed by: MARUYAMA Seiji

Listen everyone! Listen everyone!

Submarine I-7, arriving today, will be

the last scheduled transportation vessel to our homeland, Japan.

The passengers from each squad

must prepare promptly and assemble at the main beach

under the orders of the chief naval surgeon.

The cut-off time for postal items is 14:30.

The cut-off time for postal items is 14:30.

Commander, I am going to go around the island to collect the postal items.

A senior staff officer is going in person?

Yes, sir. This will be the last opportunity.

Yes.

NORTH HILL ANTI-AIR RAID TROOP

NORTH HILL ANTI-AIR RAID TROOP Please take 720 pieces of mail for the North Hill Anti-Air Raid troop.

NORTH HILL ANTI-AIR RAID TROOP

NORTH HILL ANTI-AIR RAID TROOP That's a lot..

NORTH HILL ANTI-AIR RAID TROOP

NORTH HILL ANTI-AIR RAID TROOP Each man wrote about three letters on average. Now we all have nothing to regret.

NORTH HILL ANTI-AIR RAID TROOP Good.

NORTH HILL ANTI-AIR RAID TROOP - Please wait! - OK.

NORTH HILL ANTI-AIR RAID TROOP

Please take this.

Huh? What's this?

They are flower seeds.

Ohh... Will they grow in our homeland's soil?

- It won't? - We'll see.

Thank you.

Where are the postal items?

- We have none. - Why?

They all started, but...

We will not have another opportunity.

We still have some time.

Even if it is just a hair or piece of a nail that's still better than nothing.

You guys should send something to your close relatives.

Yes...

I will wait for them. So hurry.

Yes.

Thank you for your service.

A submarine will arrive soon to pick you men up.

After returning to the homeland, get well as soon as possible

so you can return to the battle line in fine shape.

- Kato... - Yes.

I am sorry that I had to amputate your leg.

But I was happy that your life was saved.

Chief surgeon...

What?

I am sorry that we are leaving the rest.

Nonsense.

There is a purpose to your return to the homeland.

The 5,200 of us that remain here in Kiska will choose to fight and die

rather than surrender.

And who would tell the true facts about Kiska to our homeland?

You men will.

Only you who are returning on the last boat can do that!

The submarine is entering the bay!

Well, I wish all of you a safe trip home. Form lines!

- Submerge quickly! - Submerge quickly!

Evacuate! Evacuate everyone!

Evacuate! Hurry!

This is headquarters. Kurosaki reports from the observation post,

that there are about 10 enemy ships to the south sea.

Ohama at the observation post, about 20 enemy ships to the south-east sea!

I-7 is submerging quickly! I-7 is submerging quickly!

The number one power generator is switching over.

The number two power generator is switching over!

What happened to the submarine?

I hope it is all right.

But it may...

Let's try sending a radio message.

Tell them, "It is too dangerous. We wish you good luck,

- go back." - Yes, sir.

- Course 80! - Course 80!

Course 80!

Captain, are we going?

If only a bag of rice or a single bullet! We are going to deliver to Kiska.

Radio message from Kiska! "Give up entering and turn back."

Captain, it is not possible to enter now!

What did you say?

Damn!

IMPERIAL HEADQUARTERS NAVAL DIVISION DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

What is going to happen to Kiska? Attu has already been honourably annihilated.

Now are we going to leave Kiska to the same fate?

Kunitomo-kun.

Consider the situation.

Including two first-class battleships,

there is an enemy fleet of 30 ships patrolling the island.

The enemy is rushing to build an airplane base on nearby Amchitka Island.

Soon they will be flying from Attu as well.

So Kiska does not have any strategic value.

Then what was the reason for taking Attu and Kiska to begin with?

It was a diversion for the Midway operation.

Then we should have cancelled the Aleutian operation when the Midway operation failed.

No.

The Aleutian operation had its own purpose.

It was a big psychological factor to affect the enemy by taking part of American soil.

It was also very helpful in raising the morale of our men.

But we no longer have Attu.

And if we leave Kiska all alone and to its fate because we see no strategic value,

5,200 soldiers would never be able to rest in peace.

It is very difficult emotionally,

but our planes and ships are all necessary to operations in the south.

But Chief of Naval Operations...

Alright, I will tell you the conclusion.

Literally, at this time of life-and-death matters,

we cannot afford to exhaust any of our fighting strength for a small island.

Chief, we have no other choice.

Kiska must become the fortress of the defence for the homeland.

And we can only pray to the last for the fortunes of war for our soldiers.

Kawashima, what do you think?

I am embarrassed as I have been in charge of the northern area.

Since the annihilation of the Attu garrison,

the 5th Fleet's submarines went into Kiska Bay a total of 13 times

to transport 125 tons of military supplies and 100 tons of food provisions.

And they also rescued 820 soldiers.

But during that time, we lost 5 boats and 4 boats were damaged.

So we finally had to stop the transportation of supplies by submarine.

Rescuing Kiska will be extremely difficult.

But if nothing is done,

all of our garrison will starve to death

in less than a month even before the enemy invades.

Can we let that happen?

No, absolutely not!

If we leave Kiska to its fate after the annihilation of Attu,

we will be shamed in the eyes of future generations.

Chief, please let us rescue Kiska.

We must combine the power of the five fleets to rescue Kiska at any cost.

Well, please sit down.

Kawashima-kun, I will let you do it.

I will talk to the Combined Fleet.

Yes, sir.

Admiral!

I have been appointed as the Chief of Operations for the Fifth Fleet as of today.

Oh, Kunitomo-kun. I am counting on you.

Yes, sir.

By the way, please send a telegram to Rabaul first.

Admiral, Kiska is to our north.

I have business to our south!

So the liaison airplane flew north from Rabaul immediately.

The newly appointed commander of the 1st Torpedo Fleet

travelled, changing planes several times

from Saipan to Tateyama, through to Ominato,

then to Paramushiro,

the northernmost point in the Kurile Islands without even knowing his mission.

From this time the destiny of the 5,200 man garrison at Kiska began to change.

PARAMUSHIRO BASE IN THE KURILE ISLANDS

FLAGSHIP OF THE 5th FLEET, THE CRUISER NACHI

Ho!

Omura! Welcome. Come on in.

Rear Admiral Omura Shotaro has just arrived now as commander of the 1st Torpedo Fleet.

Hey, that's enough formality. We were in the same class in school.

It is cold.

Yes.

You are an unlucky man to be teamed up with me

who graduated military school with the worst record in the class.

There was a man who recommended you for the position of commander of the 1st Torpedo Fleet.

Oh! Who is that?

That is me.

What? You were the one who called me?

Yes, I wanted you to take a small trip.

A small trip? I travelled from the far south to the far north.

This is not quite the furthest north.

Will I have to travel further?

Yes.

To Kiska!

KISKA To Kiska!

KISKA

Fire!

All right, fire!

Get down!

Fire! Fire! Fire!

Fire!

Fire!

Fire! Fire!

To the right, fire!

Fire!

Fire! Fire! Fire!

The Matsugasaki air-raid shelter had a direct hit. Casualties unknown.

An enemy plane was shot down.

It crashed into the communication barracks and went up in flames.

New enemy planes are attacking from the direction of Kurosaki.

This is headquarters. Report the damage.

- This is headquarters. - Roger.

Fighter planes!

They are P-38s.

Where did they fly from?

Either Adak or Amchitka...

The enemy's base near Kiska must have been completed.

The appearance of fighter planes indicate that they're on the last stage

of the attack. For the purpose of human casualties,

we can't wait much longer.

"On June 8th, a total of 120 planes...

"June 3rd..."

They were receiving severe naval gunnery attacks.

"On May 29th..."

That day, at 7:20 PM, we received the last radio signal from the neighbouring island of Attu.

"We are praying for the security of our nation

"as we order the entire force for the final attack. We will fight to the end with no surrender."

I don't want to allow Kiska to send the same message.

How about the enemy?

They say over 30 ships including 2 battleships are always patrolling around Kiska.

So it is like ten versus one...

And, if they have extended their bases to Amchitka,

they'll keep an eye on the area 300 nautical miles off the shore of Kiska.

That will make going in there very difficult.

Besides, Kiska is a part of American territory.

This will not be easy.

Do you have any plan?

Fog...

Fog?

If we use it like a smoke screen, we may be able to sneak in.

I have heard that not even a submarine could get in.

So, in a single swoop,

we must sneak in with surface vessels to effect a rescue. It is the only way.

- Under cover of the fog? - Yes.

The fog is our only ally.

But they have radar.

Yes, that is the headache.

Several times we have experienced enemy gunnery hits in the fog.

I wonder what they are thinking on Kiska.

They are saying not to come.

That makes it harder to leave them to certain death.

It is no good.

He does not even understand the gravity of the operation.

We have an outrageous man as the commander!

And the Admiral too. Is he serious about this?

Commander, did you know?

There is a bad rumour going around saying that the 5th Fleet is asleep.

Yes, I know.

Commander, please lead the "Kego Operation."

You have no trust in Omura?

He doesn't have any distinguished accomplishments on the battlefield.

The purpose of this operation is not to attack the enemy.

To start with we don't want a battle.

But when you are really fighting for your life,

men concentrating on the performance of great deeds don't handle that (pressure) well.

He is slow to act, but when he makes his decision, he always wins.

He has always been that way.

FLAGSHIP OF THE 1st TORPEDO FLEET THE LIGHT CRUISER ABUKUMA

What is your name?

Navy Petty Officer Third class, Yamashita Heihachiro!

Your nickname?

It is "Commander!"

Nice to meet you, "Senior Commander."

Yes, sir!

Commander, nice to see you, sir.

Oh! You were here.

Yes, it has been three years.

Ohh...

All ships under the 1st Torpedo Fleet are ready to leave port.

They're all eager to remove the disgrace attached to our being called "the inactive fleet."

There should be more captains here.

No, all of them are here.

We need more ships.

We need 5 more destroyers.

That is impossible.

The Combined Fleet has no more than 40 destroyers left.

And they are all spread out over this vast Pacific ocean.

They don't have any extras to send us.

I know that.

Not enough strength now?

We have only 2 cruisers and 4 destroyers.

I will talk to them, but 5 ships will be too hard to get.

How about with 2 ships?

No, 5 ships.

3 ships are probably the most I can get.

No, 5 ships!

Hey you! Accept 3 ships.

You will never get any more than that.

"If our demands are not met, just raise a white flag up a flagpole," he said.

Idiot! That's enough!

Men on watch, prepare for the shift change!

Men on watch, prepare for the shift change!

I see. He got mad.

He turned red and started to yell.

It is good to get mad once in a while.

Especially when you are at war.

Commander, it is biting.

Oh, damn!

You should be paying more attention.

Maybe we should send a radio message to Kiska.

Huh?

Tell them to fight with 'grace' and never surrender.

What?

Those men on Kiska aren't the only ones who would receive the radio message.

Those soldiers with blue eyes nearby should be listening in carefully as well.

THE RESPONSIBILITY OF DEFENDING OUR NATION

RESTS HEAVILY ON THE SHOULDERS OF THE GARRISON ON KISKA

WE PRAY FOR THE FORTUNES OF WAR FOR YOUR BRIGADE.

So they are telling us to fight till the end?

Yes, they sent it openly in unciphered text.

So they are not going to move at all.

Praying for our fortunes of war? Of course they are!

All right, we should respond.

On the night of July 15th, the day of the "Bon Festival of the Dead,"

the entire garrison of Kiska will raid

the 5th Fleet in Paramushiro as ghosts, so be prepared for us.

Go back quickly! The meal will get cold.

Ah, I am sorry.

It tastes good. Yes! This is really the flavour of life.

Squad leader, that is a tasteful comment.

We should eat now.

When the fog clears, there will be a heavy bombardment from the neighbouring island.

Hey, I will carry that for you.

I am all right.

Don't strain yourself.

This is the only thing I can do to be helpful for others.

When the enemy invades, I will only be a burden for my people.

Watch out! Get down!

Chief petty officer, Yano!

Commander, the 5th Fleet in Paramushiro is really staying in port?

Yes.

Why?

Our communications engineers intercepted a message

with the words "Kego Operation" from the Combined Fleet to the 5th Fleet.

And?

If I remember correctly,

for the withdrawal operation at Guadalcanal six months ago,

the same word, "Kego Operation" was used.

I see. You are right.

Then...

Yes.

The fleet is coming to get us?

Yes.

Commander, please tell that to everyone.

No, I shouldn't.

Huh?

If the Combined Fleet was coming with their full strength, I would.

But the 5th Fleet alone won't be enough.

Why should we give them fallacious hope?

It may be demoralizing. And I think it would be too cruel.

Chief surgeon,

please keep this to yourself.

Yes, sir.

KISKA

KISKA Then what did you do?

KISKA

KISKA In order to avoid enemy radar,

KISKA we moved toward the west side, clinging to the island.

KISKA

But it is too shallow there.

But we went through submerged. So there must be at least a depth of 20.

That was too reckless.

If you had scratched the bottom, it would have been the end.

There were a few times that I got scared.

But it is amazing that you went through that shallow area.

Commander, please let us do that again. We have to save face.

Yes... when we need you to do that again.

So the fleet is...

We are demanding 5 more destroyers at the moment.

It may be impossible, but we really need 5 more ships.

We really need 6 ships!

Please manage for reinforcements of destroyers toward the northern area.

What you are saying is outrageous.

This is a modest demand.

I just could not demand 10 ships as Omura had requested.

Please understand how hard it was to knock his demands down.

Chief, this is too outrageous.

Well, let's manage somehow.

Chief!

But we have to take your ships.

Huh?

Big ships are useless for this operation.

So we will send the 5th Fleet's heavy cruisers, Nachi and Maya, to the south.

Then what would happen to the fleet's headquarters?

You have to go on land.

Yes, sir.

They came. The destroyer reinforcements.

Only 3 ships...

No, there is another one.

Oh, 4 ships...

Ah! One more ship.

Huh?

Yes, indeed.

Ah! Another one. 6 ships!

This is great!

Hurry up!

Huh?

We have to thank the Admiral.

WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR EFFORTS

FLEET HEADQUARTERS HAS BEEN MOVED ASHORE

5th FLEET HEADQUARTERS

Commander, you are the first admiral in Japanese naval history

to have ships taken away and then having to rent a cannery as a headquarters.

Probably, I am the first in the world.

I can't stand this.

Yo!

Oh!

Kawashima, you did very well.

You shouldn't have any complaint.

But it was a bad business deal for you.

What?

You used two large ships as pawns, so you could have snatched more.

Commander, it is too imprudent!

Hey!

- But... - That's alright.

Omura, I snatched an imported whisky from the pawn shop in the red brick building.

- Oh! - Let's drink it.

Ah, that's great.

A crafty man!

We shouldn't be silent about it.

The captains of all the ships are here.

OK. Would you introduce yourselves? You can just say the name of your ship.

Cruiser, Abukuma.

Cruiser, Kiso.

Destroyer, Shimakaze.

Destroyer, Asagumo.

Kuroshio.

Hayashio.

Akigumo.

Usugumo.

Samidare.

Naganami.

- Wakaba. - Right.

Hatsushimo.

Escort ship, Kunashiri.

Yes.

You must have waited for a long time.

Commander, you are rude!

- Are you mad at me? - Of course I am.

Let's hear about it.

You could have showed your appreciation

for our admiral's efforts to get those destroyers.

The Staff Officers denounce him as an incompetent commander.

And even the officers and crew of the Nachi ridicule him. But quietly he puts up with them.

If you have no sense of gratitude, you are not qualified to command this operation.

I think of it differently.

If it was out of friendship, or if I try to repay the favour,

we would make wrong decisions.

We should not be particular about those trifling feelings.

We would fail for sure.

I will thank him later at the first instant.

But it must wait until we bring back the 5,200 men from Kiska.

Commander...

I am sorry.

Hey!

Hey!

Listen everyone!

Those who have grenades, hand them in, all of them. I will keep them.

- Collect them. - Yes, sir.

Wait! Don't hand them in!

When the enemy starts to invade, would you, chief surgeon, shoot us in person?

If you refuse, we are not handing in our grenades.

How about it?

Alright. I will shoot you!

But not until the very last minute.

If any of you try to waste your life prematurely, you will be in deep trouble. So don't forget it!

- Understood? - Yes.

Hey, everyone hand in the grenades.

Commander, please give them some hope.

You mean, announce the withdrawal from Kiska?

That is the only way to save them.

As a doctor,

it's hard to see my patients kill themselves after trying so hard to save them.

Please!

If there was any possibility of a successful withdrawal, I would.

But the island is tightly surrounded by enemy ships.

How can the fleet come near?

They cannot!

If that's the case, it is better if the enemy quickly invades the island.

It'd be more pitiful if that happens after we use up all our food and ammunition.

- Squad leader... - Mmm?

Why did he kill himself?

If each ship goes in individually, it would be easy. We can handle any thick fog.

But all of our ships must go in and then out in a very short period of time

in order for us to seize the best chance.

Alright, let's all go together.

Abukuma will go first. And all ships follow like a single stick. That's the only way.

We will have to travel over 100 hours in heavy fog...

This is quite a stunt.

It is like 13 blind men walking in single file.

If one man stumbles over, the entire line will go awry.

Fleet Staff Officer, do you have any opinion?

Therefore,

each captain of each ship, please display your superb navigational skills.

Come in.

Chief of communications entering!

We got a radio message from Kiska.

- Read it. - Yes.

"At 09:30 on June 18th, about 50 enemy ships were seen on the horizon."

What? 50?

That's more than when they attacked Attu.

The enemy is really getting serious.

They may be invading.

We may not get there in time.

Keep talking about the agenda.

Yes, sir.

After leaving Paramushiro,

the fleet will take a decoy course toward the south-east.

But we still can't avoid the possible enemy submarines lurking in the area.

So for the three days after leaving port, we must be very watchful against submarines.

Then at 200 nautical miles south-east of Kiska,

that is, at the edge of the enemy's patrol zone,

point Z, we will change course and head straight toward Kiska Bay.

Referring to the time needed to board soldiers after we successfully arrive...

as there are no piers on this shore we will need at least 5 hours.

Fleet Staff Officer, what do you think?

How about 3 hours?

That is impossible. The 5,200 men will be all over the island...

I think we will need 5 to 6 hours.

Do it in 1 hour.

Once they see us dropping our anchors,

enemy planes will arrive in under an hour.

Nothing is impossible.

In order to do that, we need to have a detailed, preliminary meeting with those on Kiska.

Because this is a secret operation, we can't send lengthy radio messages to each other.

Commander,

I will go to Kiska beforehand in a submarine.

Please let me go.

- Would you go? - Yes.

As soon as they are ready on the island, I will contact you.

What would be the code?

I'll send "Sakura" (Cherry blossoms) three times in succession.

We'll send back "Saita" (bloomed) three times in succession.

That will be the code for the fleet to leave the port of Paramushiro.

READY FOR DEPARTURE

Everything has been checked thoroughly?

Yes, in my head I have memorised every detail of the operation.

We can't have any communication once you leave here.

That's fine.

Make sure you reach Kiska.

Yes, sir.

Good luck!

How are you feeling?

It gets colder than I expected in a submarine.

The water temperature around here is near 0 degrees Celsius, even in summertime.

So it is impossible to swim in it.

Once you go into the water, you wouldn't last more than 5 minutes.

Don't scare me.

Don't worry.

The sixty eight men and myself will do our best to support you.

Captain!

Yes.

Oh! You came at the right time.

- Chief gunner... - Yes.

The successful operation of the withdrawal from Kiska

falls solely on Staff Officer Kunitomo's shoulders.

And delivering the staff officer to the island is this boat's sole objective.

- I am counting on you! - Yes. I understand.

Yes!

You came at the right time. I'm working out the strategy now.

Would you help?

The strategy for the chess game?

Yes...

Please excuse me.

Have you been angered?

No, I just worried that you might be distressed,

but now I am relieved to see that your composure is fine.

Excuse me.

I've heard that there hasn't been any contact from Kunitomo.

The expected arrival date at Kiska of the submarine passed a while ago.

The sound source is closing!

Commander, please take a look.

Today and tomorrow, this area and the route to the destination will experience intermittent fog.

But on the third day,

an area of high atmospheric pressure will move from the southwest

into the area of the Aleutians. It will cause fog for sure.

Fortunately, the line of discontinuity (ie a front) in the area of Alaska.

will keep the Kiska area under heavy fog for at least a week.

I see.

This is a most ideal fog forecast.

Commander, please order the departure.

But we have no message from the submarine.

I'm sure we'll get one on the way.

Will the island be ready on time?

They should be able to manage it by the time we get there.

We may never have this chance again.

If we miss this opportunity, we may never be able to move...

Commander, please make the decision.

Let's believe what this knowledgeable fellow says.

For me to confirm it again weather chief. You're sure about the fog?

Yes.

I am absolutely confident about it!

Staff Officer, I am sorry for wasting time on the journey.

So we delayed two days...

I am sure the fleet is waiting impatiently.

The fleet would not move until I send the radio message from the island.

JULY 7th

But Omura's fleet left Paramushiro without waiting for the radio message from the submarine.

KISKA PARAMUSHIRO POINT Z But Omura's fleet left Paramushiro without waiting for the radio message from the submarine.

KISKA PARAMUSHIRO POINT Z

KISKA PARAMUSHIRO POINT Z In the fog they commenced the advance destined for Kiska.

KISKA PARAMUSHIRO POINT Z

Going as we are, we will reach Point Z tomorrow.

Then we will not be able to go further unless we get a contact from the submarine.

Our fleet is like a mute and blind man.

But keep our ears strained.

At any time we may get a sudden contact from the submarine.

JULY 12th

It is Kiska!

Is that right? We've arrived?

Please.

No, I will view it from the deck later.

I will prepare for the landing.

- Blow the main tank! - Blow the main tank!

It seems that we'll finally get there.

Yes sir.

Captain!... The senior officer is down!

What?

From now on, I, chief gunner, Ensign Tawara, am taking command!

The shore is close. Advance!

The control room is damaged. We can't pump out the water. The boat will sink!

What?

Please hurry!

I can't go?

We're already below the surface.

Hey! Rescue team! Hurry! Hurry!

Helmsman, faster! Go faster!

- Prepare for rescue! - Yes.

Go under the launching tube!

Yes!

It is Morse code!

To the launching tube room...

Open the torpedo hatch!

Yes.

Yes.

Lower the rope!

Staff Officer, hurry!

Yes, I am going.

All right!

Chief gunner, the engine room is flooding.

Please hurry!

- Close the number 2 hatch! - Yes!

Evacuation is successful!

Close the hatch!

Commander, 3 successive signals of "Sakura!"

- So it came. - Yes, sir.

Good!

Abukuma and the fleet are already nearing Kiska.

But, because this operation must be carried out in absolute secrecy,

any radio communication is restricted.

Therefore, we can't make any contact.

And we can't specify the time of arrival because it varies

depending on the enemy situation and the weather.

So it could even be today?

They sent the signal, "Saita" from Paramushiro five days ago...

Then, the fleet may be arriving even now.

I will order the brigade to gather immediately.

No, the time of fleet's arrival, at 16:00, has been the only detail determined in advance.

But it would not hurt to gather in advance, would it?

If the enemy sees the brigade gathering, they'll ascertain our plan.

Therefore, the time to gather would be 5 minutes before the specified time.

It can't be any earlier or any later. We must keep to that time.

And what do we do if the fleet does not show up?

We standby for two hours,

then immediately return to our posts.

So we can have the hope of a return to the homeland for 2 hours in 24 each day.

And we must forget about that for the other 22 hours

and keep fighting against the enemy.

This may be very hard, but please endure.

The fleet will be here for sure!

The fog is thinning.

With a visibility of 1,000 metres it's a little risky.

Let's go about one more time and see.

Starboard 10 degrees.

Starboard 10 degrees.

Starboard 10 degrees.

How is the fuel?

It is nearing its limit.

The fleet will anchor 1,000 metres off shore.

So please prepare 13 landing craft.

If we use all we have, 15 will be available.

It may cause confusion if we overreach.

- Keep it simple, one craft per ship. - Yes, sir.

So we'll repeat the trip three times to transport all 5,200 men.

And we must do it in one hour.

One hour?

Once the fleet anchors, they are immobile.

If they're seen, enemy planes will be here from Amchitka within an hour.

Understood.

The accounting squad will be

leaving the island on the first craft, the cruiser Abukuma's

and the second craft, the destroyer Naganami's.

You mustn't bring any bulky baggage. At the time of withdrawal,

you must be in formal navy attire,

because, as navy sailors, we don't want to look disgraceful in case of the worst.

We, the anti-air raid squad, will board the ships in three separate groups.

You may forget the names of your wives and children,

but you must not forget this number!

Chief, what do we do about Taro and Hanako?

Only humans are allowed to get aboard. No exceptions are allowed.

So we are leaving them on the island?

We're even supposed to throw away the rifles when we get to the ships.

There is only one exception. The ashes of our fellow soldiers who died in battle.

All of those ashes will be received by us, the medical squad.

It is 12 kilometres from here to the assembly point.

However we can't leave our post early.

We depart one hour before the specified time.

So we will have to run.

That is no problem.

If we are getting closer to our homeland, I don't mind running at all.

Good! Dismissed!

This is great!

"To Japan! To Japan! It is an irresistible force!"...

Hey! Don't get too optimistic yet.

Yes!

JULY 16th

Radio officer! The fleet!

- Did it come? - Take a look.

This must be it.

Good, transmit the information to all the squads.

A fleet is approaching Kiska Bay 30 nautical miles to the sou-souwest.

- Wait! Wait! - Yes, sir!

You must not leave your post until the specified time.

Go back! Go back!

Return!

About face!

Stop! Don't move until HQ gives you the order!

- Go back! - Yes.

Enemy ship! Clear the area!

Withdraw!

Report the damage. Report the damage.

How about this. It's intense, isn't it?

Yes, sir.

Now you understand my feelings when I told the submarine to turn back.

Yes, I want to tell the fleet not to come too.

Don't get deceived by my leading question.

Ah, I see.

The "two hours" out of 24 begins soon.

The time for the hope of returning home.

Damn! The horizon has become visible.

We've come this far. We can't turn back now.

We are almost there. Kiska is in front of us.

Commander, let's go forward.

Wait.

Slow ahead!

Slow ahead!

Slow ahead!

Shimakaze's captain proffers his opinion. "We want you to go forward."

Signal from Asagumo, Her captain proffers his opinion. "We want you to go forward."

Every ship is keen to dash in.

Commander, all the men on Kiska are gathered and waiting for us.

Commander, give us your decision.

We are going back.

We will set course for Paramushiro. Starboard 30 degrees.

Starboard 30 degrees.

Starboard 30 degrees.

If we go back, we will be able to come back.

Then please send word to the men on the island.

No. We are in the middle of the area under the enemy's control.

Don't send any radio signals.

Yes, sir.

Starboard 30 degrees. Roger!

- Return. - Return!

Return.

Let's go back quietly.

Omura's fleet turned back even though it was so close to Kiska.

They headed back to Paramushiro.

Those men on the island will gather

again tomorrow at the beach without knowing the fleet turned back.

They will do that again the day after tomorrow.

Hurry! Hurry!

What's the matter?

This is ridiculous. It is just a waste to go there.

Shall we take a cigarette break?

Do you have a cigarette?

I have saved this one.

Damn! It got soggy with sweat.

What a waste!

I told you.

We should not be hoping for the phantom fleet.

And we should not be sweating every day for nothing.

- Idiots! - Yes, sir!

Did you forget what I told you men many times

that the entire withdrawal operation may fail because of one slacker?

Prepare, brace yourselves... and clench your teeth!

- Go! - Yes!

- Hurry! - Yes!

This is an announcement from the commander.

According to a quick radio message from Paramushiro,

the fleet gave up on entering Kiska Bay a few days ago and retreated.

Cease assembling until further notice.

I will tell them to return to their posts immediately.

Leave them alone for a while.

Fleet Staff Officer!

What is it?

We are sorry.

That's alright.

No, now we fully realize that all 5,200 of us are comrades

who must share the fate of life and death.

We really regret what we have done. Your striking us was not enough.

The two of us will keep running to the beach for the gathering every day starting tomorrow.

I see. I am glad.

The 1st Torpedo Fleet, including the flagship Abukuma, returned to Paramushiro.

and waited for another chance to depart.

How is the fog?

I think, until the end of July, there will be more opportunities.

The fuel is prepared too.

I am sure that there will be another chance to go.

But what if the enemy invades before we can go?

At this age I have learned to pray for the first time.

Please, Kawashima, pray that the enemy won't invade before we get there.

KISKA

KISKA But an American force of 35,000 men had already planned to stage an invasion

KISKA

KISKA just a few days later.

KISKA

KISKA And they had already finished assembling at their bases in the Aleutian Islands.

KISKA

Hey!

Yes, sir.

How is the fog situation?

No optimal fog is forecast.

If we wait too long, the enemy will invade.

But take a look.

This next fog will persist for only three days at most.

Report 5 days instead of 3.

Huh?

We have to push the commander.

We can't endure that the 1st Torpedo Fleet is being ridiculed any longer.

We can carry this out...

with 50% helped by the fog and the other 50% can be made up by military spirit!

But...

That's enough of the narrow-minded egghead.

Why are you wearing a military uniform?

Go!

End of the work shift in 10 minutes. End of the work shift in 10 minutes.

Come in.

Ensign Fukumoto coming in.

How is it?

Yes, sir.

Fog is forming from 200 nautical miles off the shore of Paramushiro to the Aleutians.

How long will it last?

Yes. Well...

It will last for 5 days.

I see.

You are sure.

Yes, sir!

Good. Please get off the ship.

Huh?

Your duty has ended.

We will do the rest.

What's wrong?

Commander...

Huh?

The fog won't last 3 days.

I am sorry.

Have you forgotten the professional's conscience? Have courage.

Sir... Yes!

Therefore, from now on we will limit the number of artillery shells

for each gun to three per day.

When we use up what we have, that will be the end.

They will never be replenished.

So save as much ammunition as you can in preparation for the enemy's invasion.

That's all.

Salute!

Even though ammunition and food provisions are dwindling every day,

When on the way why did you turn back?

The operation is still in progress.

The fleet is in port, inactive.

The operation is in progress, whether they are advancing by sea or staying in port,

it does not matter!

Chief!

I want you to advise Commander Omura to retire from duty.

What?

May he not have lost his nerve?

Idiot!

The man was saying that he has learned to pray for the first time.

Go back and report that Omura's fleet is in great shape!

I heard that you had a messenger from Naval General Staff.

Yes, the man was quite understanding and trusts you.

Look at this.

A liaison airplane delivered this from Tokyo yesterday.

What?

"In spite of the failure of the Kiska withdrawal operation,

"his staying on as commander of the 1st Torpedo Fleet

"is without justification for any reasonable military person.

"What is your opinion?"

This is not good, it contradicts what I just said.

Come in.

Ensign Fukumoto coming in.

- Commander... - Yes.

This time for sure.

Is that right?

According to the observation equipment,

fog already has formed to 100 nautical miles from Paramushiro.

Right.

JULY 22nd

All ahead slow!

All ahead slow!

All ahead slow!

Visibility 300!

Visibility 100!

Aft lookout to the bridge.

I can't see the succeeding ship.

Signal light!

Yes, sir.

Slightly to starboard.

Slightly to starboard.

- Starboard. - Starboard.

Shall we get closer?

No, it's too dangerous. We will hit Abukuma's butt.

My butt feels itchy too.

Shimakaze is following us, isn't she?

Signals sent from the flagship, Abukuma.

All ships, keep in frequent contact with each other using searchlights.

All ships are following us.

Yes.

Slow to 6 knots.

All ahead slow!

All ahead slow!

KISKA PARAMUSHIRO POINT Z

KISKA PARAMUSHIRO POINT Z After advancing carefully through the fog, the fleet reached Point Z,

KISKA PARAMUSHIRO POINT Z

KISKA PARAMUSHIRO POINT Z then it changed course north, toward Kiska.

KISKA PARAMUSHIRO POINT Z

Damn, they're really pounding us!

We should shoot all the bullets we have.

Yes, sir.

At that time, the men on Kiska knew that the fleet had again left port,

but their hopes for survival hadn't been renewed.

The air raids by American forces became more and more intense every day

and made them believe that the day of total annihilation was inevitably approaching.

JULY 26th

How far to the enemy ship?

10 to 20 nautical miles.

Even a weak radio signal would be too dangerous.

We'll stop all radio transmissions including ship to ship communications.

Yes, sir.

Light signal from Kiso!

Kunashiri's position cannot be determined.

That's not good.

In the worst case there may be a collision.

How long since we lost them?

Their last signal, "We are following," was 15 minutes ago.

They mustn't be too far away.

Try firing a gun.

But, in this area, the enemy ships must be near us.

If they are within 10 nautical miles, our gunfire may be heard.

They have radar.

If they can hear us, they would have found us a long time ago.

So it is a gamble,

either the enemy or Kunashiri will appear...

Yes, fire a gun.

Shall we fire another?

Please stop. It is too dangerous.

It's all right. Fire.

A black object is approaching, 20 degrees to starboard.

- That's Kunashiri! - Hard aport!

Hard aport!

Hard aport!

Watch out!

All stop!

Check for flooding!

Kiso is heading starboard, going to our starboard side.

Shimakaze is on our port, following from behind.

Aft to the bridge.

This is the bridge...

Signal from Hatsushimo. "We collided with Wakaba, but the damage is minor.

"We can continue our duties without any difficulty."

Commander, the crew space aft has flooded.

It will take one hour for emergency repairs.

One hour...

Commander!

This is a dense enough fog to make us collide with each other.

We'll get divine punishment if we complain.

But we can't stay as we are.

We have no other choice.

Those damaged ships need to go back.

This ship will stop at the current position. Hurry the repair work.

Yes, sir.

The second ship, Kiso, takes the point and leads the fleet.

The ships will recombine at Point Y,

30 nautical miles south of the southern channel.

Depart immediately.

Yes, sir.

Wakaba and Hatsushimo left the fleet as escorts for the damaged Kunashiri

and they all returned to Paramushiro.

The cruiser Kiso took the lead leaving the flagship, Abukuma, behind

and, in the fog, advanced toward the meeting point.

40 minutes have already passed.

They're using radar.

Even if blind, we should return fire.

No, it will hinder the repair work.

Commander, you don't mind dying like this?

- Hurry the emergency repairs! - Yes, sir.

Hey!

Brace the plate!

How much longer will it take?

About 15 minutes.

Is there any other damage?

No! There isn't.

Hurry!

Is the repair finished, yet?

Is the aft crew space repair finished?

Repair completed.

Good.

Run, leaving the enemy behind.

Full speed ahead!

Captain, how much longer need we wait for Abukuma?

We have been waiting for 3 hours.

If the fog clears, we will fail again.

This time we can't repeat this.

We will permanently lose the chance to rescue Kiska.

Captain, please issue the command for the withdrawal operation!

Right. We will advance on Kiska Bay!

Enemy ship, 30 degrees to port.

Prepare port for gunnery and torpedo attack.

Wait!

It is Abukuma.

TO ALL SHIPS - FOLLOW US

From this point on, we will follow Abukuma.

Full ahead!

Full ahead!

Who's that?

Ah, you were still awake.

I've been feeling uneasy.

It is a heavy fog.

Yes.

The captains must be having a difficult time.

Commander, please send the radio signal.

What?

We will guide the fleet with the radio signal.

Won't it invite in the enemy ships?

There is that danger.

But it is impossible for our fleet to enter in this fog.

The fleet may become confused at the entrance to Kiska.

They may be very close to here, just offshore...

Fine.

JULY 28th

Course 320 degrees, Kiska Bay, roger.

We received a radio signal from Kiska. Course 320 degrees. Kiska Bay.

How far?

About 20 nautical miles.

It will be easy if we just follow the radio signal.

But sending radio signals means...

Commander, please increase speed.

Retain speed!

But if we keep the same speed, we will not get in until night.

5,200 men will be waiting at the beach on Kiska today for sure.

Please go straight in.

If the enemy already knows that we are around,

they may be setting an ambush...

But Kiska Bay is the only entry point. There is only one way to get there.

Shall we go around to the west...?

Huh?

If we advance north, going very close to shore, enemy radar won't catch us.

It's too risky. We have no confirmed information about this channel.

The tide is rapid around here and there are extended shallows.

No one has gone through.

Wrong, there's a man who went through with only one eye watching through a periscope.

He is the captain of Submarine I-7.

But it will be suicidal for a fleet to form up line astern.

If we go around to the west, we will surely face the dangers of the channel.

However if we keep going straight, we may not be in danger of facing the enemy.

All ships standby at the current position.

Eh? We're going to stop?

Let's wait and see for a while.

Commander, it's only 2 hours away.

We are almost at Kiska Bay.

Please go in!

All stop!

All stop!

All stop!

10 degrees to starboard, enemy ship!

Ready for starboard side torpedo attack.

Yes, sir!

Island. Commander, it is an island.

What was it? What was that sound?

If the enemy heard that sound, they may find our location.

Commander, that is a big possibility.

The men on the island will have to wait one more day.

The fleet will circle west.

Commander, that must be a battle between two fleets.

Fleet Staff Officer, what do you think?

Yes.

This is my mistake having forced you to send the radio signal.

I am afraid that our fleet followed the radio signal to advance north

and were ambushed by an enemy fleet.

Now we can no longer expect an operation to withdraw from Kiska.

We must give up the hope of returning alive and recommence our preparation for

our final battle, avoiding surrender. Please announce that to every man.

The commander has an announcement!

Right now, our fleet seems to be engaged in an artillery battle against the enemy

on the southwest sea.

There no longer seems to be any hope of withdrawal.

But, despite the difficult war situation,

a precious fleet was twice sent for us.

We must deeply thank our home country, Japan,

and those who engaged in the withdrawal operation.

Chief, we got a radio message from Kiska.

Ah, read it.

Yes, sir.

"On July 28th, from 17:30 for three hours,

"the sounds of gunfire were heard from seawards south-east of Kiska."

What?

It seems that our fleet encountered the enemy fleet.

Is that right...

But about that time Omura's undamaged fleet

was advancing north through the uncharted waters west of Kiska.

The sounds of gunfire

was the enemy's blind gunnery attack towards the misidentified phantom fleet.

It is strange that for three hours, on Kiska, they heard the sound of gunfire.

The enemy must also be on edge.

They may have misidentified on their radar the reflection of an island as a Japanese fleet.

We misidentified an island as a ship as well...

Yes.

Commander, the decision to circle west was brilliant.

Well, it will get more difficult from here.

Please, move a little further away from land.

No, if they catch us on radar, that will be the end.

The enemy would never make the same mistake again.

We should get even closer. More! Closer!

Starboard!

Starboard!

18...

17...

Too shallow!

The distance to the quay is 70!

Port!

Port!

Captain, the tidal current is strong. Don't let it overpower us.

Yes, sir.

To starboard, a reef is near!

It is coming closer. Distance 40... 35...

Helm to starboard!

Half ahead port.

Helm to starboard! Half ahead port.

It's veered!

Resume course!

All ahead slow!

Resume course! All ahead slow!

Bow to the bridge. The fog is getting heavier.

Visibility 100.

Are the other ships all right?

- Officer on watch! - Yes, sir!

Slow ahead port!

Slow ahead port!

Starboard. Starboard!

Rudder house, starboard!

Captain, we can't control the rudder!

What... I see. Hold course!

Hold course!

Chief engineer, What happened?

Stern to the bridge. The tide is strong but erratic.

Rudder house, don't let the stern swing, keep the rudder steady!

Yes.

Captain, let me take over.

Yes, sir.

All ahead full!

Full speed, commander?

It is the only way to pass through.

Starboard!

Starboard!

Are the other ships following?

Yes, they are.

The patrol boat is leaving the mouth of the bay.

That is odd.

They may be joining with the fleet from last night.

Yes.

It is a new enemy fleet.

What?

They are going south from the northeast.

How many?

From 8 to 10.

They are switching shifts.

We may sustain short range naval gunnery attacks from them.

Yes.

Announcing the present situation.

The enemy fleet is heading south from the east.

Each lookout post maintain watch on high alert.

Chief, isn't that the sound of an engine?

Yes.

This is the Matsugasaki lookout post. We can hear the sound of a ship's engine.

Hah! A bugle!

That is the bugle sound for entering port!

- The fleet! - The fleet!

I'm ceasing radio silence. Send this message...

"We will be entering the bay 4 hours earlier."

Hurry! Hurry! If we are too slow we may be too late.

You will have stomach trouble if you eat it all at once.

Eat sparingly so that it will last a long time.

And run away when the bombs fall.

Ah... A ship!

Ah! They have assembled.

Ah! There's another one...

Squad leader, there are now 4 ships.

Is that right?

Ah! 5 ships!

- Stop engines! - Stop engines!

Drop anchor.

Each boat, start the engine!

- Go on board! - Go on board!

Keep a careful watch for air raids and submarines.

Hey! Hey! Hey!

Lower the ladders!

Throw away your rifles!

Hurry and get on board!

Pull them up!

Hey! Anyone still here?

Anyone still here?

Salute!

Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!

You were still here!

Currently, at 12:40, it seems there are no enemy ships near Kiska.

- Yes, let's go! - Yes, sir.

Let's go!

All are evacuated!

Good. Thank you.

The last boarding craft just left the island.

Yes.

Commander, the entire withdrawal has been completed.

It has been only 55 minutes since dropping anchor.

Good. Let's go back.

Prepare to depart!

Start moving slowly.

All ahead slow!

All ahead slow!

All ahead slow!

Commander...

Akitani-san, I appreciate your long service on the island.

Thank you.

Kiska island's garrison, 5,183 men are...

That is all of them? Is that correct?

Yes, sir.

All of them with the ashes of the 115 deceased are here.

Staff Officer, Kunitomo...

Yes, sir.

Thank you.

Sir...

Raise the speed to Level Two.

Full ahead!

Full ahead!

Full ahead!

ON JULY 29th, 1943, THE FLEET, INCLUDING ABUKUMA, HEADED FOR

PARAMUSHIRO AFTER RESCUING THE 5,200 MEN OF THE KISKA GARRISON

ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER, AMERICAN FORCES CARRIED OUT THE INVASION

WITH 35,000 MEN AND THE SUPPORT OF 100 SHIPS.

THEY FOUND NO JAPANESE FORCES EXCEPT FOR TWO DOGS

AFTER ATTACKING THEMSELVES WITH FRIENDLY FIRE FOR 2 DAYS AND NIGHTS

Translation by Jiro Matsuki THE END