Original subtitles

I hope our new Commander-in-Chief isn't the coward they say he is.

Whatever they say, Yamamoto is the kind of leader we need.

He believes in the value of the airplane.

But why a Vice-Navy Minister for such an important position?

Maybe the climate in Tokyo was detrimental to Yamamoto's health.

The Army is against him for opposing their policies.

So he runs away to sea. Now he has the entire fleet to guard him.

This order makes you Commander-in-Chief.

The Imperial fleet consists of--

Save your breath, Yoshida. Those details are in the documents.

You haven't changed!

With the Army controlling politics...

...your job as Navy Minister will be difficult.

Thank God you're here.

We know your life has been threatened.

I'm not that easy to kill.

Army hotheads are demanding an alliance with Germany.

That would be tragic for Japan.

As Navy Minister l will...

...continue to fight with the Army.

You are our last hope, Yoshida.

The Navy must stand firm against the alliance.

America is against the war we are waging in China...

...and angry that we are negotiating with the Germans.

Now we are threatened with an embargo of the raw materials we need.

Either we improve relations with the U.S. and withdraw from China...

...or find another source of raw materials here in Indo-China.

Why worry about threats from America?

President Roosevelt's attention is on Europe...

...where Germany is winning a quick victory over the Allied Armies.

Now is the time to strike.

The British, the Dutch and the French are withdrawing their forces...

...from Southeast Asia to strengthen their armies in Europe.

We must be careful.

The Americans have an Army in the Philippines...

...and they have moved their Pacific Fleet from San Diego to Pearl Harbor.

Yes, and that fleet is a knife leveled at Japan's throat.

Excellent!

Who is in command of those torpedo planes?

Lt. Commander Fuchida, sir, from the carrier Akagi.

Send him this message from me.

"Congratulations on brilliant torpedo attack."

lf we are forced into a war with America...

...Japan's only hope...

...is to annihilate the American Pacific fleet at the outset.

I wonder if we could use torpedo planes at Pearl Harbor?

Frankly, sir, l was stunned when l heard of your proposal.

You think the plan is reckless?

You suggest using torpedo planes against the American Fleet...

...but Pearl Harbor is too shallow for that.

Taranto is also a shallow harbor...

...but the British torpedoed and sank three ltalian battleships there.

I know as well as you do that my plan is a gamble.

And it's risky, but we have no choice.

What l need immediately is a plan for such an attack.

Then we should consult with Genda...

...the new Air Staff Officer on the Akagi, a superb strategist.

Yes, l remember Genda. We'll talk to him.

Glad to see you, Genda.

So this is the new Zero?

Type 21, with folding wings.

This means we can carry more fighters now.

This Zero is fast, maneuverable and has a long cruising range.

Better than the Messerschmitt or Spitfire?

Definitely. I've seen both in combat over London.

You outrank me, so it must be true.

Now that you're Staff Officer here, things will be tough.

You don't have to worry, you won't be here.

You're going to the Third Fleet with a promotion.

The Commander-in-Chief must think you're good!

Of course he does! And I've got proof!

Here is his telegram. Want to read it?

"Gandhi" is still in hiding, sir.

A strange man, he works in his cabin like a hermit.

But he should be here.

Watanabe, go and ask him to join us.

When "Gandhi" concentrates on a plan, he is lost to this world.

Please don't bother me! This is important...

...so I'm not going.

Genda's plan for attacking Pearl Harbor...

...is foolproof. It's brilliant!

He stresses the importance of combat aircraft.

Just think of it.

We use six aircraft carriers...

...torpedo planes...

...high-level bombers, dive bombers.

Zero fighters for cover...

...go by the northern route, use the new torpedoes...

...we attack on a weekend.

Genda has thought of everything...

...refueling...

...the weather....

I feel like a damn fool.

Without even consulting me...

...our Army has decided to occupy lndo-China.

There is no hope for peace now.

I've said it before and I'll keep on saying it...

...if we fight the Americans, we can't stop at Hawaii or San Francisco.

We'll have to march into Washington...

...and dictate peace terms in the White House!

Army hotheads who speak so lightly of war should think about that!

As I'm no longer Minister of the Navy, I can do nothing.

I'm sorry.

Don't blame yourself. The Army leaders are at fault, not you.

I must get back to the fleet. There is a lot to be done.

Today's war games...

...of a theoretical attack on Pearl Harbor...

...clearly show the need for six carriers in the attack force.

The General Staff...

...wants to limit us to only three carriers.

We must have six!

lf we reduce our striking force...

...from six carriers to only three...

...our mission will fail.

Before attacking anything else, we should attack our General Staff.

We believe in aircraft, but they cling to the ancient theory...

...that decisive naval engagements must be fought between battleships.

Unless we dispel this myth...

...we'll never get their approval.

They are not the only believers in the "battleship theory."

Many officers here today also support the idea.

I'm one of them. We'll soon have two new unsinkable battlewagons...

...each with a displacement of 64,000 tons and huge guns.

Anything that floats can be sunk! The "unsinkable" ship is a myth.

The war in Europe is being decided by the airplane.

There can be no victory on land or sea, without control of the air!

I have been chosen to command this task force.

And l consider this operation risky.

How can we travel 3500 miles to Hawaii without being detected?

This mission will fail unless we achieve complete surprise.

My ships can't carry fuel for a trip there and back.

Stopping to refuel increases the possibility of detection.

I am confident that our ships will reach Hawaii safely.

You are too cautious. The case for using six carriers is sound.

To criticize the plan is defeatist!

No more bickering! As long as l am Commander-in-Chief...

...Pearl Harbor will be attacked!

I am aware that this is a dangerous gamble.

But we can't afford the luxury of playing it safe now!

Gentlemen, whether we adopt this plan or not is no longer an issue.

Let us now decide how best to carry it out.

Fuchida's back! Fuchida's back!

Fuchida! What a surprise!

I'm your new Air Commander, so treat me well.

You're joking. How did you rate another promotion?

Well, exceptional people get exceptional treatment!

This ship is crawling with Admirals.

Something important must be happening.

We have called you here...

...to explain the purpose of a new training program.

This, of course, is a matter of strictest secrecy.

It looks just like Pearl Harbor, doesn't it?

And that area down there looks like Ford lsland, eh?

Beautiful!

Navy pilots attract geisha girls but they frighten the fish.

It's hard to believe the Emperor agreed...

...to fix a date by which the final decision must be made...

...between war and peace.

His majesty's signature is a mere formality.

The cabinet is responsible for all matters of national policy.

The Emperor recently read a poem to his Ministers to show how he feels.

"lf all people are brethren...

...then why are the winds and the waves so restless?"

"lf all people are brethren...

...then why are the winds and the waves so restless?"

This clearly shows how much the Emperor wants to avoid a war.

Yes, he has urged us to solve our differences with Washington.

But, sir, the deadline is October. Can a solution be found by then?

Perhaps. But if we fail...

...if war does come...

...tell me frankly, from the Navy's viewpoint...

...what are our chances against the Americans?

lf we must, we can raise havoc with them for a year.

After that, l can guarantee nothing.

Mr. Prime Minister, l hope you will continue the negotiations.

Please remember, there is no last word in diplomacy.

Tokyo has ignored my repeated inquiries...

...and still has made no reply...

...to the compromise proposals offered by Secretary Hull.

The war that l have dreaded for so long...

...may soon become a reality.

You will sail from Hittakopu Bay on November 26 under my strict orders.

The code, "Climb Mt. Niitaka" will be confirmation to go on.

We have tentatively set the date for the attack...

...on Sunday, December 7th, Hawaiian time.

But you must understand that we are still negotiating in Washington.

lf a peaceful solution is found...

...the fleet will be recalled at once.

Once at sea, to turn back would be a disgrace!

It would destroy the morale of the men!

They're in a high state of readiness, physically and psychologically.

Enough! lf any commander is inclined to reject an order to return...

...when the path for peace is open...

...let him resign now!

Finally, gentlemen...

...many misinformed Japanese...

...believe that America is a nation divided, isolationist...

...and that Americans are only interested...

...in enjoying a life of luxury...

...and are spiritually and morally corrupt.

But that is a great mistake.

lf war becomes inevitable...

...America would be the most formidable foe that we have ever fought.

I've lived in Washington and studied at Harvard...

...so l know the Americans are a proud and just people.

As you know, after the Cabinet decided to send Japan to war...

...they held an lmperial Conference at the palace.

His Majesty, who participated in this conference...

...which is a mere formality...

...was depressed and silent all through the meeting.

Today His Majesty will ask the customary questions about the war...

...and you will make the traditional replies.

There can be no more tragic ritual than this conversation...

...between His Majesty who does not want war...

...and Your Excellency, who has opposed it so vigorously.

As Minister of the lmperial Household...

... l am not allowed to attend this ritual.

Fortunately for me...

... l won't have to witness this tragic ceremony.

I can go no farther.

The Military Attaché will take you from here.

Sir, a message!

"From Admiral Yamamoto, Commander-in-Chief, Combined Fleet...

...to Admiral Nagumo, Third Fleet...

...climb Mount Niitaka."

Hostilities will begin on December 7th...

...exactly as scheduled.

"lntelligence Report, U.S. ships now at Pearl Harbor...

...six battleships, three light cruisers...

... 16 destroyers and one aircraft carrier."

No information about the other American carriers.

You know today's date?

December 1st.

Yes, but tonight will be November 30th.

When we cross the lnternational Date Line...

...we'll push the clock ahead five hours...

...and turn the calendar back a full day, making today yesterday.

Don't be silly! Today can't change into yesterday!

You're not too intelligent but I'll try to explain...

...so listen carefully. It's a little before 1300 hours, right?

So why are we making supper at this hour?

1300? lt should be lunchtime.

Right! And the Date Line makes up for that time difference...

...by turning today into yesterday.

I don't quite understand, but if we see the enemy across that line...

... l guess it would be useless to shoot at them.

Because how can today's shells hit yesterday's enemy?

"Only specially screened members of your communications staff...

...are to be permitted to process the 14-part message...

...and prepare the typed translation."

It will be difficult without the help of a skilled typist.

The situation right now is extremely delicate.

We must be prepared...

...to have each part of the message decoded as soon as it comes in.

I'll alert the code room.

We'll reach Point D soon, sir.

From Point D proceed to Point E. Battle speed.

So this is the sound of Hawaii?

Disappointing news, our main targets, the American carriers...

...have left Pearl Harbor.

Once more!

Steady.

Great! We just sank the Nevada!

Pennsylvania!

Oklahoma!

No, you idiot! It's your own flagship!

The Commander-in-Chief has sent a message...

...wishing us good luck.

That, plus the lmperial Proclamation...

...has undoubtedly stirred your loyalty to the Empire.

The success of this mission...

...depends on surprise. lf we achieve it...

...the code words "Tora, Tora, Tora," will be sent out.

Now that the hour for battle draws near...

...I will not burden you with the usual pep talk.

Instead I shall hoist the famous "Z" flag...

...beneath which, Commander-in-Chief Togo led his fleet to victory...

...in the historic battle against the Russians.

Why is this so important?

Does this Roosevelt message say anything new?

It merely proposes a heart-to-heart exchange...

...between the two Chiefs of State.

It could start negotiations afresh.

It's too late for that.

It's just as well the message didn't come a day or two earlier.

What do l tell Ambassador Grew?

You are Foreign Minister!

Report to the palace alone with the message.

Here is another part of the message, sir.

We are instructed to submit the message at 1 :00 p.m. today.

One p.m.?

The men are in good spirits, sir. They are eager to go.

Yes, they are eager because they do not know the taste of battle.

The mechanics asked me to give you this for good luck at Pearl Harbor.

Bring her into the wind.

We will follow that ship into Pearl Harbor.

The sunburst reminds me of our flag, a good omen.

Hey, I'm picking up Honolulu on the radio.

Check your direction-finder dial.

It's coming from five degrees to port, sir.

Okay, keep riding that beam.

Our ultimatum should be delivered in Washington before the attack begins.

I hope everything is on schedule.

Don't worry, sir. The Emperor insists...

...that we follow the rules of the Geneva Convention.

Our declaration of war will be delivered...

...at 1 :00 p.m., 30 minutes before the attack begins.

The typing still isn't finished.

We'll have to postpone our 1 :00 appointment with Secretary Hull.

Warrant Officer Mizuki, signal all planes, "prepare to attack."

A signal from Fuchida, "objective sighted, preparing to attack."

Everything is strangely quiet.

The American anti-aircraft batteries haven't fired a shot!

And no enemy fighters over the harbor, sir!

We've done it!

Send the message: "Tora! Tora! Tora!"

"Tora! Tora! Tora!"

A message from Flight Leader Fuchida.

"Have inflicted serious damage on numerous battleships."

Better than we had dreamed!

Where are our priority targets...

...the American carriers?

Battleship on the left, sir!

It's the Nevada. She's making a run for the sea!

lf we sink her in the channel, the harbor will be blocked for months!

What's the matter? Why in hell doesn't the next wave take off?

But, sir, no one has given the order.

We've knocked out the American airfields...

...sunk four battleships, heavily damaged three more.

Sir, Rear Admiral Yamaguchi's carrier has signaled!

"Attack group ready for takeoff."

Unfortunately, the American carriers were not at Pearl Harbor.

Since we don't know where they are...

...we can't use our limited supply of fuel to look for them.

We must not forget that enemy submarines will be searching for us.

We have been lucky so far.

No take-off signal yet?

There is a signal now!

It says, "All ships head for Japan as soon as our planes return."

It can't be!

It must be a mistake!

We cannot turn back now.

We must destroy the American carriers and their dry docks...

...no matter how long it takes!

You're wrong. Our mission has been completely accomplished.

This task force is vital to us. It is my duty to return it intact.

This war is just beginning.

We have a long way to go.

Here is an announcement from the Navy Department, released December 7th.

"Before daybreak today, the Imperial Navy successfully launched...

...a large-scale air raid against the American Pacific Fleet in Hawaii."

We salute the Commander-in-Chief of our Fleet...

...Admiral Yamamoto.

I had intended to deal a fatal blow to the American fleet...

...by attacking Pearl Harbor...

...immediately after Japan's official declaration of war.

But according to the American radio, Pearl Harbor was attacked...

...55 minutes before our ultimatum...

...was delivered in Washington.

I can't imagine anything...

...that would infuriate the Americans more.

I fear all we have done...

...is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.