Original subtitles

THIS MOVIE WAS MADE BASED ON HISTORICAL FACTS ALONG WITH ITS CREATORS' IMAGINATIONS

THEREFORE SOME OF THE CHARACTERS AND SITUATIONS IN THE MOVIE ARE FICTITIOUS

TOHO FILMS, LTD

FEBRUARY 26th, 1936 (SHOWA 11)

- At dawn of this day one faction of young officers

who were concerned about the indignation and the public opinion

of the citizens toward political corruption and degradation of the upper echelon of the military

led 1,400 noncommissioned officers and soldiers

to revolt by advocating the imperial system of government.

- Heaven's Punishment!

PRIME MINISTER, OKADA KEISUKE, KILLED IMMEDIATELY (Misidentified)

- Please don't shoot!

Shoot me if you must shoot.

- Heaven's Punishment!

INNER MINISTER, SAITO MINORU KILLED IMMEDIATELY

- Heaven's Punishment!

INNER MINISTER, SAITO MINORU KILLED IMMEDIATELY

- Traitor!

FINANCE MINISTER, TAKAHASHI KOREKIYO KILLED IMMEDIATELY

- Please wait!

- Move!

Heaven's Punishment!

SUPERINTENDENT-GENERAL OF EDUCATION, WATANABE JOTARO, KILLED IMMEDIATELY

- We are taking your life!

- Please do not finish him.

GRAND CHAMBERLAIN FOR THE EMPEROR, SUZUKI KANTARO, SEVERELY INJURED

- Since that day Japan hastened toward the beginning of the war

REVERE THE KILL THE EMPEROR

TRAITORS

REVERE THE EMPEROR REFORMATION ARMY

THE TUMULTUOUS HISTORY OF THE SHOWA ERA

THE TUMULTUOUS HISTORY OF THE SHOWA ERA

THE MILITARISTS (Gunbatsu)

THE MILITARISTS (Gunbatsu)

- Unless we clear the corruption in the world of politics and finance

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, OFFICER OF THE BUREAU OF MILITARY AFFAIRS

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, OFFICER OF THE BUREAU OF MILITARY AFFAIRS

and indecisive Foreign policy,

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, OFFICER OF THE BUREAU OF MILITARY AFFAIRS

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, OFFICER OF THE BUREAU OF MILITARY AFFAIRS

Japanese citizens would not be saved.

Japanese citizens would not be saved.

The new cabinet must carry out the fundamental reorganization

of its own personnel and achieve military preparedness in an aggressive and forceful way.

PRIME MINISTER HIROTA KOKI

PRIME MINISTER HIROTA KOKI

Men like Yoshida Shigeru, Shimomura Hiroshi should never become members of the cabinet.

Men like Yoshida Shigeru, Shimomura Hirushi should never become members of the cabinet.

This is the request from the entire military.

Prime Minister!

You don't care if hard liners carry out another revolt like the February 26 Incident?

- Lung Live Emperor!

Banzai!

EXEOUTIONS OF THE MASTERMINDS OF THE FEBRUARY 26 INCIDENT

Banzai!

EXECUTIONS OF THE MASTERMINDS OFTHE FEBRUARY 26 INCIDENT

EXEOUTIONS OF THE MASTERMINDS OF THE FEBRUARY 26 INCIDENT

- Long Live Emperor! Banzai!

- Lung Live Emperor! Banzai!

- Lung Live Emperor!

Banzai!

- Lung Live Emperor! Banzai!

- Lung Live Emperor!

Banzai!

- The coup d'etat had failed.

But...

- Their deaths would never be wasted.

We will pick their bones.

- That's right!

We are all distressed about the future of our country!

- But the method was wrong.

They merely blew up their temporal passion.

- Then what do we do?

Political parties are only concerned about their party interest

and capitalists are only concerned about their personal gain.

Only us military would sacrifice our own lives!

- Without change, a political revolution may occur.

- That's why we must do it.

People of this nation are now aware that the military would rise when occasion demands.

And their fear in the world of politics and finance are immense.

So we will do this legally using their fear.

We will move the politics using the organizational capability of the military.

So the military will become the driving force for the nation's reform.

That will be our way.

- It is not the time to revolt within our country.

The Soviets up north are reinforcing their military power steadily with their

"Five-Year plans for the National Economy."

- Americans and British are exerting pressure from the south.

- Now we must build a great national defense as soon as possible

and establish Japanese domination power in Asia before it would be too late!

= That's right!

- First, we must build

our lifeline in Manchuria at the same time we will totally control the Chinese continent.

We will strike them thoroughly

if Chiang Kai-Shek's people's National government would not stop disobeying.

That is the plan.

THE SERIOUS TURN OF EVENTS CAUSED FROM THE MARCO POLO BRIDGE INCIDENT

THE SERIOUS TURN OF EVENTS CAUSED FROM THE MARCO POLO BRIDGE INCIDENT

- On Jufy 7th of the year? 937,

- On July 7th of the year1937,

near the Marco Polo Bridge,

the Second Sine-Japanese War has broken out.

In August of the same year,

the government announced the non-expansion policy for the war

But 7bjo organized an army corps himself and advanced.

CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE KANTO MILITARY, TOJO HIDEKI

But Tojo organized an army corps himseff and advanced.

CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE KANTO MILITARY, TOJO HIDEKI

CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE KANTO MILITARY, TOJO HIDEKI

He occupied the entire Inner Mongofia.

CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE KANTO MILITARY, TOJO HIDEKI

- The war spread to the whole of China.

On December 13th of the same year,

the Japanese military occupied the capital, Nanking.

PEOPLE'S GOVERNMENT

But Chiang Kai-Sheks People's National government

refieated to the outback in Chunking, and resisted exhaustively.

The war in China was dragged into a bottomless mire.

In September 1939,

Hitler ordered the invasion of Poland.

That was the beginning of the Second World Wan

SEPTEMBER 1939 THE GERMAN MILITARY INVADES POLAND

SEPTEMBER 1st BREAKING THROUGH THE FRENCH BORDER

ON MAY 15th 1940 HOLLAND SURRENDERS

ON JUNE 14th THE GERMAN MILITARY ENTERS PARIS TRIUMPHANTLY

ON JUNE 14th THE GERMAN MILITARY ENTERS PARIS TRIUMPHANTLY

In the earfy summer of 1940,

ON JUNE 14th THE GERMAN MILITARY ENTERS PARIS TRIUMPHANTLY

the successive reports of success of the blitz tactics of the German military

impacted the sfiuggling Japanese army fighting in the Second Sine-Japanese Wan

- Marvelous!

Germans are really marvelous.

- They will cross at Dover and invade the main British Islands soon.

British unconditional surrender will be a matter of time.

- The world is changing.

Now is the time Japan should form an alliance with Germany to build the new world order.

- By forming an alliance with Germany,

we will get the resources from the British and Dutch colonies in the south.

Oil, rubber, tin... We will be able to secure those military supplies.

- If we control the British and French, they will not be able to aid Chiang Kai-Shek.

We can finish off the people's government. We will end the war with a single swoop.

- But America would not remain silent.

- It's the opposite.

If Germany and Japan form an alliance, America will not be able to meddle easily.

- So now, who would oppose the triple alliance?

- Those who believe in a conciliatory policy towards Britain and American. Yonai's cabinet!

- Well, we can't waste any time. We will take extreme measures.

- We are not getting anywhere with Yonai.

ADJUTANT GENERAL - DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY - We are not getting anywhere with Yonai.

ADJUTANT GENERAL - DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

ADJUTANT GENERAL - DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY We are going to defeat the cabinet.

We are going to defeat the cabinet.

DUKE - KONOE FUMIMARO

DUKE - KONOE FUMIMARO - Defeat them?

DUKE - KONOE FUMIMARO

- That's right.

The Army minister will resign.

Then the military will reject the recommendation for the successor.

Therefore the cabinet will collapse without an Army minister.

- Well, that is not peaceful.

- That is inevitable.

The situation is very urgent.

Duke, I want you to run as the candidate once again.

- No, I can't do that.

- The entire military will support you.

And we will select the best man for the Army minister.

COMMANDER OF THE COMBINED FLEET YAMAMOTO ISOROKU

COMMANDER OF THE COMBINED FLEET YAMAMOTO ISOROKU

- No matter what the Army says, we cannot form any alliance with the German military.

- No matter what the Army says, we cannot form any alliance with the German military.

- Of course I am against it as well.

PRIME MINISTER YO NAI MITSUMASA

- Of course I am against it as well.

PRIME MINISTER YO NAI MITSUMASA

PRIME MINISTER YO NAI MITSUMASA

If we form an alliance with Germany,

PRIME MINISTER YO NAI MITSUMASA

PRIME MINISTER YO NAI MITSUMASA

it will automatically develop into war against America and Britain.

It will automatically develop into war against America and Britain.

- We have no chance of defeating them at all.

If we start a war against America,

the whole of Japan will probably burn.

If we compromise with them, we will ruin Japan.

Prime Minister...

Please!

- Yes, I know.

But there are too many of them dazzled by the German's momentum.

I am not even sure how long I would be at the position of prime minister.

- No... Prime Minister, please stand firm.

YONAPS CABINET HAS FINALLY RESIGNED

YONAPS CABINET HAS FINALLY RESIGNED

- After opposing formation of the triple affiance of Japan, Germany and Itafy

YONAPS CABINET HAS FINALLY RESIGNED

Yonafs cabinet was defeated with pressure from the Army

YONAPS CABINET HAS FINALLY RESIGNED

IMPERIAL ORDER IS GIVEN TO DUKE KONOE

SENIOR STATESMEN, MILITARY, GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR REACH CONSENSUS

MAINICHI NEWSPAPER EDITORIAL OFFICE

- Hello, this is the politics department.

Yes.

Mr. Arai...

- Yes, hello...

Go ahead.

Army Minister?

Tojo Hideki...

Lieutenant general, 57 years old.

- Hey, come on!

- He is from Tokyo... Huh? Shipping Bureau minister?

Prime Minister...

Huh?

Yoshida Zengo... 56 years old?

- We are in a difficult situation.

- Now Tojo took office as the army minister with great expectations from the miiitary.

- We finally made the first step.

We can congratulate ourselves for this accomplishment.

- The new minister will work energetically.

He is known as "Razor Tojo."

- The minister will be here now.

- I am Tojo.

Since I was appointed as the Army minister,

I will devote myself to the resolution of the Second Sine-Japanese War

and the formation of the "Ordre Nuuveau" for East Asia.

I appreciate your cooperation.

- Minister!

In order to achieve that, please form an alliance of Japan-Germany-ltaly.

- If we team up with Germany and control French Indochina, Chiang Kai-Shek will be finished.

- I already know that.

JAPANESE MILITARY- OCCUPATION OF FRENCH INDOCHINA

- On September 27th, the fiipartite Pact of Japan-Germany-Italy was formed.

UNITED STATES PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT

UNITED STATES PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT

Because of that, American feefings toward Japan deteriorated considerabfy

Because of that, American feelings toward Japan deteriorated considerably.

As a result, the Pacific Ocean was covered with dark clouds.

JANUARY 1941 - BATTLESHIP NAGATO

- Attacking Pearl Harbor? That seems to be too abrupt.

- I am against it too.

I am wishing that would not happen more than anyone.

CHIEF OF STAFF, 11th AIR CORPS OF THE AVIATION FLEET ONISHI TAKIJIRO

I am wishing that would not happen more than anyone.

CHIEF OF STAFF, 11th AIR CORPS OF THE AVIATION FLEET ONISHI TAKIJIRO

CHIEF OF STAFF, 11th AIR CORPS OF THE AVIATION FLEET ONISHI TAKIJIRO

- Then you should just abandon that plan.

CHIEF OF STAFF, 11th AIR CORPS OF THE AVIATION FLEET ONISHI TAKIJIRO

- Then, can you stop the war between Japan and America?

Well... Try to examine it.

I have not told anyone about this. I wanted to hear your opinion first.

- I would oppose it no matter how much I examine.

That is too big of a gamble.

- The war between Japan and the US would be a big gamble.

We have no chance of winning.

- Chief, is there any way to avoid it?

- It is impossible the way it is now.

The Japan-US trouble will run its course.

And there is no one with enough wits to stop it now.

Only way to survive is to

knock the enemy down at the opening battle

and create the opportunity for an advantageous reconciliation.

That's the only thing we can do.

- On June 22nd 1941,

Germany abruptly abandoned the invasion of England

started advancing to the east and attacked the Soviet Union intensely.

- Your Excellency, it is a great opportunity.

It is the best chance to defeat the Soviets by cooperating with the Germans.

- I think we should prepare for attacking the Soviet Union from both sides.

- We should send 4 divisions to the Soviet border to make them a 16 division force.

- Let's do it, Your Excellency!

- We should officially announce to start the great military exercise by the Kanto corps.

Please give us your approval!

- Fine. I approve.

- Yes, sir!

- But this must be just a military exercise.

Don't forget that.

THE GREAT MILITARY EXERCISE BY THE KANTO CORPS

- Deputy Chief... If the Army starts attacking the Soviets in the north,

the Navy will only be assisting by sending the destroyers to guard transporting ships.

Giving preference to the Army will escalate even more.

- Besides, the Army is only helping Hitler.

- Deputy Chief, the Navy should not be remaining just as spectators.

- To acquire the resources such as oil and rubber,

we should proceed with operations to the south.

- As General Staff of the Navy,

we want you to establish the policies of advancing south.

- As long as we do not start a war against America,

I support the idea of advancing south.

- Section Chief, we should advance south with preparedness for starting a war with America.

It is for the self-sufficiency and self-defense of Japan.

- On July second as an Imperial Council was held the following decisions were made:

in the compromised agreement between the Army and the Navy

In the north, they would observe the battle between Germany and the Soviets.

And in the south, negotiate with the defeated French government

for military occupation of southern French Indochina.

THE IMPERIAL MILITARY IS SENDING TROOPS To FRENCH INDOCHINA IN THE SOUTH

- We can't print this!

Your article is a criticism toward our military's occupation of French Indochina in the south.

- I only wrote the truth.

Japan threatened France with help from Germany to occupy French Indochina.

Konoe and Tojo are optimistic about it, but America will have countermeasures.

- Are you a Japanese?

Think about national sentiment!

- He is scolded again.

- That's enough.

You can't handle covering Department of the Army.

Hey, Yokuyama!

- Yes.

- Starting today, you will be in charge of covering Army.

- Yes.

Yes, yes.

This is the politics department. Yes...

What I? America is imposing economic sanctions?

Yes... And?

Yes, yes...

It is certain that England, Holland, and Canada will follow?

Yes...

Yes...

- America's reaction was very severe.

Especially, oil embargo is a serious

AMERICA EXPANDS OIL EMBARGO

E speciahy 0H embargo is a serious

AMERICA EXPANDS OIL EMBARGO

AMERICA EXPANDS OIL EMBARGO

life-and-death probfem for Japan.

AMERICA EXPANDS OIL EMBARGO

So it had major repercussions.

AUGUST 4th KONOE'S RESIDENCE, TEKGAISO MANSION

So it had major repercussions.

AUGUST 4th KONOE'S RESIDENCE, TEKGAISO MANSION

- The relationship between Japan and America will collapse if there is no change.

So I am thinking that I am going to visit America

and have a direct talk with Roosevelt to find a way to resolve the situation.

OIKAWA - NAVY MINISTER

OIKAWA - NAVY MINISTER - That is fine.

OIKAWA - NAVY MINISTER

OIKAWA - NAVY MINISTER Please make it happen as soon as possible.

Please make it happen as soon as possible.

For the Navy,

I am hoping that the diplomacy would be reestablished so we will have access for oil.

- What about the Army?

- I understand your intention.

But I doubt that America is really wishing for peace.

- I am aware of that.

But I must do whatever I can do.

- We have two conditions.

First, it must be a direct talk with the president and you must openly present our empire's assertion.

Second, if the talk was to fail, you would not resign because of that.

- Understood.

If we must fight against America after I do everything I can, it is inevitable.

In that circumstance, I will be prepared.

- On August 14th,

Roosevelt and Churchill had a talk on the Atlantic Ocean.

And they declared that if Japan keeps up its aggressive policies,

America and England will have to take some action.

- We can't rely on the talk between Konoe and Roosevelt.

We will be tricked by America's plot again.

- Yes, they will demand our empire's total subordination for the oil.

- Now, we must break through the economic sanctions by military force.

- But if we are fighting against America, it would be 100 year war.

Is the Navy quite sure that we will prevail?

- Yes. If we take the Dutch oil fields in Indonesia immediately,

we can establish self-sustaining structure.

- No, even if we take the oil field, we have no clear outlook for transportation capacity with the ships.

And there are not enough planes.

- If you dwell on that, we will only face gradual decline.

Every hour, 400 tons of oil is being consumed from the crude petroleum tank

in Tokuyama as we discuss this. We are losing 10,000 tons of oil daily.

- We must decide now!

If we wait until winter, naval operations will be more difficult because of the high waves.

- For the Army, it takes at least three months to deploy military strength.

- We have no time to spare.

We need to start preparing as soon as possible.

- All right...

Let's make a plan now ourselves for the outbreak of war against America!

- Chief, this is a plan done by collaboration between army and navy.

IMPERIAL NAVY GENERAL STAFF

- Chief, this is a plan done by collaboration between army and navy.

IMPERIAL NAVY GENERAL STAFF

IMPERIAL NAVY GENERAL STAFF Please let the government approve as is.

IMPERIAL NAVY GENERAL STAFF

I will tell you the main points:

For the self sufficiency and self-defense of the empire

there is the determination to start a war against America, England, and the Netherlands.

The Imperial policy execution plan will fulfill the preparation for war by the end of October.

- I think we will be fine for at least for the first two years.

- After that, we would not know until then.

But it is better than waiting for the self-destruction.

ARMY GENERAL STAFF OFFICE

ARMY GENERAL STAFF OFFICE

- Second, at the same time, the empire will try every means to resolve by diplomacy against America and England.

- Second, at the same time, the empire will try every means to resolve by diplomacy against America and England.

- But I don't think there is any hope for progress in diplomacy against America.

- I think the same.

- We can't keep the self sufficiency and self defense for the empire unless we defeat America.

- This is not good.

TH E AD Ml RALTY

THE ADMIRALTY - Huh?

TH E AD Ml RALTY

TH E AD Ml RALTY

- "We will be determined to start a war against America immediately

- "We will be determined to start a war against America immediately

"unless our demands are met by early October."

Can we change this to "We will be determined to use the last resort for our self sufficiency and self defense,

if there is not a prospect of our demands being met by the early part of October?"

- I don't understand the meaning of "Using the last resort," Minister...

That is not clear at all!

- "We will be determined to start a war

"against America immediately unless our demands were met by the early part of October."

- The early part of October? Did the Navy agree with that for sure?

- Yes.

- Then it is fine.

The Navy will have the leading part for fighting against America.

But for the Army, settling the Second Sine-Japanese war is the first matter.

- I feel the same.

I think it is wiser to avoid a war against America.

- But it may not be possible depending on how America moves.

I have no objection to this plan if the Navy has absolute confidence for victory.

- Yes, sir. Thank you!

SEPT 3rd, IMPERIAL HQ, GOVT COORDINATION MEETING (INSIDE THE PALACE, IN THE I-IIGASI-IIDAMIRI NO MA ROOM)

- What do you mean by "We will be determined to use the last resort?"

SEPT 3rd, IMPERIAL HQ, GOVT COORDINATION MEETING (INSIDE THE PALACE, IN THE I-IIGASI-IIDAMIRI NO MA ROOM)

SEPT 3rd, IMPERIAL HQ, GOVT COORDINATION MEETING (INSIDE THE PALACE, IN THE I-IIGASI-IIDAMIRI NO MA ROOM)

I don't know what that means at all.

I don't know what that means at all.

- Does that mean to start a war? Or does that mean we won't?

- Well, that all depends on the prospect of diplomacy and the war situation in Europe.

We may start a war or we may not.

GENERAL CHIEF OF STAFF, SUGIYAMA

GENERAL CHIEF OF STAFF, SUGIYAMA - That is too ambiguous.

GENERAL CHIEF OF STAFF, SUGIYAMA

We need you to make a clear decision if we would prepare a war against America.

ADJUTANT GENERAL OF THE NAVY - Isn't it the other way around?

ADJUTANT GENERAL OF THE NAVY

ADJUTANT GENERAL OF THE NAVY

The preparation must be the first and the decision must be the last.

The preparation must be the first and the decision must be the last.

- No. Decision must be the first for everything.

- Navy would only prepare, but withdraw at the last moment?

Army always makes a fool of us!

PRESIDENT OF THE NAVAL STAFF, NAGANO

- You don't need to worry about that.

PRESIDENT OF THE NAVAL STAFF, NAGANO

PRESIDENT OF THE NAVAL STAFF, NAGANO Navy has a determination also.

Navy has a determination also.

- Then it is fine.

I approve of Oikawa's revised draft.

- Thus, so called "Imperial national policy execution plan," which was a bill for the Imperial Council was decreed.

SEPTEMBER 5th

- Prime Minister, please...

MINISTER KIDOUCHI

MINISTER KIDOUOHI

Konoe... These national policy execution points are troubling.

You can't present a serious document like this so abruptly.

- Why is that?

- Why?

This is an execution plan for starting a war, isn't it?

Preparation for starting a war is the main part and diplomacy is only a supplement.

- Well, this is the Supreme Commands decision.

So I just delivered it to His Majesty as is.

I am determined to devote myself to diplomacy as the prime minister.

- But would it be all right?

What if this is brought to the Imperial Council and decided?

Then we won't be able to avoid the war?

- His Majesty is concerned about that as well.

So I mentioned that both Supreme Command's chiefs should be summoned for confirmation.

- These two are the highest ranking men for tactics of military operations.

These men's authority was trusted by the emperor

and they were called "Supreme Command Authority"

Their authority was independent from the government and no one could have an effect on them.

- Then, if diplomacy fails and the war starts between Japan and America,

what does the Army think about the duration before finishing the war?

- I think we can finish the south seas' area in about 3 months.

- Sugiyama, you were an army minister when the Second Sine-Japanese war started.

I remember you told me that the war would be finished in about 1 month at that time.

But the war has lasted for 4 years and it is still continuing.

- Yes.

China is a country with a deep vast interior.

We could not deploy the strategies as we had planned at that time.

- If China's interior is deep and vast, the Pacific Ocean is even deeper and more vast.

How can you be sure that you can say that you only need 3 months?

- Yes...

- If we compare the current relationship between Japan and America to a patient,

we are at the critical moment when we must decide if we should have major surgery or not.

We, supreme commanders,

absolutely wish for the success of diplomacy.

But if it fails, we think that we need to have surgery.

- So the supreme commanders are favoring diplomacy now?

- Yes, that is right.

- Yes, that is right.

- But the Imperial national policy execution plan was presented at the Imperial Council as is.

SEPTEMBER 6th

- But the Imperiaf nationaf poficy execution pfan was presented at the Imperiaf Councif as is.

- But the Imperial national policy execution plan was presented at the Imperial Council as is.

At the end of the meeting...

- The matter is extremely serious.

But Sugiyama and Nagano would not reveal their intentions.

I think that is very unsatisfactory.

Here is a gracious poem by the Emperor Meiji.

"All countries surrounding us over the sea are brothers and sisters, I feel.

"Then why we will be tossed about in the storm?"

I always keep this poem in my heart

and cherish the peace-loving spirit.

- But the Imperial national policy execution plan passed through the Imperial Council without any revisions.

- Your Excellency, how was the Imperial council?

- The emperor's mind was peaceful.

- You mean, the emperor himself...?

- In the very presence of His Gracious Majesty, the Emperor at the Imperial council,

I have heard his statement for the first time.

His Majesty's deep devotion toward peace made me extremely humble.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY - ADJUTANT GENERAL

His Majesty's deep devotion toward peace made me extremely humble.

His Majesty's deep devotion toward peace made me extremely humble.

- His Majesty told us to pursue diplomacy alone.

- Your Excellency, what happened to the execution plan?

- Has it been approved as is?

- Well, it has.

- Yes, sir!

We will plow ahead as planned!

- So the execution plan has passed as is?

- Yes, it was decided.

- Yes, then we will set it in motion immediately.

- Yes.

- What the Army is aiming for is the oil reservoirs in Dutch Indonesia.

Philippine islands are the left barrier before reaching to the reservoirs.

The right barrier is Singapore obviously.

Our military's attacking plan is to take the Malay peninsula

by a surprise attack to invade Singapore and destroy their fortress from behind.

At the same time, we will defeat the American force in the Philippines.

- Everyone, start preparations for the deployment immediately.

- That is too rash!

We don't have enough airplanes.

We have no way of winning against America if we face them there.

- What are you saying?

The decision was already made at the Imperial Council.

To come up with the way to succeed with what is available is our duty.

If we don't have enough airplanes, we must compensate with better strategy and training.

KAGOSHIMA BAY

RESOLVING THE SITUATION IN THE PACIFIC AMERICA TRIES TO OBSTRUCT OUR ENTHUSIASM

AMERICA REJECTS OUR IMPERIAL PLAN THEY KEEP A FIRM STANCE AS BEFORE

- Konoe is in a tough situation now.

Roosevelt is not agreeing to accept a direct talk.

- That's right. Japan-America negotiations are totally in deadlock.

- Troop withdrawals from China and French Indochina and abandoning the Triple Alliance...

Japanese military would never accept them.

- Absolutely not. Their patience has a limit.

They are adding insult to injury.

There will never be a negotiation.

Only thing to do is to defeat America.

- What is this?

You became elated after becoming in charge of covering the Army ministry.

OCTOBER 14th - On October 14th,

OCTOBER 14th

OCTOBER 14th

for this American memorandum, an emergency meeting was neid.

For this American memorandum an emergency meeting was held.

- I think it is meaningless to continue the negotiation between Japan and America now.

For the Army, stationing of troops in China is the biggest problem.

- What is the opinion of the Navy minister?

- If we are going to continue to negotiate,

we should stop the preparations for war,

and we should never deviate from the path of diplomacy.

I would like to wait to decide which path we should take until the prime minister's decision is made.

- Minister of Foreign Affairs, please tell us your prospect of the negotiation.

- Yes, I can't say that I have absolute assurance. We won't know about the other party...

- That is a problem.

If we give America too much time, then we will have a big problem when the war begins.

What does the Navy think about that?

- Yes...

So, as I said earlier...

I would like to leave the decision to the prime minister.

- That is too ambiguous.

Is the Navy willing to fight a war or not?

If you think the victory seems impossible, then tell us that clearly.

The Army must adjust our plan according to your opinion.

- I have already told you my opinion.

- So you are leaving it totally to the prime minister?

- That is correct.

- Prime Minister, so what is your decision?

- I feel more confidence toward diplomacy.

So I would like to choose that.

But if you still insist on starting a war, I cannot take the responsibility for it.

- Prime Minister, at the Imperial Council,

you were present and agreed that we will start a war

if diplomacy would not solve the problem by the early part of October!

It is October 14th today!

I can't understand that you are saying you cannot be responsible for the war.

- Well... I still believe that there is a way of compromising.

Withdrawal of troops from China can be taken as "taking the profit over the fame."

- So you are saying that if the Army withdraws the troops from China,

all problems would be solved?

- We can withdraw the troops in name only,

and we may be able to keep some stationing of troops...

- We can't solve problems with that kind of haphazard scheme!

You are saying that by pretending to withdraw troops to get some profit,

but withdrawal means retreat. And the military without fighting spirit is not worth anything.

From the wars of Sine-Japanese, and Russo-Japanese,

hundreds of thousands of Imperial soldiers' blood was shed on the continent.

Manchuria is a lifeline for Japan.

And the stationing of troops in China is the heart of the Imperial force.

Giving away the heart is diplomacy? It is submission.

It will make America get carried away.

We will never know how far they will push.

Your confidence in diplomacy is to give away.

And I would never accept it!

KONOE'S CABINET RESIGNS

KONOE'S CABINET RESIGNS

- Extra! Extra!

KONOE'S CABINET RESIGNS

KONOE'S CABINET RESIGNS

Extra! Extra!

Extra! Extra!

Extra! Extra!

- As soon as he quit being the minister, he moved to the official mansion.

His Excellency Tojo is a hasty man.

- That's why he is called "Razor," Buss.

- Dear, a telephone call from the palace...

- From the palace? - It is already fiansferred.

- Hello, it is Tojo.

Yes.

Yes. I understood.

Yes, yes.

I will be in the palace soon.

- The emperor asked you to come?

- Yes.

- Sir, is this about the army defeating Konoe's cabinet?

You may be scolded.

- I don't know about that.

- I am sure it is.

Even if you get scolded,

please tell the emperor that the entire Army is against the withdrawal of troops from China.

- No, if the emperor tells me something, I must just accept it.

I will just say "Yes," then withdraw.

- You must have just received an important order of forming a cabinet.

The emperor wants the decision that was made

at the Imperial Council on September 6th be cancelled,

and to reconsider carefully while examining the situation both domestically and abroad.

MEIJI SHRINE

YASUKUNI SHRINE

- Tojo is known as a hard liner against America,

but I don't think you need to worry about that.

For this reformation of the cabinet,

a false step may plunge us into a new war.

But Tojo is a very loyal man as you already knew.

He understands your thoughts

and controls the entire Army to solve the problem.

I recommended Tojo because I believed that he was the best man.

- Then, it is like, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

- Yes, that is right.

- Please look this way.

OCTOBER 18th

OCTOBER 18th Here we go!

OCTOBER 18th

Thank you.

- Shimada, I want to ask you a question privately.

How serious is the Navy about fighting against America?

NAVY MINISTER, SHIMADA

How serious is the Navy about fighting against America?

How serious is the Navy about fighting against America?

Please tell me honestly.

Well, since I am sewing concurrently as the prime minister,

I can't make decisions easily anymore.

To tell you the truth,

as the Army minister I was absolutely against the withdrawal of troops from China,

but as the prime minister,

I must make the emperor's peaceful diplomatic solution come true.

So I am in a very tough situation.

So if the Navy can declare that "We are not confident about the war," clearly...

- Personally, I would like to avoid the war.

But the military strategies are all up to the Naval General Staff...

- Is that right?

Well, I still have to follow the emperor's intentions.

So let's start the state policies all over.

OCT 23rd. LIAISON OONFERENOE BETWEEN THE GOV'T AND IMPERIAL GENERAL HQ

OCT 23rd. LIAISON OONFERENOE BETWEEN THE GOV'T AND IMPERIAL GENERAL HQ

- Thus, by the request of new Prime Minister Tojo,

OCT 23rd. LIAISON OONFERENOE BETWEEN THE GOV'T AND IMPERIAL GENERAL HQ

OCT 23rd. LIAISON OONFERENOE BETWEEN THE GOV'T AND IMPERIAL GENERAL HQ

the reexamination of fundamentaf state poficfes of strategy and dipfomacy was hefd.

The reexamination of fundamental state policies of sfiategy and diplomacy was held.

- It is incomprehensible.

Why do we need to do reexamination now?

- I feel the same.

Let's make this brief.

- Well, I want all of you to fully express your feelings.

FINANCE MINISTER, KAYA - Well, I want all of you to fully express your feelings.

FINANCE MINISTER, KAYA

FINANCE MINISTER, KAYA - I can never agree with it.

FINANCE MINISTER, KAYA

Do you really think that an American fleet will attack us three years later if we don't start a war?

- I don't know.

I think there is 50 percent chance.

But if we don't fight now and wait for three years,

it will be much harder then.

- I think the likelihood of America starting a war is small.

- I don't think that an American fleet will attack us either.

FOREIGN MINISTER, TOGO - I don't think that an American fleet will attack us either.

- I don't think that an American fleet will attack us either.

- There's a saying, "Forewarned is forearmed."

We should never relax our guard.

In three years, their defense will be stronger and there will be more enemy ships.

- Then, when can we fight the war for victory?

' NOW!

If we are going to fight, it should be now.

We have a chance of winning now.

If we stay hesitant, our oil reserves will decrease quickly.

- For the Navy, we will have no chance of winning after December.

- Let's start a war at the beginning of December!

Let's set operational orders in motion immediately.

- I am against it. I want to go with diplomacy only.

- You may say so, but is there any likelihood of success through negotiation?

- There is a likelihood, if we compromise on withdrawal of troops from China...

- I disagree!

It is absurd to withdraw troops from China.

I am absolutely against it!

- But is there really a chance of victory against America?

DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND COORDINATION, SUZUKI

- Indeed, compared to America, our prospect of capability of shipbuilding is inferior.

- Indeed, compared to America, our prospect of capability of shipbuilding is inferior.

- For the Admiralty,

we need more allocation of steel, to be determined about starting a war.

- Then, if you get more steel, you will be determined?

- We will need at least 1,100,000 tons.

- Fine.

We will satisfy the Navy's demand even if the Army would have to give up some of their steel.

Shimada, so I will be relying on the Navy!

- Big shots are still muddling!

- It's Tojo's fault!

I am disappointed with the "Razor."

Since he became the prime minister, he got scared about starting a war to protect himself.

- Now, shall we crush Tujds cabinet?

- No, wait!

That's too dangerous.

Antiwar cabinet will be formed for sure at this point.

- His Excellency Tojo is avoiding a war between Japan and America seriously.

Minister, please say clearly that the Navy has no confidence of winning.

If that is done, I will try to control the Army with my life.

What would happen to Japan, if the war breaks out?

Building Manchuria is finally on track.

And the Advanced Defense System for the nation

which was built after several years of efforts by the military may be totally destroyed.

Only the Navy can stop all of that.

- Well, I am not able to do that now.

- Minister...

Please save Tojo... No. Please save Japan!

- Takei, it is too late.

- Too late? That's irresponsible!

- Who led Japan to this position?

Who started the Second Sine-Japanese war? Who formed the alliance with Germany?

Both you and Prime Minister Tojo

were expansionists who supported the Second Sine-Japanese war, weren't you?

- But that was...

- That was the beginning for everything.

The Army must reap the seeds that were sown.

- It is not the time to be arguing idly!

If we don't rise now, the strategy would not work.

- We should start it while we still have enough oil.

- Why is the Army not compromising about withdrawal of troops from China?

- We can't stand to see our nation perishing without a fight.

Decide immediately to start a war!

If we face a problem, we will manage to solve it.

- The meeting continued for several days.

In the end nothing has changed from the previous Imperial Council's decisions

except for the date of the outbreak of the war

NOVEMBER 1st

NOVEMBER 1 st

- Then, we will decide to keep the diplomacy and preparation for the strategy at the same time.

- Then, we will decide to keep the diplomacy and preparation for the strategy at the same time.

- Diplomacy should not interfere with the preparation of the strategy.

- Would you accept to halt the war if the diplomacy is successful?

- It depends on the timing.

Please set the deadline for diplomacy at November 30th and keep the date strictly.

After that date, war will begin automatically.

- Can you make that December 1st?

Can you extend the date for diplomacy even for a day?

- No we can't.

Military corps have already deployed for the strategic objective.

So we can't make the date any later.

- Tsukamoto, what time on November 30th?

Would it be all right until midnight?

- Well, that would be all right if it is before midnight.

- After these negotiations,

the Empire has reached the decision to set the deadline for diplomacy as November 30th.

And if the diplomatic compromise is not achieved by then,

we will start a war against America and England.

- Because of the situation,

I understand that the strategic preparations must be advanced.

But I want you to devote yourself to solving the problem by diplomatic negotiations.

- Yes, we will.

Following your will, we shall do our best until the last moment.

- Dear...

Mr. Kurusu is here.

- Yes.

I reported to the emperor about dispatching you as an ambassador to America today.

AMBASSADOR PLENIPOTENTIARY WITH SPECIAL MISSION, KURUSU

I reported to the emperor about dispatching you as an ambassador to America today.

AMBASSADOR PLENIPOTENTIARY WITH SPECIAL MISSION, KURUSU

AMBASSADOR PLENIPOTENTIARY WITH SPECIAL MISSION, KURUSU - Yes.

- Yes.

- As long as Japan does not accept withdrawal of troops which is asserted by America,

I think we have a 30 percent success and 70 percent failure prospect.

That hope of 30 percent success

is due to the fact that public opinion does not support a war at the present time in America.

So I want you to help Ambassador Nomura to achieve the agreement with our terms.

- Therefore, a single ship or small unit would be joining as mobile unit at Chishima Hitukappu Bay,

then depart toward Hawaii via the northern route at the end of November.

The attack order is "Climb Mount Niitaka."

After receiving this code, every unit will start the attack simultaneously.

- In order to defeat America,

we must use all of our ability to crush the enemy's main force at the beginning of the war.

But the diplomatic negotiations between Japan and America are still continuing in Washington right now.

1st AVIATION FLEET COMMANDER IN CHIEF, NAGUMO CHUICHI

But the diplomatic negotiations between Japan and America are still continuing in Washington right now.

If the negotiation is concluded,

I will order withdrawal of the entire corps.

Then please return to base immediately.

- Commander, that is impossible.

It is impossible to return to base after the arrow has already been shot.

It is practically impossible.

- That's right. - I agree.

- Our men would not accept that.

- What are you saying?

We have a military in order to protect peace.

Any of the commanders who can't accept this order

will be prohibited to participate in this mission.

Submit the resignation letter immediately.

- On November 26th the large mobile fleet commanded by Vice-Admiral Nagumo Chuichl

NOVEMBER 26th

- On November 26th the Iarge mobHe fleet commanded by Vice-Admire! Nagumo Chufchi

- On November 26th the large mobile fleet commanded by Vice-Admiral Nagumo Chuichl

departed from E torofu Hitokappu Bay

At the same time,

in the South Pacific, the large fiansporting fleet was secretly moving 50, 000 army soldiers south.

- Since over a year ago,

THE WHITE HOUSE - Since over a year ago,

THE WHITE HOUSE

THE WHITE HOUSE

the American government nad broken the Japanese Foreign Ministry's coded telegrams,

the American government had broken the Japanese Foreign Ministry's coded telegrams,

and it issued the warning about the attack to the entire fleet in the Pacific region on that day

It also presented in response, the so called "Hull Note"

to Japan through Ambassador Nomura.

- "First, Japanese government must immediately withdraw all troops from China and French Indochina."

"Second, Japan must give up all extraterritorial rights in China and Manchuria."

- What is this?

- This is not a response!

= We must not ignore this insult! - This is a declaration of war fmm America!

- What is this?

They have added more conditions!

These are conditions that Japan can never accept.

- Unfortunately, all our efforts were useless.

- This is a declaration of challenge to our empire.

They have been invading Asia, but now they accuse us as aggressors!

Now we must strike America.

We must drive the British and Americans out of Asia now!

DECEMBER 2nd

AIRCRAFT CARRIER AKAGI

AIRCRAFT CARRIER AKAGI - Commander!

AIRCRAFT CARRIER AKAGI

We just received a wire from Commander in Chief Yamamoto.

- Read it.

- "The day for 'Climb Mount Niitaka' will be December 8th."

DECEMBER 7th

- Mr. Yamanaka, I just heard something strange from a reporter in the Liberal Arts Department.

- What is it?

- Ministry of Imperial Household asked Tokutomi Soho to supervise some written materials.

- From the ministry of Imperial household?

- This may be an imperial message.

- Imperial message?

- Yes, it may be an imperial announcement for the outbreak of war.

- Is a war starting?

- Well, you go to the Navy and feel out the situation.

- Yes.

- Fujii, you go to the army. - Yes.

- I will be staying here overnight.

DECEMBER 8th

- Chief Navigator, face toward the wind!

- Yes.

10 degrees to Port!

- 10 degrees to Port!

10 degrees to Port!

MALAY PENINSULA - OFF THE COAST OF KOTA BHARU

- The foreign minister is here.

- Prime Minister,

I brought the official telegram from President Roosevelt

to the emperor which was brought by US Ambassador Joseph Grew.

- Official telegram from the president?

What does it say?

- They want to continue diplomatic negotiations with the condition

of troop withdrawal from French Indochina.

- Did it cross with our ultimatum?

- Yes, what should we do about this?

- Please deliver this to the emperor as the foreign minister.

- Yes, but...

- Yes, it is too late now.

PEARL HARBOR

- Fuchida Mitsuo, attack forces' commander, sent a wire directly from the plane.

It is "Tara! Tara! Tara!"

COMPLETE SURPRISE WAS ACHIEVED It is "Tara! Tara! Tara!"

COMPLETE SURPRISE WAS ACHIEVED

- Sir! The Navy achieved complete surprise with the Pearl Harbor attack!

- Is that right?

- They did it! They did it!

At 1:30 A.M., Army troops made landing at Kata Bharu on the Malay peninsula.

- They did it!

= Extra! Extra! Extra!

Extra! Extra!

- Mr. Yamanaka...

- Oh, good job.

- We are the only one to issue an extra.

Tojo did start a big war.

- He really did it, finally.

But we may get an American air raid as soon as today.

THE EMPIRE DECLARES WAR AGAINST BRITAIN AND AMERICA

THE EMPIRE DEOLARES WAR AGAINST BRITAIN AND AIVIERIOA

- I am the Emperor who was given the grace of gods and a descendant of the unbroken Imperial family,

- I am the Emperor who was given the grace of gods and a descendant of the unbroken Imperial family,

and I declare to the Japanese people who have a clear loyalty and bravery.

I am declaring a war against America and Britain.

- The Imperial decree of declaration of war was just announced.

The brave Imperial Army and Navy are fighting a war with do-or-die spirit right now.

BRITISH BATTLESHIP', HMS REPULSE IS SINKING

BRITISH BATTLESHIP', HMS PRINCE OF WALES

NAVAL BATTLE AT MALAY

THE BATTLE TO CAPTURE SINGAPORE

- On February 15th 1942, the British Far East base,

the fort at Singapore has surrendered at discretion to the Japanese military

- I am so grateful.

This is a divine grace.

Now Japan will be considered as the leader of the "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere."

Well, congratulations!

= Congratulations.

= Cheers! Cheers! Cheers!

= Cheers! Cheers! Cheers!

= Cheers! Cheers! Cheers!

= Cheers! Cheers! Cheers!

- Since the day I have received the Imperial order declaring war,

VICTORY CELEBRATION AT HIBIYA PARK

- Since the day I have received the Imperial order declaring war,

- Since the day I have received the Imperial order declaring war,

the Imperial forces have been undefeated.

At the beginning of the war, we took away the main fleets of Britain and America.

Then we captured Hung Kong, Manila, and Singapore.

Therefore the fortresses of America and Britain

for the purpose of invading East Asia were returned to us after so many years.

And now, Japan's national flag will flutter in the wind at those places!

= Cheers! Cheers! Cheers!

- Yes.

- Sir, I have something I would like to suggest to you.

' Huh?

- I will make this short.

Now we attacked Hawaii and captured Singapore.

I think now is the best time to negotiate peace with America and Britain for the advantageous conditions.

- What?

Peace?

- That's right.

Solving the issue with the Second Sine-Japanese War was the must important for our nation to begin with.

So we should make America and Britain stop meddling and withdraw from China

by ending the war...

- Don't be silly.

As long as we started a war, it is normal course to continue until achieving the absolute victory.

- But this will become along battle.

If we consider the Japanese strength, it is more advantageous to end the war now.

- How can you foresee that?

Japan has secured resources in the south now.

We have fortified for a long battle.

The fighting spirit and austerity of people of our nation

is much stronger than national character of America which is liberal and weak.

- I don't think we should underestimate America.

- BE quiet!

We had to start this war because of the American challenge to begin with.

I will not stop it until the enemy would be desperate and beg for peace.

You must retract such a weak proposal for peace!

- No, I can't retract.

I have thought about this thoroughly.

I would like to request of you to reconsider the matter calmly.

- What?

I see.

If you insist that you can't follow my policies, you must quit as adjutant general.

- No, I am not quitting.

I don't need to quit!

- Are you defying a senior officer?

- No.

To be honest,

you have been surrounded by men who would not offer right opinions,

because you would never listen to them.

I think that is wrung for you and Japan...

- Shut up! Don't be conceited!

Leave now!

- Sir...

- This is an order!

Get me the personnel director.

Ah, personnel director...

I want to replace the commander at the front line with Adjutant General Takei.

The vacant adjutant general's position will be filled by promoting the section chief, Sano.

Go ahead with the procedure immediately.

- Enemy plane in a break in the clouds, right over!

- Commander, the Akagi is still floating while burning!

What if the Americans tow it away for an exhibition?

It is inexcusable to our emperor!

- I will apologize to the emperor.

I will take the responsibility for the disposition of the Akagi.

Tell the nearest destroyer to prepare torpedoes.

- "The announcement from the Imperial headquarters.

"The Imperial Navy that is on active military operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean

AIRORAFF CARRIER AKAGI

"The Imperial Navy that is on active military operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean

AIRCRAFT CARRIER AKAGI

AIRCRAFT CARRIER AKAGI "attacked enemy base, Midway in the mid-ocean

"attacked enemy base, Midway in the mid-ocean

"and the enemy fleet intensely on June 5th.

AIRCRAFT CARRIER SORYLJ AIRCRAFT CARRIER KAGA

"and the enemy fleet intensely on June 5th.

AIRCRAFT CARRIER SORYLJ AIRCRAFT CARRIER KAGA

AIRCRAFT CARRIER SORYLJ AIRCRAFT CARRIER KAGA

"The vehement attack resulted in extensive damage to the enemy forces

"The vehement attack resulted in extensive damage to the enemy forces

AIRORAFF CARRIER HIRYU

"The vehement attack resulted in extensive damage to the enemy forces

"The vehement attack resulted in extensive damage to the enemy forces

"in both air and sea and their vital military facilities.

"So far, the following military achievements have been reported.

"American aircraft carriers USS Enterprise and USS Hornet have both been sunk."

= We did it! We did it!

Our Imperial force is undefeatable.

- With the way it is, the end of the war may be near.

- Yes.

- Isoroku will be more popular.

- Tujds reputation, too.

- My daughter is always talking about Tojo.

- Ah, Mr. Arai, we had a great victory again.

- Hey, you will be reporting from the front at a time like this. You are really lucky.

How lucky for a news reporter to be in that situation! Isn't that right, chief?

- I hope you will get lots of live news reporting.

- I will write energetically.

I will achieve great results with my pen instead of gun.

- Wait, this announcement is odd...

We lost two aircraft carriers, maybe...

- Well, Arai.

We will take over your work.

- Ah, thank you. I am leaving now.

- Good luck!

- Stay well! - Yes.

- Arai!

Make sure to witness the truth at the front.

Japan will be ruined when the newspapers start hiding the truth.

- I know, Takakura...

Don't worm. Japan will never be defeated.

- And against Britain and America,

the Imperial military always spoils their spirit by great swift attacks.

We have struck the enemy's important base, Midway quickly,

then we destroyed their remaining aircraft carriers.

And we have completed the strategic preparations.

- In August of 1942, after completing the military preparations,

GUADAL CANAL ISLAND

- In August of 1942, after compfeting the mifitary preparations,

GUADALCANAL ISLAND

GUADAL CANAL ISLAND

American armed forces began the counterafiack against Japanese forces.

GUADALCANAL ISLAND

After sfiuggling to secure an air base in the South Pacific for six months,

both the Japanese Army and Navy finally withdrew after sustaining major damage.

- Air raid! Enemy aircraft right above!

- Enemy aircraft on starboard aft!

- Damn it! Where are the Japanese aircraft?

- "We are fighting bravely in fierce battles and keep defeating the enemy,

"but because the objective has been achieved,

"we withdrew from Guadalcanal Island in the early part of February 1942..."

Communication director, what is this?

Withdraw? That means to retreat.

The Imperial military would never retreat.

- Yes, it is the reporting from the front as is...

- No, this pessimistic expression would damage our people's fighting spirit.

Isn't there any other proper expression?

- Well...

- Sir, how about "Changing course?"

- What? Changing course?

- Yes, it is like shifting positions.

Unlike the word withdrawal, it has a more aggressive feel, I think...

- Yes, that's good.

Communication director, make the announcement using that word.

- Yes, sir.

- "The troops assigned to Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands

"have been pressuring the larger enemy force that has been disembarking since August of last year.

"They have been fighting bravely in fierce battles,

APRIL, 1943 RABAUL NAVAL AIR BASE

"They have been fighting bravely in fierce battles,

APRIL, 1943 RABAUL NAVAL AIR BASE

"and keep defeating the enemy.

"And keep defeating the enemy.

"But because the objective has been achieved,

"the troops changed course and left the island in the early part of February.

"This has been an announcement from Imperial headquarters."

- "Changed course?" Huh!

- He is a survivor from Midway.

Midway was a total defeat.

- But the announcement at that time was...

- You should figure out from what you just heard.

Headquarters is deceiving us by substituting the words "changing course" for "withdrawal."

At Midway, we lost four precious aircraft carriers.

That was a total defeat.

That's the truth.

And that is not all,

high-ranking military officers don't let the survivors see their families face-to-face

and confined them on the base in the Seto Inland Sea in order to hide the truth.

The facts are not reported.

I think Japan will be ruined someday.

- This is urgent!

Commander in Chief Yamamotafs plane was shot down at Balalae Island.

COMMANDER IN CHIEF COMBINED FLEET, YAMAMOT0'S STATE FUNERAL

- On September 8th, Italy surrendered, and part of the triple alliance has collapsed.

- Is that right?

The front is that awful?

- I knew the announcements from Imperial headquarters were not reliable,

but I didn't think they were that bad.

- That's the problem, Chief.

I think we should tell the general public about the truth of the front.

- No, that is no use. That would only agitate people.

- Mr. Yamanaka...

- It is war.

We get defeated sometimes.

It is the newspaper's mission to encourage people to get over that.

- But can we really expect people to get encouraged when they are kept in the dark?

- Well, have a drink.

This is precious sak� that I kept for your homecoming celebration.

- Air raid warning is issued for training!

Air raid warning is issued for training!

- Because my wife is evacuated to a rural area,

I can get out of air raid training.

- Chief, do you think training like this is really practical?

- Don't talk so loud.

We never know who may hear that.

- Mr. Yamanaka,

is that the mission of newspapers to make people believe that they can oppose America

with a childish trick like that?

- Arai-kun,

I know how you feel.

But this is difficult.

Tojo made control of the press tighter.

We have to be very careful now.

Kempei (Military policemen) are very active nowadays.

- Kempei? - Yes.

If anything makes Tojo upset, they would arrest them immediately.

This year alone these things happened: Prohibition of Asahi Newspaper,

apprehension of assistant professor and students of Osaka Commerce University,

compulsive closure of Soka Gakkai Bunka Gakuin school (based on teachings of Priest Nichiren)...

And only because Central Review published Tanizaki Junichiro's "Makioka Sisters,"

they were labeled as antiwar ideologists.

- That Takakura is also...

- What happened to Takakura?

- He quit the company.

' Huh?

- He was watched by them.

Kempei came to the company several times.

- You know how he is...

- We could not keep covering up for him.

- Mr. Yoshizawa!

You didn't hear the Air Raid warning?

Please turn the lights off!

- Yes, I am sorry.

- Takakura was saying...

"When the newspapers start hiding the truth, Japan will be finished."

- It is a difficult time now.

- It is the dark time.

OCTOBER 21 st. STUDENT SOLDIERS SENDOFF CEREMONY

- In the Pacific,

NOVEMBER 25th MAKIN-TARAWA ISLAND ALL DEAD NO SURRENDER

- In the Pacific,

NOVEMBER 25th MAKIN-TARAWA ISLAND ALL DEAD NO SURRENDER

NOVEMBER 25th MAKIN-TARAWA ISLAND ALL DEAD NO SURRENDER

Japanese forces' honorabfe death without surrender happened one after another

NOVEMBER 25th MAKIN-TARAWA ISLAND ALL DEAD NO SURRENDER

NOVEMBER 25th MAKIN-TARAWA ISLAND ALL DEAD NO SURRENDER

And American forces pressed toward the Mariana isfarrds.

And American forces pressed toward the Mariana islands.

FEBRUARY 2nd, 1944, KWAJALEIN-ROY NAMUR ISLAND ALL DEAD WITHOUT SURRENDER

- In Kwajalein-Roy Namur, they all died without surrender.

Now the Marshall Islands are all annihilated.

- What?

That's Japanese territory.

- That's right. An important Navy base is there.

So the Imperial headquarters is trying to hide the facts at all cost.

And do you know what the Army and Navy are doing at this crucial time?

They are having intense infighting for bigger shares of aircraft.

Now is the time for the mass media to raise our voice.

We must tell the truth to the people.

Chief, please start a press campaign.

Chief!

- I understand how you feel.

Yes, I will think about it.

Everyone is thinking about it.

- I will repeat again.

Navy must be prioritized for the production quota of aircraft.

- No, in order to draw the enemy to the main island to be destroyed,

the Army does not have enough aircraft.

- But Army aircraft can't fight over the sea.

Besides, the Army sets aside the aircraft and never use them for real battles!

- What are you saying?

The Navy is the one who wastes aircraft uselessly!

- Wait, please.

ALSO HOLDING POST OF MILITARY PRODUCTION MINISTER, TOJO

ALSO HOLDING POST OF MILITARY PRODUCTION MINISTER, TOJO - The enemy is approaching Saipan.

ALSO HOLDING POST OF MILITARY PRODUCTION MINISTER, TOJO

ALSO HOLDING POST OF MILITARY PRODUCTION MINISTER, TOJO Now we must prepare to fight on the main island.

Now we must prepare to fight on the main island.

How about combining the air forces of both the Army and Navy

to be commanded by centralized control?

- I totally agree with your idea, Prime Minister.

If the Army and Navy are operating separately,

we will not be able to defend the enemy's aggression.

- Chief, we have an emergency message from Truk Lagoon.

"On February 17th, 1944,

"approximately 600 enemy aircraft attacked Truk Lagoon.

"And we lost a total of 32 ships and 270 planes."

- 270 planes?

How many survived?

- Yes, six planes.

- What is the Navy doing?

Shimada-kun...

- Yes, sir.

- I have been thinking about this for a while,

but now I have made up my mind.

We must take the extraordinary measure.

- Shimada is the problem.

Although he is the Navy minister, he always sides with Tojo.

- He is like Tujds tea-sewer!

- Well, we must kill Shimada now!

- Wait!

What do you gain by killing Shimada?

NAVY'S COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR

NA\IY'S COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR Stop that rash and blind act.

NAVY'S COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR

- But...

But what about our share of aircraft?

- We should negotiate with the Army again!

- Kuriyama, what happened?

- Truk Lagoon was taken.

- Huh? Truk Lagoon?

- Everyone is upset because of that.

- That's like the Japanese Pearl Harbor...

- Yes.

The largest Navy base in the Pacific was annihilated.

The combined fleet does not have any safe base outside of the main island now.

The Navy tried to inform the people about the gravity of the situation,

but the Army stopped that by force.

- Stopped? Why did they?

- They don't want to hand over any of their planes to the Navy.

Tojo wants to fight the war on the main island.

- The war on the main island?

- No one can stop that.

Even military officers or the mass media can't.

That would ruin Japan.

Is that justifi able, Arai-kun?

- Sir, we have no time to waste now.

Unless we combine the domestic political leadership and operational command,

we will never get over this crisis.

So you need to resign.

- No, I am against that!

Holding the posts of both prime minister and chief commander is a violation of the constitution.

- Don't you understand, sir?

The Marshalls and Truk were taken now.

So in order to defend Saipan and fortify the defense of the main island,

I must take total control for this war.

I will also hold the post of the chief staff officer.

And Shimada will hold the posts of both Navy Minister and President of the Naval General Staff.

No matter what you say, I will do that!

- Come in.

I was just going to call you.

- What is it?

- I have to go to the head office in Osaka on urgent business for about a week.

How is your schedule?

- Yes...

- Oh yes, Central Review is in big trouble now.

' Huh?

- Kempeitai raided them for their antiwar principles.

That company is probably finished.

It is good to tell the truth, but if the company is crushed, it would not be able to do any good.

Well, excuse me. What did you need to tell me?

- Well, it is nothing important...

- Is that right?

Well, both the president and the chairman will be away.

I will be counting on you.

- Chief, what is this article?

- It is exactly the same as the Imperial headquarters' announcement.

It clearly mentions the "Big Air Raid" in Truk Lagoon.

- Some damage to the on-ground facilities...

But it never says that only six planes survived!

Chief, the degree of the damage is not the issue.

Don't we have to tell people what it really means to lose Truk Lagoon in this war?

Don't we have the obligation to report that?

- Are you saying that we would defy the Imperial headquarters?

- It is so obvious that we will lose this war!

- What?

State your opinion based on the reality!

If you write an article like that, they would definitely...

- I am prepared for it.

- Don't be silly.

First of all, what about censorship?

What are you going to do about the tough censorship of

Communication bureau, Army, Navy, Department of the Interior, and Military police?

- I can do it.

A member of the Navy press group can report only with Navy's censorship.

And if you are a connected reporter, that can be exempted.

It is meaningless to continue the war when the defeat is inevitable.

Only way to stop is to tell the truth to the people!

- Arai-kun, the chairman and president are away

and the head chief is in Osaka now.

We can't make decisions about things like that.

- That is your job, Chief.

- You are too persistent.

- The empire is in a terrible crisis now.

In order to focus every citizen's power and their lives to conclude this Great Pacific War,

I would like to propose several new political measures.

ALSO HOLDING THE POST OF GENERAL CHIEF OF STAFF, TOJO

Therefore, by this, we will thoroughly reinforce control of thoughts and speeches.

Therefore, by this, we will thoroughly reinforce control of thoughts and speeches.

And we will implement extraordinary measures including

complete mobilization of students,

cutting down of the living expenses of people,

reducing holidays,

closures of high-class restaurants and amusement areas.

Therefore every citizen will have to solidify the resolution

to die for their country even if they would have to fight with bamboo spears.

- This is awful. It is strengthening Tujo's dictatorship again.

- Prime Minister, Army Minister, Minister of Military production, and General Chief of Staff...

- Now he has all the power the Army was trying to grasp since the "February 26 Incident."

I wonder where he is going to lead people to.

- We can't ignore this now.

- Shall we do it?

- All right, let's do it!

We will have it on the morning edition's entire first page as Tujds emergency declaration.

Where is Arai? - Ah, I will call him back.

It will be on time for the early edition.

- Chief!

- Arai-kun, start working on it now. It will have to make the early edition.

- We will publish it consecutively for a week.

Newspaper reporters nowadays have been hiding the dark truth with optimistic shams.

An article does not have any logical point.

We must write dark truth darkly and cheerful articles cheerfully!

First, write the dark side.

- Kid! - Yes.

- Thanks.

- Good, send it to the shop.

- Yes.

- Get the proof immediately.

- Yes.

- "The Great Pacific War is a naval war.

"We must face the actual state of the war situation now.

"Are we really winning the war?

"It has been a year and a half since the Battle of Guadalcanal,

"we have only been retreating from the Pacific front.

"It will be all over when the enemy invades our main island.

"We will not be able to fight off the enemy airplanes with bamboo spears."

- Idiot! What is this?

- Ah! Arai-kun!

Thank you, Arai-kun. Thank you!

- Thank you.

- This is what the entire Navy wanted to say.

- You really did it!

Phones have not stopped ringing since this morning.

Everyone is deeply moved and saying, "Thank you for telling the truth."

- Even the Army reporting group was praising. I could not believe it...

- Hey Arai-kun,

we got a long distance call from Osaka. It was the head chief.

That article has a very good reputation and the head chief was excited too.

- Is that right?

- Reactions from the readers are amazing.

Everyone has been starving for the truth.

- For a long time, people have been placed in darkness.

- This is great.

- Communications director.

- Yes.

- Did you read this morning's Mainichi newspaper?

- Yes, I did. I thought it was an unusually good article.

- Imbecile!

Don't you feel anything after reading this article as the communications director?

' Huh?

- What is "Victory or extinction?" What is "Bamboo spears would be useless?"

- What is the Mainichi newspaper doing?

Are you advertising antiwar principles?

It is outrageous that a newspaper is arguing about military strategies!

- I am sorry.

As a matter of fact, I have been in Osaka on business until last night and just returned.

- Punish the one who is responsible anyway.

- I am the head chief with the highest responsibility,

so if there is a punishment, I would...

- No, not just you.

Punish the reporter who wrote this!

- I cannot do that.

- Shut up!

You would be in trouble for your attitude!

His Excellency Tojo was so outraged, he ordered us to crush the Mainichi Shinbun.

- I repeat.

I will take the responsibility. I cannot punish the writer.

- The Mainichi used to be "Army's Mainichi,"

but now, it is "Navy's Mainichi!"

- That is not moderate.

The Mainichi is neither "Army's Mainichi" nor "Navy's Mainichi."

It "Reader's Mainichi."

- Yes, politics department.

What? From the military police?

Yes, connect.

Yes, politics department.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes, I understood your intentions.

But it is a newspaper's ironclad rule that we never reveal the author of an article.

Chief?

Both chief and head chief are away now.

But even if you ask the chief or head chief, you will have the same answer.

We can't reveal the author.

Yes. Me? I am...

- I am taking this call.

I am the one who wrote the article, Arai Guru.

- Arai...

- Arai submitted an informal resignation.

- Well, we don't need to accept that.

Yoshizawa, give him the head editor's award.

' Huh?

Would that be all right?

Considering the Army ministry...

- That's all right.

I will take the responsibility.

- Yes. I understood.

But...

- Of course I will resign the post of head chief as the highest ranking person.

I am sorry,

but you will have to be placed on suspension until further notice as the head editor.

- Please cheer up.

If a newspaper man...

If mass media can't fulfill the mission, it is better to be closed.

I am old so if the company closes tomorrow, I may be out in the cold with my family.

But I would never regret.

I will take anyjob even at some factory.

Arai, please cheer up and keep going.

- Forward! Forward! Forward! Stab!

- Mrs. Arai! Mrs. Arai!

- Backward! Backward!

- Men from military affairs of the ward office are waiting for you.

- Military affairs?

- Yes, I understand.

I will stop by at the office, then I will come home.

- What happened?

- I just got a draft call.

- A draft call?

- Tojo did it again.

He drafted you as punishment.

- Drafted as punishment?

- That's Tujds usual trick.

He is killing you by sending you to the must dangerous front.

- I am here on a matter concerning the Mainichi news reporter, Arai.

Arai has been designated to work as a Navy press reporter,

so would you postpone the draft?

- No, that can't be done. That is impossible.

- Why is that?

VICE-MINISTER OF THE ARMY

- Army's draft overrides Navy's.

- Army's draft overrides Navy's.

- But you should be able

to send just one newspaper reporter to the Navy without interfering with the Army's mobilization.

- No, no matter what you say, it's impossible.

- Then let me ask you...

Arai is an untrained second-class national soldier who had a physical examination for conscription in 1926.

According to our research,

the Army has never drafted any second-class national soldiers in the Taisho era.

But it is unreasonable to take only Arai, isn't it?

- What do you mean, "unreasonable?"

- Well, general public rumors

that His Excellency Tojo uses drafting as punishment.

Taking only Arai would reinforce that rumor.

- You don't need to worry about that.

The mobilization department of the General Staff Office

is drafting 250 second-class national soldiers from the Taisho era other than Arai.

- Huh? That is really awful.

You are making that many men getting entangled!

- Okabe, you are going too far with your words.

The Army has the drafting rights!

- March in step!

Head, right!

At ease! Stop marching.

- Professor Fuyuki...

You are Professor Fuyuki, aren't you?

- Who are you?

- I am Arai. I am Arai Guru who used to live in Shinnmachi.

- Oh, Guru...

- Yes. - I hardly recognized you.

I heard you are successful as a reporter...

- Yes, I came back from the front last September.

- Oh. Then you are drafted now?

- Yes...

- That is quite a problem...

- Well, I never thought that you would be drafted, Professor Fuyuki.

- I was surprised too because of my age.

I heard that I was the first school principal to be drafted in the prefecture.

- Is that right?

- The war situation must be very severe for Japan if an old man like me has to take a gun.

- Assemble!

Assemble!

Assemble! Attention!

Bastards, be quick!

At ease!

Attention!

This is not your hometown anymore.

Tardy soldiers are the first ones to die in a battle.

Right...

face!

March forward!

THE MARIANAS SAI PAN

- On June 13th,

a large American task force of 775 ships, including 15 aircraft carriers

attacked the island of Saipan and started to disembark.

Around that time, in the big cities,

houses were forced to move in order to build a fire blocking belt to prepare against the air raids.

- Ah... Fujii!

I just got a notice saying that Arai

was temporarily discharged and assigned to be a media reporter for the Navy immediately.

- I know.

- He must be looking at the sea in the Philippines now.

Well, that's good.

- What is so good, Director?

' Huh?

- Do you know what happened to 250 soldiers who were drafted with Arai?

They all have families.

They were just sent to Saipan where it is under intense attack.

Why aren't we reporting this fact?

Are we going to stop what Arai was trying to do by risking his life?

Director! Are we?

- The company has its editing policies.

- But those 250 men are in Saipan now!

- Ozawa's fleet failed in the counterattack after losing 7 aircraft carriers and 400 aircraft.

- What... Failed?

Then Saipan is isolated!

- Yes.

- Saipan is Japanese territory.

There are many civilians too. We can't let the enemy take it.

Get me the president of the Naval Staff.

Ah, is this Shimada?

I would like to send two Army divisions back to Saipan somehow.

Can you escort them?

Huh?

Airplanes? Of course the Army will send some.

Yes, please get on it immediately.

- I am scared!

- Kid, You will be all right. You are with soldiers.

- Japanese soldiers and civilians, come out immediately.

Dying in vain is useless.

Naval gunfire attack will begin soon.

Come out immediately.

We are waiting for you with warm meals.

You should not die.

Come out without worming.

Quickly! Quickly!

We will never kill you.

Quickly!

- What nonsense! We will never be tricked.

- Fathers! Mothers!

Ladies! Take your children and come out.

You must not die.

You must not die in vain.

- Don't go out! You will be killed. Be ashamed!

- Aren't you ashamed as a Japanese?

- What? Airfield was taken?

Yes, I know!

I want to send the reinforcements.

I want to send them somehow.

But the Navy says that they don't have any strength to escort the reinforcements.

- Sir... About the military operation for lmphal...

- Disagree! I disagree!

- We just got the order to die without surrendering.

I will read...

"Navy unit is prepared for the deaths at the west side coast,

"and will carry out the final attack at three o'clock tomorrow on the 7th.

"The commander of the Central Pacific region, Nagumo Chuichi and his men

"will leave their dead bodies on the coral reef to form a seawall of the Pacific.

"The code is 'Hoshi to Tanabata' (Star Festival on the Seventh)"

That's all.

- Hey! Don't let the child my.

The enemy will find us.

- I am sorry.

- What are you saying?

The enemy is very close.

We will all be killed because of that one child.

Get out!

- I am sorry.

- Get out now!

- I am sorry.

I am sorry.

- Do something about it!

- Kill him!

- Who just said to kill the child?

Aren't you ashamed as a human? Think of your own child!

= "Going to the sea, and my dead body will be in the water

"Going to the mountain, and my dead body will feed the grass."

- "The report from the Imperial headquarters. On July 18th, 1944...

NAVAL AIR BASE IN THE PHILIPPINES

- "The report from the Imperial headquarters. On July 18th, 1944...

NAVAL AIR BASE IN THE PHILIPPINES

NAVAL AIR BASE IN THE PHILIPPINES

"First, our troops in Saipan made the final attack in the early morning of July 7th

"First, our troops in Saipan made the final attack in the early morning of July 7th

"and trampled the enemy

"causing great damage to the enemy forces.

"But by the 16th, all of them died from the courageous battles.

"Second, the Japanese civilians in Saipan

"totally cooperated with the military

"and those who were able to participate in the battle fought bravely

"and shared the same fate as the officers and soldiers."

- To tell you the truth,

I have thought hard without sleeping for a week.

At one time, I thought that it would be proper for me to resign.

But if I change the government now, it would definitely cause defeat of the war.

And the left wing elements may take the administrative power and endanger the nation.

It is inexcusable for me to let that happen to the emperor.

So I must beg to be forgiven for the responsibility of Saipan's fall for now,

so I will be able to prepare for the final battle on the main island to conclude this war.

- I understand your determination,

but what are your specific plans for that?

- First I must reform the cabinet.

- Well, I am not so sure if that would change anything.

I have another idea.

- Oh, please let me hear.

- First, stop holding concurrent post of President of Naval General staff and encourage the independence

of each head of the General Staff.

Second, change the Navy Minister.

Third, form a National Unity government including the senior statesmen and leading members.

- Mr. Kido, it is nun conference toward me.

Is it just your personal opinion or...

- It is the emperor's private opinion.

If you doubt that, why don't you request a direct meeting with the emperor?

- Yes, I will.

- How was it?

- It went as you have told me.

But it is just a conspiracy against me by some senior statesmen.

- That is...

- In any case,

I will do my best to form the National Unity government including some senior statesmen

as the emperor told me!

- Messengers were sent by Tojo several times to negotiate about joining the cabinet.

SENIOR STATESMEN'S MEETING - TEKIGAISO MANSION

- Messengers were sent by Tojo several times to negotiate about joining the cabinet.

- Messengers were sent by Tojo several times to negotiate about joining the cabinet.

But I refused.

- Tojo was told by the emperor to include some senior statesmen,

so he is trying to follow his intention.

- Maybe we should let Tojo continue as is,

and let him take responsibility for the defeat of the war...

- No, now we should be making Tojo quit and think about ways to end the war.

- Yonai, we want you to keep refusing persistently.

- Of course, I would be doing that.

- By the way, Tojo assumes an aggressive attitude by counterattacking Minister Kidds statement.

Tojo is an impudent man.

- We alone can't handle him.

We probably need a clear notification by the emperor saying, "You must resign."

- Just as we suspected,

Konoe and Okada are the central figures

among the senior statesmen who are plotting to overthrow the cabinet.

And the minister of the Imperial household, Kido is also taking a part.

- What? Kido is also?

- Yes.

Okada is probably visiting Kido now

to discuss the report to the emperor to encourage the resignations of the entire cabinet

with the consensus of the senior statesmen.

- I see.

- There is a way to resolve the situation.

We get Kido before he gives the report to the emperor.

Sir, please let us handle it!

Sir, there is no other way to stop that conspiracy.

- That's right. Vice Minister Tumimoto is right.

Kido is the malefactor who is in proximity to the emperor.

Sir!

- I am going to throw the cabinet out for now.

- Are you going to let their wish come true?

- You wait and see...

Other than myself,

no one can last in this crisis for more than three months.

- Then you will get the emperor's order to return.

- I see. Now I understand.

- Until that day, I will keep fighting and believing in the clear victory!

TOJO'S ENTIRE CABINET RESIGNS

- Well, I am relieved that Tojo has finally quit.

- At this time, we would like the Navy to take over.

How about you, Sir Yunai?

- No, the government should be led by civilians.

- But in the time of war, a military person is better.

- Maybe we need to have members of the royalty.

- No, in these circumstances, cabinet by the royalty is not proper.

- I can really understand how the emperor must feel.

- The Minister of the Imperial Household Kido is the best man for it?

- Not at all.

In order to fortify the condition of national defense, it must be Army personnel.

- If we can't decide, Tojo may assume an aggressive attitude again.

- Salute!

- Japan is in a crisis.

And only one who can save it from this crisis is

not a statesman, not the President of the Naval General Staff,

not a director like myself.

That is young men who are like you with pure spirit.

KAMIKAZE SPECIAL ATFACK FORCE That is young men who are like you with pure spirit.

KAMIKAZE SPECIAL ATTACK FORCE

Therefore I will ask you for the one hundred million citizens.

And I wish for your success!

- Salute!

- I am counting on you. - Yes, sir!

- Good luck! - Yes, sir!

- I am counting on you. - Yes!

- I am counting on you. - Yes!

- Good luck!

' Yes!

- Good luck! - Yes!

- Shouldering the fate of Japan,

the special attack airplanes that would not return alive, flew away one by one.

But some of them did not find the enemy and returned several times.

But they were not allowed to stay alive.

= "Sinking a ship! Sinking a ship!

"Victory song is heard and it is time to part with this life no matter if you cry or laugh.

"Aviation goggles are blurred with tears.

"The shore of Leyte in cloudy sunset."

- Are you surprised?

Witnessing the attitudes of war gods...

They should have been dead, but they returned alive three times.

They just have to be singing or something.

We believe that our deaths will definitely contribute to Japan.

You spoke out for Japan by risking your life.

I admire you.

- I only did an ordinary thing.

- Stop joking!

What did you do as a newspaper reporter?

What kind of great things have you achieved?

- Shimagaki! - Let me speak.

I will not be alive tomorrow. Well...

if I don't find the enemy, I will strike anything!

Newspaper reporter,

what did you used to say when the war began?

When we had the big victory in Singapore?

What did you say?!

"Imperial forces are invincible! It is the holy war!"

"Banzai! Banzai!"

"Tojo is great!"

"Destroy evil Americans and British!"

Who said all those things?!

You are the ones who made Japanese warlike!

But when we started to lose, you said, "We should quit."

That's all you did.

What is so great about that?

Is it all right to start a war if we can win?

You used to praise Tojo highly when we were winning.

But when we started to lose, you blamed Tojo for everything.

Don't you have any sense of responsibility?!

You wrote in newspapers that we should quit the war because we were losing.

Then, is it all right to go into a war if we can win?

That way of thinking...

Japan will lose.

Country like this should just lose!

I will die gladly for Japan's defeat!

They should get death penalties.

For those who thought that Japan should win...

Death penalties! They all should get death penalties!

Death penalties!

- We will synchronize our watches now.

0530.

10 seconds,

5 seconds,

3 seconds.

Ready, now!

Now, go!

1945 (SHOWA YEAR 20)

1945 (SHOWA YEAR 20)

- The emperor was deepiy concerned about tne deterioration of tne war situation

- The emperor was deeply concerned about the deterioration of the war situation

and asked all former prime ministers one by one about their own perspectives on the war

7bjo was called on February 26th.

- Air raid like this is nothing!

For modern warfare, this is only the beginning.

The real war will be starting now.

If we get discouraged with this,

we would never achieve the great task of forming the Greater East Asia Cu-Prosperity Sphere.

Japanese people will summon up their courage at the last moment to confront the difficulties.

We have that special quality.

The war situation is dire, but we need not be pessimistic.

All citizens under the emperor will believe in the invincibility of our nation

and the justification for this Great Pacific war.

As long as we maintain that unwavering spirit and keep fighting,

the road to victory will open up for certain!

Directed by: HORIKAWA Hiromichi

Cast

Cast

KOBAYASHI Keiju KAYAMA Yuzo KUROSAWA Toshio

MIHASHI Tatsuya

KOBAYASHI Keiju KAYAMA Yuzo KUROSAWA Toshio

MIHASHI Tatsuya

KOYAMA Shigeru MIYAGUCHI Seiji SHIMIZU Masao SASAKI Takamaru HOSOKAWA Toshio KITA Ryuji KITAMURA Kazuo

NAKAMURA N0bu0

FUJITA Susumu NAKAMURA Matagoro HARA Yasumi ABE Toru TAJIMA Yoshifumi SHIMIZU Gen ISHIYAMA Kenjiro

SHIMURATakashi

NAKATANI lchiro TSUCHIYA Yoshio TARUMI Goro SAHARA Kenji ITO Ta kao TAKATSU Sumio AOKI Yoshio FUJIOKA Jukei AMAMOTO Hideyo KUBO Akira

TE RA DA Minori

HIRATA Akihiko MUTSU Goro MORI Kanla FUNADO Jun ITFA Shogen HATANO Ken TOMITA Kolaro TAMAGAbMA lsao SAKAI Sachio EHARA Taisuyoshi

KISHIDA Mori

MINAKAZE Yoko TAMURA Nami

NAKAHARA Shigeo SHIIBARA Kunihiko MIYAKAVVA YOiOhi SADA Yutaka FUKUDA Hidemi OZAWA Hiroharu YAMAMOTO TakeShi FUJIYAMA Ryuichi

NAGAHAMA Fujio MATSUSHITA Tatsuo

OCHIAKI Yoshio MATSUMOTO Somesho TAKASHIMATOShiO MIYAMOTO Kojiro HASEGAWA Hiroshi

KOYAMA Genki

SASAKAWA Keizo

NOMURA Seiichiro

AKASHI UShiO

OKAYasumasa

MUKAI Junichiro

KOGAMI Jotaro

HIROSE Masakazu KATO Haruya OIVIAE Wataru TANAKA Hiroshi KIIVURA Hirohito KOGANEI Norio OGATA Rinsaku OKABE Tadashi

AOIVIORI Shin

IWAIVDTO Hiroshi

SUZUKI Kazuo

TOGIN Chotaro

ARAKI Yas u o

KAWASAKI Kei

SUZUKI Haruo

KATSUBE Yoshio

ECHIGO Ken

SUZUKI Yusaku

KURATA Yasuaki NOJIMAAkio

TSUDA Mitsuo UNO Koji ITO Minori TSUEFUJI Yukihiko SUDA Junnosuke UBUKATA Soji UENISHI Koji KASHIMA Kuniyoshi OTOBA Kumeko IRIE Ryoko KIHIRAYoshi YUKI Tsuyako YANO Yoko KIRYU Kahoru