Hiroo Onoda's thirty-year fight created
an international sensation in 1974 and an ongoing debate about whether
his guerilla warfare can be justified. His name occasionally makes international
headlines as new chapters are added to this story. People view his story
as just incredible, heroic or even as lunacy, but Hiroo Onoda's journey
continues to provide insight into the Japanese society of years past.
Top,
International Response, Villagers'
Reactions, Conclusion
Philippines President Marcos accepts Anode's sword in
surrender before the international press.
Anode's surrender fascinated Japan and the international
media. For the world, he symbolized true patriotism and the fighting spirit,
traits praised in many societies. Yet, to Japan, his thirty years in the
jungles of Clubbing transformed him into an even greater hero. At the
end of World War II, Japan was a defeated nation that had waged a seemingly
pointless war for over a decade. With the surrender came executions of
war leaders and the humbling of their emperor. Then, in 1974, they found
that the lost war did have a hero: Giro And. For the old generation and
now their children, And became the one lasting victory of the war, the
victory of the Japanese spirit. Upon returning to Japan, And wrote his
autobiography and later moved to Brazil after finding modern life too
difficult.
And, about to take his first steps on Japanese soil since
1944.
Top, International Response, Villagers' Reactions, Conclusion
Anode's thirty years of guerilla warfare contained many skirmishes with local police and citizens. Some sources believe that he and his two companions killed between seven and fifty civilians and injured many others in the years after 1945. Interestingly enough, once And surrendered, police officers escorted him to a Japanese helicopter for fear that the islanders would seek revenge for their dead. Instead, he was met with cheering crowds of people, intrigued by the local legend come to life.
In 1996, And visited Clubbing Island for the first time since his 1974 surrender. Some of his former "victims" welcomed him back with open arms. They, too, saw him as a hero and forgave him of his former offenses. "Some people said he killed many people. But it's already a thing of the past. He's part of our history," said Amy Filler, a junior high school teacher. A man whom And shot in the leg even told press, "I'm happy he is back. It wasn't anything big" (Thereby).
And lays flowers on Lubang's Japan-Philippines peace memorial.
Others refused to believe that he did not know the war had
ended. They think that he stubbornly held out for personal reasons and
is a murderer of innocents. Wilfredo Bleze, a villager who lost cattle
to Onoda's war said, "We do not welcome Onoda until he compensates
all his victims. We are asking for justice" (Thurber). Family members
of the victims are particularly vocal and disturbed about the positive
international treatment of Onoda.
Lubang protesters ask for "justice for all the victims
of Onoda!"
Hiroo Onoda said, "In any country, soldiers operate under orders. As long as they follow orders and don't violate international law, then they have no responsibility" (Thurber). He later added, "I don't regret what I did. My orders were to fight to the finish. I am only sorry for those that died" (Waddington).
Top, International Response, Villagers' Reactions, Conclusion
No authorities have ever condemned Onoda for his actions. He recently established a children's camp in Japan to teach the new generation survival techniques and pride in their nation. Some citizens felt that his return represented the unthinking nationalism that originally launched Japan into the Pacific War. Others questioned his actions of war on the island. Many people around the world simply admired him for thirty years of perceived loyalty and bravery.
Hiroo Onoda's story deserves inspection from both general society and historians. To some, the tale seems to be a modern version of the warrior legend. Yet it finds historical significance by exposing the dangers of wholeheartedly believing the dictates of a society, government, or military. The killings and jungle fights create discussion of the definition of a war crime. Onoda, himself, reminds the world that a lifetime can futilely be given to a failing and, perhaps, unjust cause. The public cannot view this soldier as merely another strange story of the war but should realize that he provokes world remembrance of the militarization and extremist attitudes of Japanese wartime society. Onoda's thirty years in the jungle continue to illustrate the truth that a seemingly average citizen can be swept away in the maneuverings of an unchecked government.
Top, International Response, Villagers' Reactions, Conclusion
Dedication
This site is dedicated to Hiroo Onoda for his thirty-year fight and to all soldiers who fight for the higher ideals of their countries. It is also dedicated to the citizens of Lubang Island who went through so much because of their Japanese holdout.
I would like to thank the people who shared their websites with me, the librarians of Wake Forest University and any readers who come across Hiroo Onoda: Thirty Years in the Jungle.
This exhibit was researched and designed by Jennifer Bernet.
This exhibit and museum were created during an introductory seminar on the Asia-Pacific War, taught at Wake Forest University during the spring semester 2002. The material and opinions are those of the author and do not represent the views of the University or the Department of History.