You and I are Cherry blossom comrades
Blooming in the same garden of our squadron.
Knowing that cherry blossoms soon must fall,
Let us fall bravely for our country.

You and I are Cherry Blossom conrades
Blooming in the same garden of our squadron.
Knowing that we are not blood brothers,
Still nothing can ever divide us.

Though we may fall one by one,
Let us return to Yasukuni Shrine
And meet again as blossoms in the same garden.

Once I plunge downward, I promise you
An everlasting victory!

song of the cherry blossom comrades

The American perception of the kamikaze fighter pilots who fought in World War II is limited to a "mythical" portrayal of fanatical warriors who plunged to their deaths in order to deter the opposing army. The kamikaze tactics surprised and baffled Allied troops who then relayed stories of these suicidal attacks to the American public.

Initially, the intent of this project was simply to observe the training of kamikaze pilots and to record several accounts of the kamikaze fighters. As I reviewed more material, I realized that our knowledge of these young men remains today very innacurate. The personal accounts and even the pictures in this project assist in providing a more humanizing and realistic view of these warriors.

This exhibit was researched and designed by Guillermo Louis Rivell.

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 their respective authors and do not represent the views of the University or
the Department of History.