Exploring the Origins and Meaning of Kamikazi

Thread starter Vance
Start date Jul 28, 2004

In summary, Kamikazi is a Japanese term that refers to a military tactic used during World War II in which pilots would intentionally crash their planes into enemy targets. This tactic originated during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945 as a response to the desperation of the Japanese military. While not all Kamikazi pilots were volunteers, many chose to participate out of a strong sense of duty and loyalty to their country. These attacks were highly successful in causing damage and lowering enemy morale, but ultimately did not have a significant impact on the outcome of the war. Similar tactics have been used by other countries throughout history, such as Christian soldiers during the Crusades and modern militant groups using suicide bombings in conflicts.

Jul 28, 2004

Vance

What is kamikazi exactly ? I see it in a thread around mine...

Thanks

Last edited: Jul 28, 2004

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Jul 29, 2004

Vance

What is kamikazi ? i don't know what it is,..

Jul 29, 2004

iansmith

Staff Emeritus

Science Advisor

Gold Member

http://www.cogsci.princeton.edu/cgi-bin/webwn?stage=1&word=kamikaze

Last edited by a moderator: May 1, 2017

Jul 29, 2004

Vance

Thanks iansmith.

By the way, I know Ian Smith works well with Java but have never heard he can work also well with biology :tongue2:
(just joking)

What is Kamikazi?

Kamikazi is a Japanese word that can be translated as "divine wind". It refers to a military tactic used by the Japanese during World War II, in which pilots would intentionally crash their planes into enemy targets.

How did the Kamikazi tactic originate?

The Kamikazi tactic was first used in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. It was a response to the growing desperation of the Japanese military as they faced defeat by the Allied forces. The concept of sacrificing one's life for the greater good was deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, making the Kamikazi tactic a logical choice for the military.

Were all Kamikazi pilots volunteers?

No, not all Kamikazi pilots were volunteers. Some were ordered or coerced into carrying out these suicide missions. However, many pilots did volunteer out of a strong sense of duty and loyalty to their country.

How successful were Kamikazi attacks?

Kamikazi attacks were highly successful in causing damage to enemy ships and morale. However, they did not have a significant impact on the overall outcome of the war. The Japanese military estimated that 19% of Kamikazi attacks were successful in hitting their targets.

Did other countries use similar tactics?

Yes, other countries have used similar tactics throughout history. For example, during the Crusades, Christian soldiers would often participate in suicide missions known as "martyrdom". In modern times, suicide bombings have been used by various militant groups in conflicts around the world.