Kamikaze pilots were instructed to yell "hissatsu" (必殺) at the top of their lungs in the final moments before impact. This powerful Japanese term translates to "certain kill" or "sink without fail," embodying the absolute commitment to their mission.
The Final Utterance: "Hissatsu"
The command to shout "hissatsu" was a specific directive found within the tokkōtai (special attack unit) pilot's manual. It was intended to reinforce the pilot's resolve and the unwavering objective of their suicidal attack: to ensure the destruction of the enemy target.
- Meaning: "Hissatsu" combines the characters 必 (hitsu), meaning "certain" or "unavoidable," and 殺 (satsu), meaning "kill." Together, they convey an intention of absolute certainty in achieving the kill.
- Purpose: This final cry served as both a psychological command for the pilot and a symbolic declaration of their ultimate sacrifice and dedication to the mission. It was a mental preparation for the ultimate moment.
Instructions for the Final Moments
Beyond the battle cry, the tokkōtai manual provided other critical instructions for pilots as they approached their targets:
- Eyes Open: Pilots were strictly warned never to close their eyes. Closing their eyes, even instinctively, would lower the chances of accurately hitting their intended target, which was paramount to the mission's success. This directive emphasized precision and unwavering focus until the very end.
- Total Commitment: The training and psychological conditioning of these pilots were designed to instill an absolute and unshakeable commitment to their duty, culminating in the "certain kill" action.
Here's a breakdown of the instructions related to the final moments:
| Instruction | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Yell "Hissatsu" | Affirm absolute commitment to target destruction |
| Eyes Open | Maintain target lock and maximize impact accuracy |
| No Hesitation | Ensure complete devotion to the suicidal mission |
These instructions highlight the intense psychological and operational demands placed on kamikaze pilots, focusing entirely on the successful completion of their one-way mission. To learn more about the broader context of these units, you can refer to information on Kamikaze tactics and history on Wikipedia.
