Drooid Logo
Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Survivor Says Kamikaze Orders Left Pilots No Choice

8/28/2026

33 5 Full Breakdown

1 of 1

Story summary
  • Japanese kamikaze pilots crashed explosive-laden planes into Allied warships during World II.
  • The pilots averaged 21 years of age.
  • Nearly 4,000 pilots died and over 7,000 Allied naval personnel were killed.
  • Kunitake Toriya, now 99, spent nearly two years in Soviet captivity after being captured.
  • He said 99 % flew only because orders left them no choice, making the legacy controversial.