4 Japanese Fighter Pilots Who Survived the Entire War and Their Stories

World War II was a devastating time for Japan, especially in the skies. Japan’s fighter pilots faced tough battles against Allied forces across the Pacific, often with limited resources and overwhelming odds. Many never made it home, but a few survived the entire war. These pilots demonstrated remarkable skill and endurance, navigating air battles and the shifting tides of the conflict. Here are four Japanese fighter pilots who lived through the war and left their mark on aviation history.

1. Saburō Sakai

Saburō Sakai is one of Japan’s most renowned fighter pilots from World War II. He started his military career in 1933, training as a naval pilot. His skills quickly became evident, and he joined combat missions in China before the broader war erupted in the Pacific. By the time Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Sakai was already a seasoned pilot with numerous air victories.

Throughout the war, he faced numerous battles, including the Battle of Midway and the Solomon Islands campaign. Despite sustaining severe injuries in one battle—where he was blinded in one eye—Sakai managed to navigate his damaged aircraft back to base. He recovered from his injuries and returned to combat, showing his resilience. By the war’s end, he had achieved 64 aerial victories, making him one of Japan’s top aces. He survived the war and later shared his experiences, providing valuable insights into the conflict from a Japanese perspective.

2. Tetsuzō Iwamoto

Tetsuzō Iwamoto is often remembered as one of Japan’s deadliest fighter pilots. Known for his flying skills and strategic thinking, he began his career before World War II, participating in combat during the Second Sino-Japanese War. As the war spread across the Pacific, Iwamoto became a key figure in battles such as the defense of Rabaul, a crucial Japanese base in the South Pacific.

Iwamoto’s career was marked by his precision and dedication. He meticulously recorded his victories, which he claimed exceeded 200, though official records often report lower numbers. Despite the losses Japan suffered as the war progressed, Iwamoto continued flying missions even when supplies and experienced pilots grew scarce. His survival was not just a matter of skill; he also adapted to Japan’s declining situation by conserving fuel and avoiding unnecessary risks. After Japan’s surrender, Iwamoto faced the challenges of post-war life, but he remained one of the few pilots who survived through it all.

3. Takeo Tanimizu

Takeo Tanimizu is another Japanese fighter pilot who managed to survive the war. Tanimizu began his military service in 1942 and soon found himself in the thick of combat. He flew the A6M Zero, Japan’s most iconic fighter, during key battles in the Solomon Islands and the Philippines. As the war progressed, he faced increasing numbers of advanced Allied aircraft, which tested his skills in the air.

Tanimizu became known for his ability to stay calm under pressure and engage in dogfights with more heavily armed American planes like the F6F Hellcat. Despite Japan’s declining air power and the challenges of facing Allied pilots with newer aircraft, he managed to secure 32 confirmed victories. His survival until the end of the war is a testament to his ability to adapt to Japan’s difficult situation, which required resourcefulness and caution. After Japan’s surrender, Tanimizu returned to civilian life, later working in various fields, including education, while sharing his experiences with those interested in Japan’s military aviation history.

4. Satoru Anabuki

Satoru Anabuki is considered one of Japan’s top army aces of World War II. Unlike many of his peers who flew with the Japanese Navy, Anabuki served in the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force. He saw combat in various theaters, including China, Southeast Asia, and the defense of the Japanese home islands. Anabuki flew the Nakajima Ki-43 “Oscar,” a lightweight and maneuverable fighter that became his preferred aircraft during much of the war.

Anabuki’s flying skills were evident from the start. He was known for his aggressive combat style and achieved his first victory in the skies over Burma. Over time, he accumulated an impressive number of aerial victories, with his confirmed total reaching 51, though some sources claim even higher numbers. Anabuki continued to fly combat missions even as Japan’s air superiority waned, adapting his tactics to counter more advanced Allied aircraft like the P-51 Mustang and the F6F Hellcat.

Anabuki’s ability to survive the war was due not only to his skills but also to his adaptability and tactical awareness. As the war turned against Japan, he took on roles such as training new pilots and flying home defense missions. After the war, he continued his aviation career, flying for Japan’s post-war air force, where he contributed to Japan’s modern aviation industry. Anabuki’s story remains a testament to the resilience of those who fought through some of the most difficult battles in Japanese aviation history.