4 Incredible Stories of Kamikaze Pilots Who Nearly Abandoned Their Missions

During World War II, Japan deployed a unique and devastating tactic in the form of kamikaze pilots. These pilots volunteered to crash their planes into enemy ships in a last-ditch effort to change the course of the war. However, not every kamikaze mission went as planned, and some pilots found themselves facing impossible choices. The following stories highlight four kamikaze pilots who, for various reasons, nearly abandoned their deadly missions.

1. Yukio Araki – The Youngest Kamikaze Pilot

Yukio Araki was just 17 years old when he became the youngest known kamikaze pilot in history. He was a high school student when he was recruited into Japan’s kamikaze program. Despite his young age, Araki was enthusiastic about serving his country and took pride in his assignment. As part of the 72nd Shinbu Squadron, his mission was to attack Allied naval forces in Okinawa. His plane was loaded with explosives, and he prepared for what was meant to be a final sacrifice.

However, in the days leading up to his mission, Araki began to show signs of hesitation. He wrote letters to his family, expressing his deep sorrow over leaving them behind. In photographs taken before the mission, Araki was seen holding a puppy, a gesture that some historians interpret as a sign of his inner conflict. Despite his reluctance, he ultimately carried out the mission, crashing his plane into an Allied ship on May 27, 1945. His story reveals the pressure and emotional toll that even the youngest kamikaze pilots faced.

2. Kiyoshi Ogawa – A Split-Second Decision

Kiyoshi Ogawa’s mission was one of the most famous kamikaze attacks of the war, but what’s often forgotten is the moment of hesitation that nearly changed the outcome. Ogawa was assigned to attack the USS Bunker Hill, an American aircraft carrier, in 1945. The mission was critical, and success depended on perfect timing and precision. As Ogawa approached the carrier, he realized that heavy anti-aircraft fire was coming from all sides, making it difficult to stay on course.

In a split second, Ogawa had to decide whether to continue the mission or attempt to pull away. The moment of hesitation was brief, but it was enough for him to consider abandoning the attack. Ultimately, Ogawa chose to stay on course, crashing his plane into the deck of the USS Bunker Hill, causing significant damage. The hesitation that he experienced shows the internal conflict many kamikaze pilots faced, torn between their duty and their instinct for survival.

3. Kenichiro Oonuki – Haunted by Family Memories

Kenichiro Oonuki was another kamikaze pilot who faced a deeply personal struggle before his mission. Oonuki had come from a close-knit family, and the thought of never seeing them again weighed heavily on him. On the morning of his mission, as he prepared to take off, he found himself overwhelmed with memories of his childhood and time spent with his parents. These memories triggered a deep sense of longing and made him question his decision to go through with the attack.

As he flew toward his target, Oonuki considered turning back. The thought of abandoning his mission crossed his mind several times, but the fear of dishonoring his family and country kept him moving forward. In the end, Oonuki did not survive the mission, but the emotional battle he fought before crashing his plane into an Allied ship highlights the personal conflicts many kamikaze pilots experienced. For Oonuki, the memories of his family were both a source of strength and a reason for doubt.

4. Tadayoshi Koga – A Technical Failure Turned Lifeline

Tadayoshi Koga’s story is unique among kamikaze pilots, as his mission was interrupted by a technical failure that ultimately saved his life. Koga was part of a kamikaze squadron tasked with attacking an Allied fleet in the Pacific. As he took off and began his approach, something went wrong with his plane’s engine, causing it to lose power. Unable to maintain altitude, Koga was forced to ditch the plane in the ocean before reaching his target.

The technical failure gave Koga an unexpected lifeline, allowing him to survive what was meant to be a one-way mission. After being rescued by Japanese forces, Koga was given a second chance at life, but he was left to grapple with the idea that he had failed in his duty. Despite the mechanical failure, Koga’s story offers a glimpse into the few instances where fate intervened, preventing a kamikaze pilot from completing their deadly mission.