gabosaurus
08-08-2015, 11:12 AM
I have been reading this fascinating book called "Japan at War - An Oral History." It was written 20 years ago and is a collection of interviews with Japanese, Chinese and Koreans who survived World War II.
It runs the entire gamut of society, from war widows to soldiers, prisoners and even suicide mission vets who somehow survived their missions.
Most frightening to me was the level of preparedness that Japanese residents had gone to defend the country from attack. Elderly people had built hidden bunkers lined with incendiary devices. Women were trained with poison tipped bamboo spears. Even infants and small children could be strapped with explosive devices.
The majority stated that the only voice they listened to was the Emperor. The Emperor was swayed by the bombs.
It runs the entire gamut of society, from war widows to soldiers, prisoners and even suicide mission vets who somehow survived their missions.
Most frightening to me was the level of preparedness that Japanese residents had gone to defend the country from attack. Elderly people had built hidden bunkers lined with incendiary devices. Women were trained with poison tipped bamboo spears. Even infants and small children could be strapped with explosive devices.
The majority stated that the only voice they listened to was the Emperor. The Emperor was swayed by the bombs.