How did the Japanese government convince their kamikaze pilots?
Half of them volenteered for the job. To die for the emporer was the greatest honor a common Japanese soldier could earn. Suicide was widely practiced in Japan, part of the Samarai traditons. A defeated warrior was disgraced and must kill themself. As such to many the Kamakaze missions smacked of Samarai traditions. They were also eager to help save thier nation and homeland. The culture was one of obedience and unquestioning loyalty. If thier leaders said it’d help win the war most happily jumped into the plane heading for glory and thinking they were saving Japan. Another significant group among Kamakaze were those disgraced for some reason. Instead of killing themselves by the sword they were given an opportunity to die fighting for their nation. They were dead either way, expected to commit suicide otherwise. In this way they were able to reclaim their honor. The last group just didn’t have a choice. Obedience was expected and punished fiercely if not given. The family of a man who