In March 1974, a man in a World War II Japanese uniform was on a routine patrol in the jungle on the island of Lubang in the Philippines. He was Onoda Kanro, a Japan soldier who had been fighting for 30 years. When Japan announced its surrender in 1945, Onoda chose not to believe it, leading several of his companions to hide in the jungle and continue guerrilla warfare. For 30 years, they have been a nightmare for the local population by attacking civilians and destroying facilities. When Onoda Kanro was finally discovered, he was like a beast, with a fierce face and ragged clothes.
Military career: From conscription to the battlefield
In 1942, Japan imperialism was at the height of its frenzied expansion. Large swathes of Southeast Asia were occupied by the Japanese army, and the clouds of war hung over the entire Pacific region. It was in this year that 20-year-old Onoda Hiroro was drafted into the army. This young man could never have imagined that this military uniform would accompany him for 30 long years.
Onoda Hiroro was assigned to the Army Nakano School. This school is not an ordinary military academy, it specializes in training special combat personnel. Here, Onoda Hiroro received systematic training in guerrilla warfare.
Instead of teaching complex tactical theories, the instructors repeatedly emphasized a simple rule of survival: "Survive." They instilled in the cadets an extreme idea: there must be no surrender and no suicide. No matter what difficulties you encounter, you must do everything you can to survive.
The purpose of this kind of training is very clear, that is, to train a group of special troops that can survive behind enemy lines for a long time. Their task was to sabotage enemy facilities, harass the enemy's rear. If necessary, it can even be done against civilians. In short, it is necessary to live and wait for the "imperial army" to arrive again.
In 1944, after two years of rigorous training, Onoda Kanro was sent to the Philippines. At this time, the Japan Empire was already crumbling, and the American army was winning in the Pacific theater. The once invincible Japan Combined Fleet could only cower in the harbor under the fierce blows of the US military.
Japan's strategic mistakes were laid bare. Their fleet, although large, is difficult to replenish in the event of losses. In contrast, the shipbuilding of the United States is almost as fast as "getting off the dumplings". As military experts say: "United States can lose many times, but Japan can only lose once!" "
Having lost its superiority at sea, Japan's defense on the islands became extremely difficult. In November 1944, Onoda was sent to Lubang Island in the Philippines. His superior, Yoshimi Taniguchi, gave him a special order: if Lubang Island was lost, he would continue to fight guerrilla warfare and wait for the emperor to come to his rescue.
Onoda Kanro was convinced of this order. Little did he know that this order would completely change the course of his life. Just over three months later, the U.S. military launched a large-scale landing operation against the Philippines. Under the blow of powerful fire, the resistance of the Japanese army quickly collapsed.
Many Japan soldiers died on the battlefield, and many chose to surrender. But Onoda sneered at surrender. He took refuge in the jungle with three soldiers, preparing for a long guerrilla war.
Lubang Island is relatively remote, and news of the surrender of the Japan government in 1945 did not reach the island's jungles. Onoda and others remained convinced that Japan was not defeated, and continued to attack the US military and destroy port facilities.
Their actions caused great panic among the local population. After all, Japan has officially surrendered, but there are still Japanese soldiers doing evil on the island. In order to obtain food, Onoda Kanro and others often attacked civilians and shot many innocent people.
They also often steal chickens and dogs, this one steals a chicken, that one steals a cow, and they do all kinds of evil. The local police were helpless against the elusive Japan soldiers. These Japanese soldiers were highly tactically literate, never staying in one place for a long time, and changing places with one shot.
Surprisingly, despite the hardships of life, the mental state of Kanro Onoda and others was well maintained. They had to bow to the portrait of the emperor every day, and this became the spiritual pillar that sustained them.
Hold on to the Faith: A Lone Warrior in the Jungle
On August 15, 1945, Emperor Hirohito of Japan issued the famous "Edict of the End of the War", announcing Japan's unconditional surrender. This news is like a bombshell that has caused a huge sensation around the world. However, deep in the dense forests of the Philippine island of Lubang, Onoda and his three companions knew nothing about it.
They remained convinced that Japan was undefeated and continued their guerrilla warfare. Onoda Kanro leads the trio of Akatsu, Shimada and Kotsuka through the jungle, looking for the so-called "enemy". Their actions caused great panic among the local population.
These four Japan soldiers often attacked civilians and shot many innocent people. In order to get food, they had to steal chickens and dogs, one family and one cow. The local police were helpless against the elusive Japan soldiers.
Onoda Kanro and others are indeed superb in terms of tactical literacy, they never stay in one place for a long time, and change places when they shoot a shot. This guerrilla tactic exhausted the men who pursued them. The local government has organized several large-scale searches, but each time to no avail.
As the days passed, Onoda and his companions began to wonder why the Japanese army had been delayed in meeting them. What they couldn't figure out was why the American troops and Filipinos on the island behaved as if the war was over.
In 1949, Onoda Kanro's team suffered its first losses. Akatsu couldn't stand this hard life and slipped away while the night was dark. The remaining three are more vigilant, believing that Akatsu is a traitor and may reveal their whereabouts to the enemy.
In order to avoid a possible pursuit, Onoda Kanro took Shimada and Kotsuka deeper into the jungle. Their lives have become more difficult, but their faith has not diminished in the slightest. Every morning, they saluted the portrait of the emperor that they carried with them, and this became a spiritual pillar that kept them going.
In the early 1950s, the Philippine and Japanese governments finally realized that there might still be Japanese soldiers hiding in the jungles of Lubang Island. They began to take action to try to persuade these "last Japan soldiers" to surrender.
The government repeatedly sent planes to drop leaflets on the island to inform them that the war was over. However, Onoda Kanro and others believed that this was a trick of the enemy and resolutely did not believe it. They even used the leaflets as toilet paper as a sign of contempt.
In 1952, Onoda Kanro's parents came to Lubang Island in the hope of persuading their son to surrender. They brought conclusive evidence of Japan's surrender, as well as Onoda Kanro's favorite food. However, Onoda Kanro never showed up.
In 1954, Onoda Hiroro's team suffered losses again. In a firefight with the Philippine military police, Shimada was tragically killed. Onoda Kanro and Kotsuka held a simple funeral for their companions and then continued their "battle".
As time went on, Onoda and Kozuka's equipment became more and more worn-out. Their uniforms were in tatters, and their weapons were rusty from a chronic lack of maintenance. But they still insist on wiping their guns every day and maintain the style of a military man.
In 1972, another misfortune befell this team. During an encounter with the local police, Kozuka was shot and killed. At this point, Onoda Kanro became the last Japanese soldier to persist in fighting.
Having lost all his companions, Onoda Kanro's life has become even more lonely. He began to wonder if his persistence still made sense. However, years of military training and loyalty to the emperor made it impossible for him to give up.
Onoda continued to wander the jungle, sometimes attacking villages, sometimes evading pursuit. His actions have become a local legend, and it is known that a haunted Japan soldier is hidden in the jungle.
In this way, Onoda spent almost 30 years in the jungle. His hair had turned gray and his body was not as strong as it used to be, but his will was still strong. He was convinced that he was carrying out an important mission, even though it had long since lost its meaning.
In early 1974, a young Japan named Norio Suzuki came to Lubang Island to look for Onoda Kanro. The young man had a keen interest in World War II history, and he believed that Onoda was still alive. After several days of searching, Suzuki finally found traces of Onoda Kanro in the jungle.
When Suzuki first met Onoda Hiroro, he was shocked by what he saw. This former second lieutenant of the Imperial Japan Army has become a savage-like existence. His clothes were in tatters, his hair and beard were tangled, and his eyes were wary and hostile.
Despite Suzuki's repeated explanations that the war was over, Onoda still refused to believe it. He insisted on waiting for orders from his superiors. This stubborn attitude is both surprising and distressing. How can a person hold on to false beliefs for so long?
A time to return: The warrior finally returns to his homeland
The appearance of Norio Suzuki brought a turning point in the fate of Onoda Kanro. The young man's persistence impressed Onoda Kanro, but he still insisted on waiting for orders from his superiors. Suzuki understood that for this stubborn veteran to lay down his arms, his immediate superiors had to be found.
So, Suzuki returned to Japan and began to look for Yoshimi Taniguchi, Onoda Kanro's boss. After a lot of twists and turns, he finally found Taniguchi, who had become a bookstore owner. Taniguchi was surprised to hear that Onoda was still alive, and he was also deeply guilty.
In March 1974, Yoshimi Taniguchi went to Lubang Island, accompanied by Suzuki. They searched the jungle for several days and finally found Onoda Hiroro. When Taniguchi shouted "Second Lieutenant Onoda", Onoda Kanro, who was hiding behind a tree, immediately stood up straight and gave a standard military salute.
Taniguchi explained to Onoda Hiroro the fact that the war had ended, and officially gave the order to dismiss the combat mission. After listening to this, Onoda Kanro was silent for a long time, and then said solemnly, "Obey the order." In this way, the "battle" that lasted for almost 30 years finally came to an end.
When Onoda Kanro walked out of the jungle, he caused a sensation. He was dressed in a shabby military uniform, armed with a working rifle, a grenade and a command knife pinned to his waist. The scene seemed to have traveled back in time from the Second World War, and the people present were both shocked and emotional.
The Philippine government welcomed Onoda's surrender, but it also faced a thorny issue. During his 30 years of "fighting", more than 30 civilians died. According to Philippine law, Onoda should be tried.
However, considering the special historical background, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos finally decided to pardon Onoda Kanro. The decision caused some controversy, but most people thought it was a wise move. After all, Onoda Kanro's actions were a tragedy caused by the war, not out of personal malice.
On March 12, 1974, Onoda officially handed over his weapons to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos. It is a ceremonial moment that marks the end of an era. Onoda Kanro's rifles, grenades, and sabers are housed in the museum and become a testament to that crazy era.
Onoda then set off for Japan. When he set foot on Japan soil, he was greeted by an overwhelming flood of flashing lights and a warm welcoming crowd. Many people hailed him as a hero and praised him for his loyalty and perseverance. But others questioned his actions, arguing that he had caused unnecessary casualties.
After returning to his hometown of Nara Prefecture, Onoda Kanro discovers that everything has changed. His parents have died, and his siblings have started their own families. Streets that were once familiar are now filled with cars and high-rise buildings rising from the ground. He felt both novel and dazed, like a time traveler.
In order to help Onoda adjust to his new life, the Japan government arranged a series of tutoring sessions for him. He learned the basics of modern society, such as how to use a telephone and how to take an elevator. These things, which seem simple to ordinary people, are all new experiences for Onoda Kanro.
Onoda Kanro's story soon spread throughout Japan and even attracted worldwide attention. Many media outlets rushed to report on his experience, and publishers invited him to write a memoir. Onoda Kanro became a celebrity for a while, but he was uncomfortable with this sudden fame.
In the process of adjusting to modern life, Onoda Hiroro also faced psychological challenges. He often felt lonely and out of place, and had difficulty understanding many of the ideas of modern society. Sometimes, he misses the simple life in the jungle.
In order to find a new direction in life, Onoda decided to go to Brazil to start a new life. In 1975, he moved to São Paulo, Brazil, to start a ranch life in a community of Japanese immigrants. There, he found a way of life close to nature, which gave him some comfort.
However, deep down, Onoda Kanro has never been able to completely let go of the past. He often returns to the jungles of Lubang Island in his dreams, dreaming that he is still on a mission that has long lost its meaning. This psychological shadow stayed with him for a long time.
In 1984, Onoda returned to Japan and founded a nature school for teenagers. In this way, he hopes to pass on the survival skills he has learned in the jungle to the younger generation. The school is very popular, and many parents send their children to learn independence and perseverance.
Over time, Onoda Kanro gradually became a respected elder. He is often invited to speak at schools and companies to share his experiences and life insights. Despite the harm his actions caused, he is seen more as a product of a special era, a symbol of loyalty and perseverance.
On January 16, 2014, Onoda Kanro died in a hospital in Tokyo at the age of 91. His death has attracted widespread attention, and many believe that with his passing, the history of World War II has turned another page. Onoda Hiroro's life is not only a personal legend, but also a microcosm of the times, giving people a deeper understanding of the cruelty of war and the preciousness of peace.
Across Time and Space: A New Chapter in the Life of a Legend
After Onoda returned to Japan, life was not all smooth sailing. His biggest challenge is how to find his place in a society that has changed dramatically. The man, who had lived alone in the jungle for nearly 30 years, was suddenly thrown into a modern world full of appliances, cars, and high-rise buildings.
He began to learn to use modern equipment, such as televisions, telephones, and refrigerators. Every successful use of these devices is a small victory for him. However, many aspects of his life still confuse and make him uncomfortable.
In order to help Onoda reintegrate into society, the Japan government arranged a series of adaptation training for him. He learned modern Japanese, as the language also changed in the years he was away. He also received psychological counseling to help him deal with the psychological shock of the sudden transition from a state of war to a peaceful life.
However, Onoda Kanro finds it difficult to adapt to modern life in Japan. The hustle and bustle of the city and the fast pace unease him. He misses the tranquility and simplicity of the jungle. In this case, he made a surprising decision: to move to Brazil.
In 1975, Onoda Kanro came to Oros Blancus in Brazil. There, he bought a ranch and started a new life. The open spaces and natural surroundings here made him feel familiar and comfortable. He began to raise cattle and sheep, grow crops, and live a life close to nature.
During his time in Brazil, Onoda found a balance. He can use the skills he has learned in the jungle while also slowly adapting to modern society. He learned to drive a tractor, use modern agricultural techniques, and even started using a computer to manage his farm.
In 1984, Onoda made another important decision: to return to Japan. This time, he returned with the experience he had accumulated in Brazil and a new understanding of life. He decided that he wanted to pass on his experience and knowledge to the younger generation.
After returning to Japan, Onoda founded a nature school. The goal of this school is to teach young people survival skills and respect for nature. He personally designed the curriculum to teach students how to survive in the wild, how to identify plants for consumption, how to make simple tools, etc.
The school was quickly welcomed. Many parents believe that in this era of increasing reliance on technology, children need to learn these basic survival skills. Onoda Hiroro's curriculum teaches not only practical skills, but also important qualities such as tenacity, independence, and adaptability.
Over time, Onoda Kanro gradually became a respected public figure. He is often invited to speak on various occasions to share his experiences and life insights. His story has inspired many, especially those facing difficulties and challenges.
In 2005, Onoda returned to Lubang Island in the Philippines. The return visit was full of emotion. He visited the jungle where he had been hiding and met some of the local residents. Surprisingly, many locals showed him understanding and forgiveness.
The visit also gave Onoda an opportunity to apologize to the families who were victims during his "war". He made a donation to a local school in the hope of making a contribution to the community. The visit became an important step in his personal reconciliation.
In 2010, Onoda published his memoirs. The book details his life in the jungle and his experiences after returning to society. In the book, he talks candidly about his mistakes and regrets, while also sharing his thoughts on life, loyalty, and responsibility.
The book has attracted a lot of attention in Japan and around the world. Many readers were moved by his story and provoked deep reflections on war, peace, and personal responsibility. Onoda's story is seen as a unique case of the legacy of World War II.
On January 16, 2014, Onoda Kanro died in a hospital in Tokyo at the age of 91. His death attracted global media attention. Many believe that with his passing, another important page in the history of World War II has been turned.
The Japan government held a solemn memorial service for Onoda Kanro. People from all walks of life came to pay their respects, including politicians, representatives of the military, and ordinary people who had been influenced by him. His story is considered a symbol of loyalty, perseverance, and adaptability.
Onoda Hiroro's life spanned two very different eras. His story is both a personal legend and a microcosm of an era. His story is a reminder of the cruelty of war, the preciousness of peace, and the power of human resilience.
After the death of Onoda Kanro, the nature school he founded continued to operate, passing on his philosophy and spirit. Every year, many young people still come here to learn survival skills and develop an independent spirit. This is perhaps the most valuable legacy that Onoda has left to the world.