The Story of Hiroo Onoda: The Soldier Who Didn’t Know the War Was Over

Hiroo Onoda was a Japanese soldier who became famous for not knowing that World War II had ended. He lived in the jungles of Lubang Island in the Philippines for almost 30 years, continuing to fight because he believed the war was still going on.

Early Life and Military Service 

Hiroo Onoda was born on March 19, 1922, in Japan. He joined the Japanese army in 1942 and was trained as an intelligence officer. His job was to gather information and carry out guerrilla warfare, which means using small, surprise attacks against the enemy.

Sent to Lubang Island 

In December 1944, Onoda was sent to Lubang Island in the Philippines at the age of 22. His mission was to destroy the island’s airstrip and pier to prevent enemy forces from using them. However, soon after he arrived, American and Filipino forces took over the island. Onoda and a few other soldiers retreated into the jungle to continue their mission.

Life in the Jungle 

For nearly 30 years, Onoda and his fellow soldiers lived in the jungle, surviving on bananas, coconuts, and stolen rice and cows. They believed that the war was still going on because they thought the leaflets dropped from planes, announcing Japan’s surrender, were enemy propaganda. Over time, the other soldiers either surrendered or died, but Onoda remained.

Discovery and Surrender 

In 1974, a Japanese traveler named Norio Suzuki found Onoda in the jungle. Suzuki told Onoda that the war had ended, but Onoda refused to believe him. He said he would only surrender if his commanding officer ordered him to do so. Suzuki returned to Japan and brought Onoda’s former commanding officer, Major Yoshimi Taniguchi, to Lubang Island. Taniguchi officially relieved Onoda of his duties, and Onoda finally surrendered on March 9, 1974.

Return to Japan 

When Onoda returned to Japan, he was given a hero’s welcome. Many people admired his loyalty and dedication, even though the war had ended long ago. Onoda wrote a book about his experiences called “No Surrender: My Thirty-Year War,” which became very popular.

Why He Didn’t Know the War Was Over 

Onoda didn’t know the war was over for several reasons. He was isolated in the jungle, far from any towns or villages, making it hard to get accurate information. He also mistrusted the leaflets dropped from planes, thinking they were enemy tricks. His strong sense of duty and loyalty to his mission kept him going, and he had limited contact with the outside world, which reinforced his belief that the war was still ongoing.

How He Survived 

Onoda survived in the jungle through resourcefulness and survival skills. He foraged for food like bananas and coconuts, hunted cattle, and stole supplies from local villages. He used the environment to his advantage, staying hidden and moving around to avoid detection. His mental resilience and strong belief in his mission also played a crucial role in his survival.

Was He an Enemy of the Philippines? 

During the war, Onoda was considered an enemy combatant by the Allied forces, including the Philippines. However, after his surrender, he was pardoned by then-President Ferdinand Marcos, recognizing that he had been acting under orders and was unaware that the war had ended. Onoda later expressed regret for the harm caused and even donated money to local schools in the Philippines as a gesture of goodwill.

During his nearly 30 years in the jungle, Hiroo Onoda was initially accompanied by three other Japanese soldiers: Private Yūichi Akatsu, Corporal Shōichi Shimada, and Private First Class Kinshichi Kozuka. Over time, Akatsu surrendered in 1950, Shimada was killed in a shootout with local forces in 1954, and Kozuka was killed in 1972. By the time Onoda was discovered in 1974, he was the only one left.

Later Life and Death 

After returning to Japan, Onoda married a Japanese woman named Machie in 1976. The couple later moved to Brazil before eventually returning to Japan. Hiroo Onoda passed away on January 16, 2014, at the age of 91.

Lessons from Onoda’s Story 

Hiroo Onoda’s story teaches us about dedication, resilience, and the power of belief. Even though he was fighting for a cause that no longer existed, his commitment to his mission was unwavering. His story also reminds us of the importance of communication and understanding, as Onoda’s long ordeal could have ended much sooner if he had known the truth.

References:
Esquire Philippines: Hiroo Onoda
BBC: Hiroo Onoda
World History Edu
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