True story Japanese soldiers hiding 30 years forest, not knowing Second World War had ended
The true story of Japanese soldiers hiding for 30 years in the forest, not knowing that the Second World War had ended
The story of Japanese soldier Hiroo Onoda hiding in the forest for 30 years (source histroyskills.com) (histroyskills.com)
- Hidden deep in the dense forests of Pula Lubang, a Japanese soldier remains loyal to the orders he received, not knowing that the second world war had ended almost three decades earlier.
Hiroo Onoda continues to fight tenaciously in long-ending wars around the world. The story depicts extraordinary loyalty, a struggle for survival against all odds, and a surprising disconnect from a rapidly changing world.
How did Onoda survive 30 years of complete isolation from modern civilization? And what finally convinced him to surrender and lay down his weapons?
Who is Hiroo Onoda
Hiroo Onoda (Source historyskills.com) (historyskills.com)
Hiroo Onoda was born March 19, 1922 in the Japanese village of Kamekawa. His childhood life reflected traditional early 20th century Japanese values, which placed great emphasis on loyalty and duty.
At the age of 18, in 1940, Onoda made the important decision that would shape much of his life by joining the Imperial Japanese Army.
During his time in service, Onoda underwent intensive training that not only prepared him for war, but also instilled him with strong discipline and an unwavering commitment to the nation and the Emperor.
In 1944, at the height of the Second World War, Onoda experienced major changes in his military career. He was selected to undergo special training at the Nakano School, an elite intelligence training center in Tokyo.
There, Onoda and his comrades were trained in guerilla warfare and survival skills, which suited Japan's changing strategy in the face of the changing tides of war.
This training is useful for intelligence gathering, sabotage capabilities, and survival skills in harsh and isolated environments.
The skills and mindset that Onoda developed during his training at the Nakano School became the key to his survival in the jungles of the Philippines.
Why Hiroo Onoda is on Lubang Island
Lubang Island in the Philippines (Source historyskills.com) (historyskills.com)
In late December 1944, as the second world war reached its peak, Hiroo Onoda was assigned to Lubang Island in the Philippines, with the important mission of harassing and gathering intelligence on Allied operations.
At that time, Onoda, who was still a young lieutenant, arrived on the island on December 26 1944, ready to carry out his orders with strong discipline and dedication.
Arriving at Lubang Island, Onoda immediately assessed the situation. Although the island was relatively small, its terrain full of dense forests and steep hills was perfect for the guerrilla warfare tactics he had learned.
Onoda was given clear orders: to carry out guerrilla operations and not surrender under any circumstances.
Lubang Island in the Philippines, whose forests are very dense, provides both protection and challenge.
Onoda and his team had to adapt to the harsh environment, seeking food and water from the natural surroundings, and constantly moving to avoid enemy forces.
They survive by eating coconuts, bananas and other fruit, and sometimes stealing livestock from local farms.
Life in the forest, which demands physical fitness, coupled with the psychological pressure of always being alert, is very difficult. However, Onoda's leadership and survival skills ensured that his group remained alive and continued to operate.
Hiroo Onoda's Ignorance of Japan's Defeat in the Second World War
Japan Surrender Ends the Second World War (Carl Mydans/Getty Images) (Carl Mydans/Getty Images)
In early 1945, the tide of the second world war began to turn against Japan. American troops again took control of the Philippines, landing on Lubang Island in February 1945. Communications with Japanese command became limited and eventually completely cut off.
They were given strict orders not to surrender, and with no direct orders stating otherwise, Onoda interpreted this as instructions to continue fighting.
Leaflets and news about Japan's surrender in August 1945 reached them, but Onoda and his men dismissed it as enemy propaganda aimed at luring them out of hiding.
Onoda remains skeptical. Trained in propaganda warfare, he suspected these messages were a ploy by the Allies to trick them into surrendering.
His training at the Nakano School had prepared him to be wary of such tactics, strengthening his resolve to continue the fight until he received official orders from his superiors.
How Hiroo Onoda Survived 30 Years in the Jungle
Hiroo Onoda (Source historyskills.com) (historyskills.com)
In the middle of a dense forest, Hiroo Onoda and several colleagues rely on their training and ingenuity to survive. Their daily activities included reconnaissance missions, intelligence gathering, and guerrilla action against Allied forces.
They live hidden lives, avoiding capture and trying not to attract attention. Onoda hunted wild animals, foraged for fruit, and fished in the river.
Their food sources are supplemented with rice and other ingredients stolen from local farms. Onoda also ensures the availability of clean water by finding and utilizing natural water sources in the forest.
For years, Onoda led its operations, believing that their actions contributed to the war effort.
They improved their weapons using limited resources and made clothes from tree bark to replace their uniforms.
Despite numerous attempts by the local population and the Philippine Army to convince them that the war was over, Onoda stuck to his orders and continued fighting.
Protection is an important element in Onoda's survival. He built a hidden shelter from natural materials in the forest, which served as a place of rest and protection from bad weather and to avoid detection.
Onoda is adept at disguising his hiding place and often moves to avoid traces. In 1972, after his three comrades surrendered or died, Onoda survived alone.
He maintains his guns and ammunition carefully, cleaning them regularly and making improvised repairs when necessary.
Onoda faced health challenges such as tropical diseases, injuries, and physical setbacks due to harsh living conditions. He coped with basic knowledge of first aid, maintaining personal hygiene, and a great deal of mental and physical discipline.
The psychological aspect is the biggest test. Onoda must battle loneliness, uncertainty, and the stress of life as a fugitive.
He overcomes this by maintaining a strict routine, following military training, and staying focused on his mission. This mental fortitude was as important as his physical skills, allowing Onoda to survive decades of isolation.
Why Hiroo Onoda Finally Gave Up
Hiroo Onoda Walks Out of the Philippine Jungle to Surrender in 1974 (AFP/Getty Images) (AFP/Getty Images)
Hiroo Onoda's refusal to surrender and his continued military operations became a serious and dangerous problem for the local population.
Several incidents involved clashes between Onoda and his colleagues and local farmers and Filipino police, which often ended in injury or death.
Onoda, who thought he was still at war, saw civilians and local authorities as threats, leading to inevitable conflict.
The residents of Lubang Island live in uncertainty and fear due to these sporadic but dangerous encounters. Worries about the possibility of meeting Onoda or his group affect their daily lives.
Agriculture and fishing, which are vital to the local economy, are often disrupted. Several areas on Lubang Island have become restricted zones, due to residents trying to avoid potential confrontations.
This turning point came in 1974, 30 years after the war ended. Norio Suzuki, a young Japanese adventurer who was interested in Onoda's story, went to Lubang Island to look for him.
Suzuki manages to find Onoda and tries to convince him to surrender. However, Onoda, who still adhered to his military discipline, stated that he would only surrender if his commander ordered him to.
The Philippine government faces a difficult situation. Efforts to remove Onoda peacefully were hampered by his stubborn refusal to believe that the war was over.
This presents a challenge for local authorities who must balance the safety of their citizens with resolving the situation without further violence.
In response to this urgent situation, the Japanese government tracked down Onoda's former commander, Major Yoshimi Taniguchi, who was working as a bookseller at the time.
In a dramatic turn of events, Taniguchi was flown to Lubang Island to give Onoda his final wartime orders. On March 9, 1974, in a historically emotional moment, Taniguchi officially relieved Onoda of his duties.
This step was very important to Onoda, who had great respect for the chain of command and needed an official order to end his mission.
After receiving the order, Onoda surrendered and handed over his sword, a functioning Arisaka rifle, ammunition, several hand grenades, and his family's dagger.
How Hiroo Onoda Adapted to Life in the Modern World
Hiroo Onoda (Source explorersweb.com) (explorersweb.com)
After surrendering in 1974, Hiroo Onoda returned to Japan and attracted the attention of the nation and the world. A man who has lived in the past for a long time must now adjust to modern Japan, which is very different from the 1940s era he left behind.
This adaptation was challenging for Onoda, because he had to deal with major changes in technology, culture and societal values.
At first, Onoda struggled with his newfound popularity and the pace of modern life. The media gave him widespread attention, and his story was immortalized in books and documentaries.
In interviews and public appearances, he often shares his experiences and difficulties adjusting to a world he barely knows.
Despite experiencing culture shock, Onoda's resilience and adaptability, which once helped him survive in the jungle, also support him in navigating this new phase of his life.
In the years following his return, Onoda's views on his former battle began to change. He expressed regret for the lives lost during his stay on Lubang Island, both from his colleagues and the local community.
These reflections led him to deeper thoughts about war and its impact on individuals and society.
Onoda's unique experience made him a sought-after speaker, often speaking on war, peace, and the human spirit. Seeking a quieter life, Onoda moved to Brazil in 1975 and became a cattle rancher.
Moving to a rural setting that reminds him of his life in the forest, allows Onoda to find peace and purpose.
He married in 1976 and built a new life away from the public spotlight. In Brazil, he also founded a survival training camp, using his experience to teach others how to survive in harsh conditions.
In 1984, Onoda returned to Japan and founded an educational camp for youth in his native prefecture, Wakayama.
Through this program, he seeks to teach the values of discipline, survival skills, and respect for nature to the younger generation.
Onoda's post-surrender life becomes a journey of reconciliation with his past and an attempt to make a positive contribution to society. Hiroo Onoda died on January 16 2014 at the age of 91.
This content is a post from Z Creators Indozone.
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