We got to see the pilots’ personal letters as well as photos before they embarked on their fateful journey. I think what struck me most was kanji characters that declared their desire to sink the enemy ships: 沉. It was a rousing war cry, but underneath the lines stayed hidden their true feelings. I’m sure some were raring to embark on the mission because they believed in the sacrifice, but surely others must have felt hesitant and apprehensive. Nonetheless, they undertook the same mission. Because of peer pressure? Because they would rather die than go AWOL? Because the societal climate made it easier for them to conform rather than defy the order to be a kamikaze pilot. It was a lot of probing and soul-searching for me.