Takijiro Onishi

ModernGeneralJapan1891 — 1945

Father of the Special Attack kamikaze corps.

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Quick Facts

Born

1891

Died

1945

Country

Japan

Era

Modern

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)50

Political (20%)28

Influence (20%)58

Legacy (20%)50

Leadership (15%)34

Strategy (15%)45

Total Score45.8

Takijiro Onishi — Complete Timeline

1944 AD

Organized the First Kamikaze UnitsWar

Onishi organized the first official kamikaze special attack units, the Shimpu Tokubetsu Kogekitai, in the Philippines. He ordered volunteer pilots to crash their aircraft into US ships, initiating a new tactic of suicide attacks that would continue for the rest of the war.

KamikazeWorld War IISuicide Attacks

Impact: globaldestructive

Commanded the First Air Fleet in the PhilippinesWar◆ Major

Onishi was appointed commander of the First Air Fleet in the Philippines. Facing overwhelming US air superiority and lacking trained pilots, he implemented the kamikaze strategy as a desperate measure to inflict damage on the US fleet.

Philippines CampaignWorld War IIAir Command

Impact: regional

1945 AD

Committed Suicide after Japan's SurrenderOther◆ Major

Onishi committed suicide by seppuku (ritual disembowelment) on August 16, 1945, the day after Japan's surrender. He left a note apologizing to the families of kamikaze pilots and urging young Japanese to work for peace.

SuicideWorld War IISeppuku

Impact: nationaltragic