Japanese Fighter Ace Saburo Sakai - Forgotten History

Sub-Lieutenant Saburō Sakai was a Japanese naval aviator and flying ace of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. Sakai had 64 aerial victories according to official Japanese records. Hosted by Colin Heaton. Forgotten History is a 10th Legion Pictures Production.
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About us: Host/Military Historian/Film Consultant/US Army and Marine Corps Veteran - Colin Heaton
Screenwriter/Director/Producer/US Marine Corps Veteran - Michael Droberg
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Associated channel for sci-fi, fantasy, comedy, and film related topics:
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Music Score: "Terminus" by Scott Buckley

-COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER UNDER SECTION 107 OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT 1976
- Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976,
allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

[tracyedwards]

Apparently Sakai had a grandson that joined the US Marine Corps. My son shared a room in the barricks with him for a brief time about 8 years ago.

[dogold]

I happened to be visiting Tokyo around the time of Saburo Sakai's death. When I read in the newspaper there would be a memorial service in his honor at a temple in Aoyama, a Tokyo suburb, I dropped all other business to attend. There I got to meet his two daughters along with the sons-in-law, both, if I am not mistaken, are American officers. It was a very moving occasion. Sakai san, RIP.

[michaelgallagher]

I Read His Autobiography, “Samurai” In 1964. I Was Very Impressed By His Ability And Experience, Especially His Flight Back To Rabaul After Being Severely Wounded. Incredible Story. I Remember His Astonishment At How Tough A B-17 Was When He Engaged Colin Kelly Over The Philippines In 41.

[davidkeck]

I have a hardcover of his book, Samurai that I read initially back in the 1980s . Highly recommended reading for all pilots and history buffs.

[raymonortiz]

Here's a little bit of trivia for everybody. Saburo Sakai was involved as one of the advisors in the creation of Microsoft's Combat Flight Simulator 2 The Pacific. I loved that program so much that to this day, my old Windows PC sits in a corner of my study ready to fly me around the islands of the Pacific to visit the places where the war was fought. 😊

[billhuber]

I read his book. This man was the definition of honor !

[Sociologist]

Saburo Sakai was an honorable man. After the war he toured USA, in order to speak about peace. Bless his memory!!!

[alexsandersmith]

My Grand Father, Father, Brother and myself have all served in the military. It chilled to the bone when I read" rejoice not when thy enemy falls, lest the Lord sees it and it displeases him, and he turneth away his wrath". Good Honourable men know this and live it.

[grim]

Men like him are the proof that in wars there are heroes and villains in every side. But this man, he sure is an inspiring and worth or praise one

[rodofiron]

I had no idea he lived till 2002. I read his book when I was a teen, and he had been one of my heros ever since.

[thurin]

sakai was truly an honorable man. rip.

[markwhitaker]

I recall reading "Samurai" in 1968 as a kid devouring anything I could find re WW2 air combat (my Dad was a USAF fighter pilot). Such a great window into the rigorous training IJN airmen underwent. I have never forgotten the saga of Sakai returning to Rabaul after suffering such serious injuries/;aircraft damage over Guadalcanal. Later, fighting off a squadron of Hellcats by himself in the now obsolete Zero fighter due to experience/training-unreal. Also I believe he was the only IJN enlisted airmen to be promoted to a commissioned rank during the war. The afterwar struggles to live in a destroyed country, starting a new business-printing I think-such an amazing story and so readable. This review has made me want to read it again. I wish I had been able to see him at an airshow. Thank you for sharing.

[GenerationXrules]

You are a teacher that I could listen to endlessly. I love history, and it is so easy to listen to you. You know how ....some teachers can really command your attention, you are one of those. I'll be 60 in Feb....the last teacher I REALLY listened to was Mrs.Van Dyke in my senior year in HS...LOL I just really love to listen to you. I had to come up with a new name for YouTube because of...uh...well, weirdos. I'm the coffee lady LOL

[Kreighouston]

Colin, thank you for the unbiased and informative analysis of these events.

[peterlee]

Saburo Sakai was one of my favorite pilots. I bought his book Samurai! when I was in high school. He was (and is) a positve influence in my life.

[jamesdeen]

I'm glad you decided to revisit this terrific story of a man who maintained his honor throughout his life and bestowed a small amount to his nation.

[davidcoleman]

Thank you . I did read his book . Amazing . I will think of him this winter . I have a 4 day stop over in Tokyo on my way to Bangkok.

[iamrichrocker]

retired sniper of two branches..retired history prof...wow..you have my respect and appreciation, and a sub..

[daveheath]

I read Saburo Sakai's book, Samurai several years ago and was impressed how among other things, he investigated for himself, and was shocked by the lies and propaganda that was fed to the Japanese people by the government about the war, and the suppression of knowledge of atrocities committed by Japan against people during the conflict . Convinced of the truth of his discoveries, he accepted it and tried to get his countrymen to accept responsibility for what they had done . To me this really speaks loudly to the honorable character of the man, as contrasted against his fellows . Great summary of a virtuous warrior, thanks for sharing .

[waynefryer]

Another fantastic documentation of a pilot and his story. You are a fantastic story teller. Keep up the great work sir!