Japanese Refusal to Surrender

Japanese troops during World War 2 were told to never surrender. The military effect on the war was disastrous for the United States. With Japanese soldiers fighting to the death, thousands of more troops, supplies, and weapons were needed to be spent in order to take islands. Small Japanese holdouts in caves and in the jungles created many problems for US soldiers. These soldiers refused to surrender and instead tried to inflict as much damage as possible. The use of suicide fighters became increasingly prevalent throughout the war. Japanese "kamikaze" aircraft became incredibly successful, creating huge damage on naval ships. The suicide planes were able to save fuel, bombs, and pilot lives. Facing a pilot deficit, the Japanese air force started to stage suicide attacks. One successful pilot could take out a single ship. There was no need for highly trained pilots now that the pilots were suiciding. Fuel was only needed for a one way trip and the planes didn't have to gear up with bombs and bullets. During the battle of Iwo Jima, Japanese troops suicide d on American tanks, hoping to blow them up with themselves. Japanese forces held up in reinforced caves trying to inflict as much damage as possible on the American forces. The Japanese when facing no chance of winning, decided to commit suicide rather than be captured. The Japanese leadership claimed the US mistreated Japanese prisoners to the point of death. They claimed suicide was the only honorable way to die.
This wave of suicidal troops and refusal to surrender can be seen as a social way of life in Japan. Japanese soldiers were motivated to do what they did in order to honor their family and country. Before going on suicide missions, kamikaze pilots were honored by their generals and given a ceremonial send off as heroes of their country. The refusal to surrender is a Japanese social trend seen throughout the war. To surrender is to bring shame to your family, and many Japanese soldiers would rather end their lives than bring shame. Japanese "fight to the last man" strategy was devastating against the United States, creating hundreds of thousands more casualties and prolonging the war in the Pacific.