Kaiten

Japan's Secret Manned Suicide Submarine and the First American Ship It Sank in WWII

By: Michael Mair, Joy Waldron

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

In November 1944, the U.S. Navy fleet lay at anchor in Ulithi Harbor, deep in the Pacific Ocean, when the oiler USS Mississinewa erupted in a ball of flames. Japan's secret weapon, the Kaiten - a manned suicide submarine - had succeeded in its first mission.

The Kaiten was so secret that even Japanese naval commanders didn't know of its existence. And the Americans kept it secret as well. Embarrassed by the shocking surprise attack, the U.S. Navy refused to salvage or inspect the sunken Mighty Miss. Only decades later would the survivors understand what really happened at Ulithi, when a diving team located the wreck in 2001.

In Kaiten, Michael Mair and Joy Waldron tell the full story from both sides, from the strategic importance of the USS Mississinewa to newly revealed secrets of the Kaiten development and training schools. U.S. Navy survivors recount their gripping experiences in the wake of the attack, as well as the harrowing recovery efforts that came later. Japanese pilots reveal their terrifying experiences training to die for their country and Emperor, never knowing when their moment of doom would come.

©2014 Michael Mair and Joy Waldron (P)2014 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A powerful tale about how an intersection of youth, patriotism and sacrifice ended in a fiery, suicidal assault on an American warship. More than recounting a battle, this is a very human story that relives one of the most painful episodes of World War II." (James P. Delgado)

Lots of stories from both sides!

I really enjoyed this one! Lots of recollections from survivors of the incident and people involved in the Kaiten special attack force program. I found myself moved by the plight of all involved

Wow!

I loved it. I had no idea that Kaiten were used, let alone real. Spent the entire time on the edge of my seat!