Latest news with #HirooOnoda
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
How fanatical Japanese soldier kept fighting for 30 YEARS after VJ Day – by following haunting last order to the letter
One Japanese soldier carried on fighting for decades after the end of the war ONE MAN ARMY How fanatical Japanese soldier kept fighting for 30 YEARS after VJ Day – by following haunting last order to the letter FOR Hiroo Onoda, the Second World War did not end in 1945. The fanatical Japanese soldier did not believe his country had surrendered to to Allies - and carried on the fight for three decades. 9 Portrait of Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda taken prior to the end of World War Two Credit: Getty 9 Former Japanese imperial army soldier Hiroo Onoda walking from the jungle where he had hidden since World War II Credit: AFP Advertisement 9 He followed one chilling last order from his commanding officer to the letter Credit: Getty 9 Today marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Japan (VJ) Day, when Emperor Hirohito announced his county's unconditional surrender. But Onoda stubbornly refused to accept this, and holed up on an island in the Philippines with three other comrades to wage a guerrilla campaign of their own. Advertisement He followed one chilling last order from his commanding officer to the letter - "do not die". Onoda was first deployed to Lubang Island in the Philippines on Boxing Day 1944, when he was just 22 years old. It was here the young intelligence officer would make his decades long stand. He explained in 2010: "Every Japanese soldier was prepared for death, but as an intelligence officer I was ordered to conduct guerrilla warfare and not to die. Advertisement "I became an officer and I received an order. If I could not carry it out, I would feel shame.' American and Filipino forces captured Lubang in 1945, which saw more Japanese occupiers either die or surrender. But Onoda led his squad mates into the island's mountainous jungle to carry on the struggle. He remained completely unaware that two atomic bombs had been dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the final days of the war. Hiroshima survivor breaks silence 79yrs after nuke burned faces off 'alligator people' His Emperor's declaration of surrender would not persuade him to lay down his arms, and he kept on the fight for decades after. Advertisement Onada and his three fellow guerrillas were convinced that surrender documents dropped from the skies over the island were a fake. The band of soldiers survived by eating wild fruit and stolen food from the island's farms. During their decades of guerrilla campaigning, around 30 Filipino islanders were killed. Onada and the other troops would often shoot an "enemy soldier" they believe was disguised as a "farmer or policeman". But by the time their campaign came to an end, Onada was the last man standing. Advertisement 9 Hiroo Onoda saluting after handing over a military sword Credit: Getty 9 Onoda listens the order to surrender by former Japanese Imperial Army Major Yoshimi Taniguchi Credit: Getty 9 After his surrender, he moved to Brazil for a few years for a stint as a cattle rancher Credit: Getty One of the group decided to surrender in the 1950s, while the other two died during their struggle. Onada repeatedly rejected search parties and leaflets dropped that were begging him to lay down arms and surrender. Advertisement It wasn't until his former commanding officer, who was by then working as a bookseller, flew out in 1974 to formally rescind his orders that Onada stood down. By then, thirty years had passed since he was first deployed to the island. The 52-year-old handed in his weapons including his sword and Arisaka rifle upon his surrender. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos pardoned him for the islanders he had killed, and he returned to a hero's welcome in Japan. Finding it difficult to settle back in at home, he moved to Brazil for a few years for a stint as a cattle rancher. Advertisement After this, he went back to Japan to run a children's nature camp outside Tokyo. Onada would end up leading a long life, passing away in Tokyo in 2014 at the age of 91. When asked at a press conference upon his return to Japan in the 1970s what he had been doing, he simply said: "Carrying out my orders". His commanding officer told him in 1944: "It may take three years, it may take five, but whatever happens we'll come back for you." 9 Onoda offering his military sword to then Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Credit: AFP Advertisement
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
How fanatical Japanese soldier kept fighting for 30 YEARS after VJ Day – by following haunting last order to the letter
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FOR Hiroo Onoda, the Second World War did not end in 1945. The fanatical Japanese soldier did not believe his country had surrendered to to Allies - and carried on the fight for three decades. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Portrait of Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda taken prior to the end of World War Two Credit: Getty 9 Former Japanese imperial army soldier Hiroo Onoda walking from the jungle where he had hidden since World War II Credit: AFP 9 He followed one chilling last order from his commanding officer to the letter Credit: Getty 9 Today marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Japan (VJ) Day, when Emperor Hirohito announced his county's unconditional surrender. But Onoda stubbornly refused to accept this, and holed up on an island in the Philippines with three other comrades to wage a guerrilla campaign of their own. He followed one chilling last order from his commanding officer to the letter - "do not die". Onoda was first deployed to Lubang Island in the Philippines on Boxing Day 1944, when he was just 22 years old. It was here the young intelligence officer would make his decades long stand. He explained in 2010: "Every Japanese soldier was prepared for death, but as an intelligence officer I was ordered to conduct guerrilla warfare and not to die. "I became an officer and I received an order. If I could not carry it out, I would feel shame.' American and Filipino forces captured Lubang in 1945, which saw more Japanese occupiers either die or surrender. But Onoda led his squad mates into the island's mountainous jungle to carry on the struggle. He remained completely unaware that two atomic bombs had been dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the final days of the war. Hiroshima survivor breaks silence 79yrs after nuke burned faces off 'alligator people' His Emperor's declaration of surrender would not persuade him to lay down his arms, and he kept on the fight for decades after. Onada and his three fellow guerrillas were convinced that surrender documents dropped from the skies over the island were a fake. The band of soldiers survived by eating wild fruit and stolen food from the island's farms. During their decades of guerrilla campaigning, around 30 Filipino islanders were killed. Onada and the other troops would often shoot an "enemy soldier" they believe was disguised as a "farmer or policeman". But by the time their campaign came to an end, Onada was the last man standing. 9 Hiroo Onoda saluting after handing over a military sword Credit: Getty 9 Onoda listens the order to surrender by former Japanese Imperial Army Major Yoshimi Taniguchi Credit: Getty 9 After his surrender, he moved to Brazil for a few years for a stint as a cattle rancher Credit: Getty One of the group decided to surrender in the 1950s, while the other two died during their struggle. Onada repeatedly rejected search parties and leaflets dropped that were begging him to lay down arms and surrender. It wasn't until his former commanding officer, who was by then working as a bookseller, flew out in 1974 to formally rescind his orders that Onada stood down. By then, thirty years had passed since he was first deployed to the island. The 52-year-old handed in his weapons including his sword and Arisaka rifle upon his surrender. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos pardoned him for the islanders he had killed, and he returned to a hero's welcome in Japan. Finding it difficult to settle back in at home, he moved to Brazil for a few years for a stint as a cattle rancher. After this, he went back to Japan to run a children's nature camp outside Tokyo. Onada would end up leading a long life, passing away in Tokyo in 2014 at the age of 91. When asked at a press conference upon his return to Japan in the 1970s what he had been doing, he simply said: "Carrying out my orders". His commanding officer told him in 1944: "It may take three years, it may take five, but whatever happens we'll come back for you." 9 Onoda offering his military sword to then Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Credit: AFP
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
How fanatical Japanese soldier kept fighting for 30 YEARS after VJ Day – by following haunting last order to the letter
FOR Hiroo Onoda, the Second World War did not end in 1945. The fanatical Japanese soldier did not believe his country had surrendered to to Allies - and carried on the fight for three decades. 8 8 8 Today marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Japan (VJ) Day, when Emperor Hirohito announced his county's unconditional surrender. But Onoda stubbornly refused to accept this, and holed up on an island in the Philippines with three other comrades to wage a guerrilla campaign of their own. He followed one chilling last order from his commanding officer to the letter - "do not die". Onoda was first deployed to Lubang Island in the Philippines on Boxing Day 1944, when he was just 22 years old. It was here the young intelligence officer would make his decades long stand. He explained in 2010: "Every Japanese soldier was prepared for death, but as an intelligence officer I was ordered to conduct guerrilla warfare and not to die. "I became an officer and I received an order. If I could not carry it out, I would feel shame.' American and Filipino forces captured Lubang in 1945, which saw more Japanese occupiers either die or surrender. But Onoda led his squad mates into the island's mountainous jungle to carry on the struggle. He remained completely unaware that two atomic bombs had been dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in the final days of the war. His Emperor's declaration of surrender would not persuade him to lay down his arms, and he kept on the fight for decades after. Onada and his three fellow guerrillas were convinced that surrender documents dropped from the skies over the island were a fake. The band of soldiers survived by eating wild fruit and stolen food from the island's farms. During their decades of guerrilla campaigning, around 30 Filipino islanders were killed. Onada and the other troops would often shoot an "enemy soldier" they believe was disguised as a "farmer or policeman". But by the time their campaign came to an end, Onada was the last man standing. 8 8 8 One of the group decided to surrender in the 1950s, while the other two died during their struggle. Onada repeatedly rejected search parties and leaflets dropped that were begging him to lay down arms and surrender. It wasn't until his former commanding officer, who was by then working as a bookseller, flew out in 1974 to formally rescind his orders that Onada stood down. By then, thirty years had passed since he was first deployed to the island. The 52-year-old handed in his weapons including his sword and Arisaka rifle upon his surrender. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos pardoned him for the islanders he had killed, and he returned to a hero's welcome in Japan. Finding it difficult to settle back in at home, he moved to Brazil for a few years for a stint as a cattle rancher. After this, he went back to Japan to run a children's nature camp outside Tokyo. Onada would end up leading a long life, passing away in Tokyo in 2014 at the age of 91. When asked at a press conference upon his return to Japan in the 1970s what he had been doing, he simply said: "Carrying out my orders". His commanding officer told him in 1944: "It may take three years, it may take five, but whatever happens we'll come back for you." 8
Forbes
08-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
Urgency Over Perfection: The Mindset Of Bold Leaders
In March of 1974—nearly 30 years after World War II had ended—a gaunt man in tattered uniform stepped out of the Philippine jungle and surrendered his weapon. His name was Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese intelligence officer sent to Lubang Island in 1944 with one directive: never surrender. Hold the island until officially relieved of duty. But the war had ended in 1945. For Onoda, however, that information never registered as real. He dismissed leaflets dropped by planes, ignored radio broadcasts, and even discounted pleas from his own family as enemy propaganda. He remained hidden in the jungle, fighting a war that no longer existed—for 29 years. It wasn't until his former commanding officer traveled to the island in person and told him the truth face-to-face that Onoda finally stood down. By then, the world had changed beyond recognition. He had missed it all. Now, imagine your company is Onoda. Imagine your leadership team is waiting for a market signal that never arrives, clinging to a strategic plan that no longer aligns with reality, or ignoring new data out of loyalty to the original vision. What happens? You don't just fall behind. You become irrelevant. Hiroo Onoda's story is extraordinary—but the corporate version of it plays out every day in executive teams around the world. The language is different, but the mindset is eerily familiar. 'Let's wait until the next quarter to decide.' 'Let's gather more data before we take action.' 'Let's hold until we're sure it's the right time.' Sound familiar? This is the Lie of the Perfect Moment—the belief that clarity, confidence, and courage will arrive fully formed once the stars align. But research tells a different story. According to a recent McKinsey study, companies that are 'slow movers' in making strategic decisions grow revenue 50% more slowly than fast-deciding peers in similar markets.¹ In other words: waiting to feel ready is not just unproductive—it's a competitive liability. Leaders often cloak indecision in the language of prudence: 'We're being strategic,' 'We don't want to rush it,' or 'We're still analyzing options.' But underneath the surface, it's often fear—fear of being wrong, of disrupting what's working, of being held accountable for a failed bet. And while you hesitate, the market shifts. A more agile competitor moves in. The window closes. Or, worst of all, nothing changes—and your team slips into performance purgatory. Hiroo Onoda's mistake wasn't loyalty. It was failing to adapt. He stayed committed to a mission that no longer served him—or anyone else. Don't let your company do the same. The Action: Build a Culture That Moves The best leaders—and the best companies—understand that 'ready' is a myth. High-growth businesses don't wait until conditions are perfect. They move with purpose, calibrate along the way, and adjust in real time. Here's how to apply that principle: The Takeaway for Leaders Hiroo Onoda spent three decades waiting for a signal that never came. Your organization doesn't have that kind of time. The cost of hesitation in today's marketplace is measured not just in dollars, but in morale, innovation, and long-term relevance. The next time your team wants to 'wait until we're ready,' ask:Ready for what?For how long?And at what cost? Leadership isn't about avoiding risk—it's about taking decisive action before the moment feels perfect. Because that moment? It's a mirage.
