Kamikaze: Brave or Insane

[Jimbuna]

Originally Posted by TLAM Strike

Well that contradicts just about everything I've read about them.

The Kamikazes tended to be university students and student pilots (they don't let you fly if you are stupid after all) who volunteered for the mission. The question of whether or not they were brave or insane misses the point entirely, the prevailing Japanese culture of the time focused on worship of a god like emperor and service to the country. This culture fostered a belief in self sacrifice permeated not just the military but civilian society as well.

Pretty much how I see it but they were also the last ditch measure of a nation that realised they were going to lose yet culture wise were unable to accept or come to terms with the fact.