Last Japanese Pearl Harbor Veteran Dies at 106, Reflecting on War's Impact

Masamitsu Yoshioka, the last known Japanese veteran of the Pearl Harbor attack, has passed away at the age of 106. His death, announced on August 28, 2024, marks the end of an era, closing a chapter on firsthand accounts of one of the most significant events in World War II history.

Born on January 5, 1918, Yoshioka joined the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1936. He served as a navigator and bombardier on a Nakajima B5N2 torpedo bomber, a model Allied forces dubbed "Kate". This aircraft was the primary torpedo bomber used by the Japanese Navy during the war.

On December 7, 1941, Yoshioka participated in the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The operation, known as "Operation Z" in Japanese sources, involved 353 aircraft in two waves. Yoshioka's mission targeted the USS Utah, which had been converted from a battleship to a target ship a decade earlier.

: "The blood rushed out of my head. I knew that this meant a gigantic war."

The attack on Pearl Harbor lasted approximately two hours and resulted in the deaths of over 2,400 U.S. military personnel and civilians. It prompted the United States to enter World War II, with President Franklin D. Roosevelt famously declaring December 7, 1941, as "a date which will live in infamy."

Yoshioka's involvement in the war extended beyond Pearl Harbor. He participated in the attack on Wake Island and the Battle of Ceylon in 1942, Japan's only major naval operation in the Indian Ocean. He narrowly avoided the Battle of Midway in June 1942, a turning point in the Pacific War, as he was on leave when his carrier, the Soryu, was sunk.

The veteran's reflections in his later years were marked by remorse. "I am so sorry about it," Yoshioka stated in a 2023 interview. "I hope there will not be any more wars." His sentiments echo the profound impact of the conflict on both sides.

Yoshioka's experiences provide insight into the broader context of the war. The U.S. oil embargo on Japan in 1941 was a significant factor in Japan's decision to attack Pearl Harbor. This economic pressure, combined with Japan's expansionist ambitions, led to the fateful decision orchestrated by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto.

After the war, Yoshioka worked in the transport industry and later joined the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, established in 1954. His long life allowed him to witness significant changes in Japan-U.S. relations, from bitter enemies to close allies.

The Pearl Harbor attack remains a subject of historical interest and commemoration. The USS Arizona Memorial, dedicated in 1962, stands as a solemn reminder of the lives lost. Yoshioka's passing underscores the fading of living memory of World War II, emphasizing the importance of preserving these historical accounts for future generations.

As the last Japanese veteran of Pearl Harbor, Yoshioka's death marks the end of an era. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of pursuing peace.