Japanese Kamikazes (9784805321171)

An action-packed graphic novel of a Japanese kamikaze pilot, seen through the eyes of a young man caught in the final, desperate days of World War II.

A rain of fire descends on Tokyo. Young recruit Takeshi is wrong: Japan is not winning the war. But Vice Admiral Takijiro Onishi hatches a desperate plan. Human bombs—kamikazes—will turn the tide. Thus begins Takeshi's intense training, with one harrowing goal in mind.

With their divebombing death missions, dreams of glory convince these trainees that they are the living embodiment of the ancient samurai bushido code, designed to defend and glorify the Emperor. But Takeshi's fateful first mission doesn't go as planned: shot down at Okinawa, he survives and makes his way home, only to face an entirely different kind of devastation in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

From master manga artist Olivier Dekeyser, author of a celebrated series of history and science graphic novels, comes a dramatic airborne war story brought to life in classic comic book style. In addition to Takeshi's poignant tale, readers will learn the real history of the kamikazes through extensive back matter, including primary source diary entries, a map, and a timeline—making this a perfect curriculum-supporting pick for YA readers, classrooms, and libraries.


About the Author:
Manga master Olivier Dekeyser is an author, illustrator, comic book artist, colorist, printmaker and graphic designer. A graduate of the Institut Superieur Saint-Luc in Brussels, he has worked as a creative director in advertising across two continents for international brands including Coca-Cola, Disney and Nestle, as well as for publishing houses and film production studios.

He has written and illustrated, among other works, seven books on printmaking and six on gardening. His creative work also includes historical comics, novels, children's books, poetry and song lyrics.