Flight Lieutenant Haruo Araki’s hand shook as he composed a last letter to his wife of just a month:
Shigeko,
Are you well? It is now a month since that day. The happy dream is over. Tomorrow I will dive my plane into an enemy ship. I will cross the river into the other world, taking some Yankees with me. When I look back, I see that I was very cold-hearted to you. After I had been cruel to you, I used to regret it. Please forgive me.
When I think of your future, and the long life ahead, it tears at my heart. Please remain steadfast and live happily. After my death, please take care of my father for me.
I, who have lived for the eternal principles of justice, will forever protect this nation from the enemies that surround us.
Commander of the Air Unit Eternity
Haruo Araki
The letter was written at Chiran Air Base, Kyushu, on the evening of May 10, 1945.
