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Human Bullets

A Soldier's Story of the Russo-Japanese War

Tadayoshi Sakurai author Roger J Spiller editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:University of Nebraska Press

Published:1st Apr '99

Should be back in stock very soon

Human Bullets cover

The impact of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-5 was incalculable. It was the first victory by an Asian power over a European one since the Mongol invasions of the thirteenth century. This title presents the story of combat and a source of insights about a relatively obscure but immensely influential conflict.The impact of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904–5 was incalculable. It was the first victory by an Asian power over a European one since the Mongol invasions of the thirteenth century. Japanese victory was ascribed to the "spirit" of the Japanese people, which helped their soldiers to overcome superior numbers and technology. A fascinating glimpse into prevailing nationalistic and militaristic attitudes in early-twentieth-century Japan, Human Bullets is also an engaging story of combat and an excellent source of insights about a relatively obscure but immensely influential conflict. Tadyoshi Sakurai was a junior officer in the Japanese campaign against Port Arthur, Russia’s ice-free port in China. His account is an interesting introduction to the concept of yamato-damashii, or "traditional Japanese spirit." This spirit was something greater than mere high morale. Japanese soldiers were the emperor’s "human bullets." Like bullets, they were unconcerned with victory, comfort, or self-preservation, existing only to strike the enemy.

"On 24 August 1905, twenty-five year old Lieutenant Tadayoshi Sakurai of the Imperial Japanese Army was badly wounded during an assault upon Russian defences at Port Arthur in Manchuria... The experiences he relates are often graphic, relayed in a florid style and at a breathless pace which eerily portray the chaos and confusion of battle. But this is not just a moving and outstanding account of the horror of war. Sakurai's account of operations are relevant to the modern officer... This book is a fascinating portrayal of a junior leader's experience of war."--The Wish Stream, Summer 1999

ISBN: 9780803292666

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 340g

270 pages