Review: From Pearl Harbor to Calvary by Mitsuo Fuchida

Synopsis: Mitsuo Fuchida was a Captain in the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service who is perhaps best known for leading the first air wave attacks on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Fuchida was responsible for the coordination of the entire aerial attack working under the overall fleet commander Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo. After World War II ended, Fuchida became an evangelist, Christian preacher and frequently traveled to the United States to minister to the Japanese expatriate community. He became a United States citizen in 1966. His autobiography was originally released in 1953, and this edition will be published to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 2011.

Review: Published in 1951, this is a simple book, with simple prose. Translated from the Japanese, this is told by Fuchida, from his days as a pilot for the Japanese Airforce leading the attack on Pearl Harbor to his days as a missionary and evangelist for Christ.

Fuchida explains in simple prose how strongly he believed in the Manual of War, the book of Japanese Military Protocol and Philosophy. He believed in superiority of the Japanese people and he believed in the cause of his nation. But after, with the devastating defeat, he was lost. A chance encounter with a street evangelist changed his life. He found a peace and a purpose to his life, unlike any he’d know.

The remainder of the book speaks about his life as an evangelist, working with the young men of Japan. Compelling and encourage, this is an excellent read for anyone interested in foreign missions and the mission work in Japan. 

Note: This review regards the Audiobook, read by Karl Choi

Bookmarks: 3 of 5

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-1618430106
Year Published: 1951 (Audiobook 2011)
Date Finished: 3-15-2017
Pages: N/A