Hiroo Onada | Fought WWII 30 Years After It Ended

Hiroo Onoda, a Japanese soldier, continued to fight on Lubang Island for 29 years after WWII ended, believing the war was still ongoing. Trained as an intelligence officer, he led guerrilla attacks and survived in the jungle. Despite news of Japan's surrender, Onoda and his men held out, thinking it was a trick. After his comrades died or surrendered, Onoda was discovered by Norio Suzuki in 1974. He only surrendered after receiving direct orders from his former commander. Onoda was pardoned by the Philippines and returned to Japan as a hero. He later moved to Brazil, then back to Japan to inspire youth through a nature camp. Onoda passed away in 2014, leaving a legacy of duty and resilience.

What was Hiroo Onoda's primary mission on Lubang Island during World War II?

• To negotiate peace with the Allies

• To defend the island until his death

• To gather intelligence on American troops

• To establish a base for Japanese forces

How did Onoda and his men sustain themselves while hiding in the jungle?

• By receiving supplies from Japan

• By raiding local villages for food

• By living off the land and stealing livestock

• By trading with local farmers

Who was responsible for convincing Onoda that the war had ended?

• A local farmer

• His former commander, Major Taniguchi

• The President of the Philippines

• A Japanese journalist

What was Onoda's reaction upon returning to Japan after his surrender?

• He immediately adapted to modern life

• He struggled with the changes and moved to Brazil

• He started a business in Tokyo

• He became a politician

What initiative did Onoda start to help inspire the younger generation?

• A military training camp

• A nature survival camp

• A historical museum

• A cultural exchange program

How did Onoda view the current generation after hearing about a tragic incident?

• He thought they were weak and lacked confidence

• He considered them more advanced than his generation

• He felt they were well-prepared for challenges

• He believed they were strong and resilient

What did Onoda do with the royalties from his book?

• He donated them to a Shinto Memorial Shrine

• He saved them for his retirement

• He invested in a business

• He used them to travel the world