hiroo onoda

Hiroo Onada was an Imperial Japanese Army Intelligence officer who fought in World War II, and held the rank of second lieutenant. In 1945, he was captured and refused to surrender – he held out for 29 years, refusing to believe that the war was over. He hid for decades in the jungle, surviving off of bananas and coconuts.



When the Japanese forces withdrew once they were faced with an American Invasion, Onada was left behind on an island, staying loyal to military code and following the last order he was told – stay and fight. While the rest of the Japanese soldiers surrendered, Onada and a few other men still considered themselves to be at war; they continued to attack villagers for they saw everyone as the enemy. Overtime, the other men either surrendered or got killed off. As the last remaining holdout, Hiroo Onoda was declared dead in 1959. When he was found him in 1974, he continued to refuse to go home, as he was convinced that he was still awaiting new orders. In order to get him back to Japan, they had to send a delegation which included Onada's brother and his former commander, to formally relieve him of duty. Hiroo Onada's return stirred Japan with pride and hope.



Hiroo Onada is prime example of a hero of Japanese history, for he remained loyal to a cause even throughout a time of hopelessness. He is now and forever will be admired for his loyalty and grit – Onada is one of history's strongest fighters.