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Oba, the Last Samurai: Saipan 1944-45
In July 1944, after 28 days of bloody battle, the island of Saipan was declared secured. All Japanese troops were assumed dead and all resistance ended. As in most Pacific battles, a number of enemy troops escaped to hide in the hills and jungle. Captain Sakae Oba, one of the Japanese soldiers on Saipan, a former high school geography teacher, organized a party of some 300 soldiers and civilians.
241 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1986
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 21, 2013
I am saddened to hear that this book is out of print. I came across it entirely by accident in a university library, but it was a thumping good read, and I am glad I was so fortunate.
This is the tale of a Japanese Army officer stationed on the isle of Saipan in WWII. He hid from and fought the American occupation until the end of the war, a feat unrivaled in all the Pacific theater. What is most amazing, is Captain Oba had the courage to live and fight on, when the rest of the island's defenders had engaged in a traditional, and arguably foolish, mass suicide attack.
This stunning portrait is written by an American serviceman who actually came under attack by Captain Oba during his tour of duty. The respect evident for this great warrior is not something often found, and makes for a book worth reading. In America and Japan, few think to honor those who fought for the losing side. This book serves their memory.
This is the tale of a Japanese Army officer stationed on the isle of Saipan in WWII. He hid from and fought the American occupation until the end of the war, a feat unrivaled in all the Pacific theater. What is most amazing, is Captain Oba had the courage to live and fight on, when the rest of the island's defenders had engaged in a traditional, and arguably foolish, mass suicide attack.
This stunning portrait is written by an American serviceman who actually came under attack by Captain Oba during his tour of duty. The respect evident for this great warrior is not something often found, and makes for a book worth reading. In America and Japan, few think to honor those who fought for the losing side. This book serves their memory.
August 5, 2010
If one enjoys reading the stories of soldiers, one can find that heros may be found in any army, even that of a country or regime with which one does not agree. Yet the individual soldier of a loosing, or even criminal govenrment, may be personally heroic.
That is the case of the story of Captain Oba Sakae. The book is a fascinating view of the beliefs of a small group of Japanese soldiers on the island of Saipan who were the last to surrender to US forces.
Its a quick, easy read and a good story.
That is the case of the story of Captain Oba Sakae. The book is a fascinating view of the beliefs of a small group of Japanese soldiers on the island of Saipan who were the last to surrender to US forces.
Its a quick, easy read and a good story.
January 13, 2026
The way this book is written is gripping. Knowing these were the accounts of real people, I followed intently, connecting and deeply considering the experience of each person, whether a main account, or someone briefly described in a flash of action in the background of the main narrative.
I was interested in familiarizing myself with real people's accounts of the war on Saipan. War (action and violence even) themed movies, shows, or books have never been my thing. I wasn't even sure if I was going to be able to handle reading this book so I was surprised that I was so immersed I read it in one day.
Captain Oba had a strong sense of duty and stepped up to assume responsibility and care for the last surviving resisting group of Japanese soldiers and civilians. He guides them as they spent a year and a half hiding in the jungle just trying to survive. As the book switched between first hand accounts from Captain Oba, other officials, and both Japanese and American soldiers, all I could think about was the identical humanity of all involved. How when it comes down to the brutality of war, every man is the same, regardless of side. In their fight for survival and desperate tactic, everyone sounded the same to me. Personalities on both sides were relatable and familiar to those in all of our lives. It's wild how powerful propaganda makes it easy to dehumanize anyone unknown, anyone unfamiliar, anyone who is not you. What a shame the games of war, what a waste of lives.
There were also reports of some incredible self sacrificing actions. I'm in awe of how brave and resilient some individuals are by nature. I have tried to imagine how I would handle the experience, regardless of 'side', and whether soldier, civilian, native — being physically trapped on a small island amidst attacks, shooting, and bombings from all sides and from above. It was just an atrocious and brutal war and when I go to Saipan this year I'm certain I will be thinking about this book.
I was interested in familiarizing myself with real people's accounts of the war on Saipan. War (action and violence even) themed movies, shows, or books have never been my thing. I wasn't even sure if I was going to be able to handle reading this book so I was surprised that I was so immersed I read it in one day.
Captain Oba had a strong sense of duty and stepped up to assume responsibility and care for the last surviving resisting group of Japanese soldiers and civilians. He guides them as they spent a year and a half hiding in the jungle just trying to survive. As the book switched between first hand accounts from Captain Oba, other officials, and both Japanese and American soldiers, all I could think about was the identical humanity of all involved. How when it comes down to the brutality of war, every man is the same, regardless of side. In their fight for survival and desperate tactic, everyone sounded the same to me. Personalities on both sides were relatable and familiar to those in all of our lives. It's wild how powerful propaganda makes it easy to dehumanize anyone unknown, anyone unfamiliar, anyone who is not you. What a shame the games of war, what a waste of lives.
There were also reports of some incredible self sacrificing actions. I'm in awe of how brave and resilient some individuals are by nature. I have tried to imagine how I would handle the experience, regardless of 'side', and whether soldier, civilian, native — being physically trapped on a small island amidst attacks, shooting, and bombings from all sides and from above. It was just an atrocious and brutal war and when I go to Saipan this year I'm certain I will be thinking about this book.
January 14, 2025
The ruthlessness of war seems to be one of those details that is challenging to depict in a film and/or book. However, within this book are startling descriptions of what Oba has witnessed and endured. As he serves one of the opposing countries of the US during World War II he witnessed the brutality of the US military strategies during the invasion of the marina islands.
The way in which this book was produced and written allows for immense detail of Oba's battle with morality, conventions with comrades, and decisions of the next best strategy. This book highlights Oba's skill in battle and toughness while showing the humility of it all.
The way in which this book was produced and written allows for immense detail of Oba's battle with morality, conventions with comrades, and decisions of the next best strategy. This book highlights Oba's skill in battle and toughness while showing the humility of it all.
April 9, 2023
Second time reading this such a great book
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews