Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)

Sô Yamamura: Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto

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Quotes 

• [last lines] 

  Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto : I had intended to deal a fatal blow to the American fleet by attacking Pearl Harbor immediately after Japan's official declaration of war. But according to the American radio, Pearl Harbor was attacked 55 minutes before our ultimatum was delivered in Washington. I can't imagine anything that would infuriate the Americans more. II fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.

• Prince Fumimaro Konoye : If war does come, tell me frankly, from the Navy's viewpoint, what are our chances against the Americans?

  Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto : If we must, we can raise havoc with them for a year. After that, I can guarantee nothing. Mr. Prime Minister, I hope you will continue the negotiations. Please remember, there is no last word in diplomacy.

• Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto : I feel like a damn fool. Without even consulting me, our Army has decided to occupy lndo-China. There is no hope for peace now. l've said it before and l'll keep on saying it, if we fight the Americans, we can't stop at Hawaii or San Francisco. We'll have to march into Washington and dictate peace terms in the White House! Army hotheads who speak so lightly of war should think about that!

• Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto : Finally, gentlemen... many misinformed Japanese believe that America is a nation divided... isolationist... and that Americans are only interested in enjoying a life of luxury, and are spiritually and morally corrupt. But that is a great mistake. If war becomes inevitable, America would be the most formidable foe that we have ever fought. I've lived in Washington and studied at Harvard, so I know that the Americans are a proud and just people.

• Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto : lf we are forced into a war with America, Japan's only hope - is to annihilate the American Pacific fleet at the outset. l wonder if we could use torpedo planes at Pearl Harbor?

• Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto : It is hard to believe the Emperor agreed to fix a date by which the final decision must be made between war and peace.

  Prince Fumimaro Konoye : His Majesty's signature is a mere formality. The cabinet is responsible for all matters of national policy. The Emperor recently read a poem to his Ministers to show how he feels. "If all people are brethren, then why are the winds and the waves so restless?"

  Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto : "If all people are brethren, then why are the winds and the waves so restless?" This clearly shows how much the Emperor wants to avoid a war.

  Prince Fumimaro Konoye : Yes, he has urged us to solve our differences with Washington.