Key Facts
• During WWII, a kamikaze plane was shot down over eastern Okinawa.
• Pilot Isamu Sonobe parachuted into the sea and was captured by U.S. forces.
• Footage of his descent was filmed by the U.S. military and analyzed in 2025.
• Sonobe trained at the Usa Naval Air Corps in Oita Prefecture, Japan.
• He returned to Japan after the war as a survivor.
• On August 23, 2025, eight family members, including his granddaughter Kana Okudaira, visited Usa City.
• The family viewed the historic footage and related materials at a local peace museum.
• Sonobe’s daughter, Akiko Yamamoto, donated wartime photos to the Usa City research group.
• The family emphasized the importance of preserving peace and passing on history.
• The Usa City group highlighted the value of these materials for future generations.
Summary
The family of Isamu Sonobe, a WWII kamikaze pilot who survived after being shot down and captured, visited Usa City, Oita Prefecture, on August 23, 2025. They explored the history of the Usa Naval Air Corps and viewed rare footage of Sonobe parachuting into the sea, filmed by the U.S. military. The footage, analyzed and released in 2025, confirmed Sonobe’s identity and survival. His granddaughter, Kana Okudaira, expressed gratitude for the chance to connect with her family’s history, while his daughter, Akiko Yamamoto, donated wartime photos to a local research group. The visit underscored the importance of preserving historical records and promoting peace for future generations.
