Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto is one greatest naval commanders of World War II to the Japanese people and is idolized as hero. His legacy span’s from service during the battle of Tsushima Strait to the battle of Midway. Not only was he a brilliant naval commander he was an innovator and saw that the air power is the future of naval warfare and saw to the better aircraft for the Japanese navy. His methods to attack were unique and his opinions were always valued by those around him. Although he saw America as an enemy he respected the power and industrial might the United States held compared to Japan. He was once asked by the Japanese Prime Minister if Japan stood a chance against America. He replied, “We can run wild for six months or a year, but after that I have no confidence.” (Joseph). Yamamoto was born April 4th, 1884 and was the sixth son to Sadayoshi Takano. His name means 56 only because his father was 56 at his date of birth. At the age of 16 he joined the Japanese Imperial Navy and was sent to Japanese Naval Academy at Etajima. He graduated in 1904 and was stationed around the cruiser Nisshin and the participated in the battle for Tsushima Strait. He lost two fingers on his left hand, but because of his potential leaderships skills was sent to Naval Staff College in 1913. In 1919, Yamamoto was sent to study in America. He studied English in Harvard and also studied into the strengths and weakness of the US. He graduated in 1923 and was knowledgeable in naval aviation and viewed it as the future of naval combat. However, many believed that battleships were the key to naval combat and would ignore his ideals. Around the late 30’s because of his ideals were against the current regime Navy Minister Admiral Mitsumasa promoted him to Commander-in-Chief of the Combined Naval Fleet and was said to say “It was the only way to save his life send him off to sea.” (Hickman).
One of his key plan’s that would make him a hero to Japanese people was his plan to attack the US Navy base of Pearl Harbor. Japanese leaders opposed this plan as risky and even not worth the fuel and manpower to even attempt. It would not be until the British attack on the Italian post of Taranto that would prove that a surprise air attack aimed at destroying vital navy equipment such as the Naval yards and the Battleships would give Japan a vital lead in the war. On December 7th 1941 the attack on Pearl Harbor was launched. By the end of the day most of the US ships were damaged, sinking, or completely destroyed and over 2,000 US service members were killed. This attack proved to the world that air power was the new way to naval combat. However, Yamamoto was not satisfied because the threat of the US Navy was still there. The threat lay with the remaining US aircraft carriers. As long as the US aircraft carriers remained the threat to Japan remained. His next plan was to lure the US Navy in and sink the US aircraft carrier at the Midway Islands. However, this plans fails because Yamamoto was not the one who lead the attack. It was a Japanese Admiral called Nagumo who had little or no experience handling aircraft operations.
The battle ends in a defeat with Japanese losing four aircraft carriers and the Americans losing only two of the three used in the battle. This also leaves Japan losing most of the experience air crews and is beginning of Japans retreat to the mainland. On April of 1943 Yamamoto decides to do an inspection tour of all Japanese Naval bases in hope to raise the troops morale. Unfortunately, the US intelligence had already broken the Japanese code and knew of this plan. The US Air Force on the day Yamamoto was flying out ambushed and shot down his plane killing him. He was cremated and was his remains were shipped back to Japan on the battleship Musashi. He was awarded the highest military honor in Japan and was promoted to Fleet Admiral.
Isoroku Yamamoto was a brilliant leader who knew that future of naval power laid with aircraft. His push and innovation leads him to create some of best aircraft designs, torpedo designs, and most brilliant of plans ever thought of. His legacy to Japan was unforgettable and is still honored by the Japanese today. Although respected by his own subordinates many of his higher-ups disliked him and many cases would plan to murder him. He believed that war with America was a mistake and predicted that Japan would not be able to win the war. When he died his death sent shockwaves to Japanese people and their morale never recovered. Many knew that he died that Japan had no hope in winning the war.

Citations:
Chris Trueman, . N.p.. Web. 3 Oct 2013. <http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/isoroku_yamamoto.htm>.
Hickman, K.. N.p.. Web. 3 Oct 2013. <http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/naval/p/Yamamoto.htm>.
Joseph, D.. N.p.. Web. 3 Oct 2013. <http://www.2worldwar2.com/yamamoto.htm>.