Suicide Run by Yamato

Yamato, the ancient name for Japan, is symbolized in many ways by the largest battleship built for World War II. She was sent on a suicide run to Okinawa to destroy the Allied Navy, if possible, and beach herself, then release her crew as ground troops to not only save Okinawa, but also primarily thwart the Allies effort to reach the home islands of Japan. She never made it. She was torpedoed and bombed repeatedly, eventually capsizing to port, then extraordinarily, exploded with such a force the resulting sound was heard 200 miles away and sent a mushroom cloud 20,000 feet above her.
She is surprisingly gentle in conversation considering the circumstances of her last voyage and the fact that she was well aware that she would never return. Yet she is powerful and expressive in her views on her participation in WWII, and her tragic loss at the hands of American Naval Forces on 7 April 1945 north of Okinawa. She reflects on her final battle and discusses the rationales behind the decision to send her and other ships in a convoy to certain death; over 4,000 valiant Japanese sailors were lost, as compared to 12 lost by the Allies. She is calmly philosophical and provides a wealth of perspective on war, peace, death and life. Listen to her; she has much to say.
Yamato is modest and self-effacing, not bitter, nor accusatory, and not only talks about her heritage, but the characteristics of the ships and men around her. She, herself, is a tribute to her kind and represents her country in a way that is respectful and understanding. She also believes that war is not the way to solve international problems. Yamato is not only a fine representative of an ancient Japan, but now serves as an inspiration to a new Japan.