Midway

The Battle That Doomed Japan, the Japanese Navy's Story

By: Mitsuo Fuchida, Masatake Okumiya

Narrated by: Terence Aselford

Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

This landmark study was first published in English by the Naval Institute in 1955. Widely acknowledged for its valuable Japanese insights into the battle that turned the tide of war in the Pacific, the book has made a great impact on American readers over the years. Two Japanese naval aviators who participated in the operation provide an unsparing analysis of what caused Japan's staggering defeat.

Mitsuo Fuchida, who led the first air strike on Pearl Harbor, commanded the Akagi carrier air group and later made a study of the battle at the Japanese Naval War College. Masatake Okumiya, one of Japan's first dive-bomber pilots, was aboard the light carrier Ryujo and later served as a staff officer in a carrier division. Armed with knowledge of top-secret documents destroyed by the Japanese and access to private papers, they show the operation to be ill-conceived and poorly planned and executed, and fault their flag officers for lacking initiative, leadership, and clear thinking. With an introduction by an author known for his study of the battle from the American perspective, the work continues to make a significant contribution to World War II literature.

©1955, 1992 U.S. Naval Institute (P)2004 Naval Institute Press

Critic reviews

"Midway gives an enlightening account of the Japanese naval leaders of the time, placing a new perspective on their abilities, shortcomings, and their ways of thinking and acting." (Military Review)
"Captain Fuchida's and Commander Okumiya's clear style should satisfy both the casual [listener] and the naval strategist." (Baltimore Sun)

One of the few views from someone directly involve

The author was deeply involved in Japanese Naval Aviation in WW 2. He describes not only the Battle of Midway, but also the strategy, and even more interesting the reasons for the strategy, in their Naval doctrine and tactics.

He also tells, and shows through the examples in this case, the saying that I have seen in many places, that war is a catalog of blunders (Winston Churchill.)

Enlightening History

A rigorous analysis of Japanese war planning and hubris from the outset to the end of hostilities. The authors do not mince words about the failures of top leadership that led to to the defeat in the Battle of Midway.

Unusual perspective

A fascinating look behind the scenes at one of the greatest naval battles in history from a point of view not often heard. A fantastic read for any WW2 history buff!

Is a great book

This is a great book about a WW2 battle the USN broke the. Japanese code and adjusted there response to meet there fleet ,

Excellent Book

One of the best books about Midway ever. Told from the Japanese perspective the author and editor painstakingly researched the topic and presented it very clearly. I know the battle better than ever. A must read for anyone interested in the battle for the Pacific.

Much better thsn a second audiblr book on Midway.

Much better than the other audible book on Midway. This one reflects the Japaneses description of thd conflict. Put you biases aside and listen to this version on Midway WWII.

Among the very best about war in the Pacific!

Thorough and insightful portrayal of why Japan was doomed to lose the war. Highly recommend!

the other side

Any additional comments?

This is the first book that i have read written for the side of japan. I learned much for it.

Great book from IJN point of view.

This was a great book from the Japanese point of view, which not only tells their story but anylises each naval maneuver. I highly recommend this book, I can and listen to this a few more times.

An amazing view of Midway

An amazing view from the Japanese side of not just Midway, but the road to World War II & Japan's aspects on the war and campaigns is an amazing narrative by men who fought thru it.... I greatly enjoyed it.