One medical student witnessed horrific experiments done on American POWs, including organ removal and even allegations that a prisoner's liver was eaten. Many soldiers claimed they only ate human flesh out of desperation, but evidence often shows otherwise.
The documentary The Emperor's Naked Army Marches On follows one Japanese veteran trying to expose the truth about war crimes. In it, former soldiers admit to cannibalism, even killing their own for food. In 1992, historian Toshiyuki Tanaka revealed over 100 documented cases of cannibalism by Japanese troops in Papua New Guinea, based on Allied accounts. He argued some ate human flesh to feel victory, not just survive.
Other examples demonstrate cannibalism not for survival. The Suzuki Unit in the Philippines reportedly captured and butchered Filipinos for food despite having rations. While some soldiers like Hiroo Onoda managed to survive without cannibalism, others chose it over surrender. One soldier admitted eating an Australian out of "intense hatred and intense hunger."
While some cases of cannibalism were for survival, other evidence demonstrates some Japanese soldiers engaged in the act out of hatred, cruelty, and psychological motives beyond hunger. Even when food was available, human flesh was seen as an opportunity for victory.
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