COBI Kamikaze Pilot Figure Keyring Set 1367

A COBI minifigure of a Japanese naval pilot in printed flying gear with a headband, fixed to a matching brick with a metal chain and keyring. The connection points are glued so it survives daily use.

Where the word comes from

Kamikaze means divine wind, and it refers to two typhoons.

In 1274 and again in 1281 Kublai Khan sent invasion fleets against Japan. Both were destroyed by storms before they could establish themselves — the second reportedly costing the Mongols the greater part of an enormous fleet. Japanese tradition held that the gods had sent the winds to protect the islands.

Six and a half centuries later, with the war lost and the American fleet approaching the home islands, the name was revived for the Special Attack Units formed in October 1944.

Around 3,800 pilots died in these attacks. Many were university students conscripted after their deferments were cancelled, with a few dozen hours of flying training — enough to take off and steer, not enough to fight. Their letters home survive in large numbers and are, on the whole, not the letters of fanatics.

The historical parallel did not hold. No wind came, and the invasion the attacks were meant to prevent never had to be launched.

In the COBI range

One of a series of sixteen figure keyrings from the Historical Collection. Set 1373 is the retail display holding the full assortment. Set 5729 is the Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero and 5740 the Kawasaki Ki-61.

Specifications

Contents: one minifigure on a brick with metal chain and keyring · Glued connection points · Printed detail