In this episode of the Compendium: An Assembly of Fascinating and Intriguing Things, we dive deep into the enthralling story of Hiroo Onoda, the last Japanese holdout who refused to surrender long after World War II had ended. Set against the backdrop of the Philippines, this tale combines elements of folklore, guerrilla warfare, and psychological struggle.

Hiroo Onoda became a symbol of unwavering loyalty, living in hiding for nearly three decades. We explore the concept of surrender and its weighty implications through the lens of wartime psychology. So, if you've ever been intrigued by tales of guerrilla warfare in the Philippines or wondered about the Japanese soldier who refused to surrender, this episode is for you.

We give you the Compendium, but if you want more, then check out these great resources:

"No Surrender: My Thirty-Year War" by Hiroo Onoda - The autobiography that dives into the mind of the man himself.
“Hiroo Onoda, Soldier Who Hid in Jungle for Decades, Dies at 91”- The new York Times Article
"The Psychology of War and Peace" by Robert J. Lifton - A look into the psyche of soldiers in prolonged isolation.

Host & Show Info

Hosts: Kyle Risi & Adam Cox
About: Kyle and Adam are more than just your hosts, they’re your close friends sharing intriguing stories from tales from the darker corners of true crime, the annals of your forgotten history books, and the who's who of incredible people.
Intro Music: Alice in dark Wonderland by Aleksey Chistilin

Community & Calls to Action

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Hiroo Onoda: The Last Japanese Soldier Who Kept on Fighting After WW2 had Finished