Last Survivor of Japan’s Pearl Harbor Attack Passes Away
Source: Masamitsu Yoshioka, last of Japan’s Pearl Harbor attack force, dies at 106 (2025-06-21)
Masamitsu Yoshioka, the last surviving member of Japan’s Pearl Harbor attack force, has died at the age of 106. Yoshioka was part of the Japanese Navy’s Special Attack Unit, which carried out the surprise military strike on the U.S. naval base in Hawaii on December 7, 1941, marking the United States' entry into World War II. His death marks the end of living memory from the attack, which significantly shaped 20th-century history. Yoshioka’s life spanned over a century, witnessing profound changes in Japan and the world. Despite his involvement in a pivotal wartime event, he later expressed remorse and reflected on the importance of peace. His passing closes a chapter on one of the most consequential moments in military history, serving as a reminder of the enduring impact of that day.