Why did they call Watanabe The Bird?
Bird of Prey. Mutsuhiro Watanabe is a man of many names… and personalities. Known to his family as “Mu-cchan” (4.23. In fact, he earns his nickname—the Bird—because it carries “no negative connotation” (4.24.
Who was Mutsuhiro Watanabe and why did the POWs call him The Bird what was camp life like for the POWs under The Bird?
Mutsuhiro Watanabe, known as the Bird to POWs, was a sadistic Japanese leader at two different POW camps, Omori and Naoetsu. He was born into a wealthy family but experienced humiliation when he was not made a military officer. The Bird subjects prisoners to extreme physical and emotional abuse.
Did Louis Zamperini ever meet The Bird after the war?
Yes. Louis Zamperini met Corporal Mutsuhiro Watanabe (aka “The Bird”) at the Omori POW camp located on an island in Tokyo Bay.
How is Corporal Watanabe characterized Chapter 23?
Designated as Omori’s “disciplinary officer,” Corporal Mutsuhiro Watanabe is a psychopathic, sadistic, mentally unstable guard who is given free reign over the prisoners. He administers crippling beatings whenever he wants to and delights in devising new ways to humiliate and torture the POWs.
Why was Mutsuhiro Watanabe a war criminal?
After Japan’s defeat, the US Occupation authorities classified Watanabe as a war criminal for his mistreatment of prisoners of war (POWs), but he managed to evade arrest and was never tried in court. …
How real is Unbroken?
Yes, Unbroken is based on true events. Zamperini, who died in 2014 at age 97, was a very real person, and the film tells the true story of his capture and perseverance as a prisoner of war.
Why was Mutsuhiro Watanabe known as the bird?
Nicknamed “The Bird,” Mutsuhiro Watanabe was born into a very wealthy Japanese family. He and his five siblings got everything they wanted and spent their childhood being waited on by servants. Watanabe studied French literature in college and, being a fervent patriot, immediately signed up to join the army after his graduation.
Where did Mutsuhiro Watanabe serve in World War 2?
Mutsuhiro Watanabe was an Imperial Japanese Army corporal in the Second World War who served at POW (prisoners of war) camps in Omori, Naoetsu (now Jōetsu), Niigata, Mitsushima (now Hiraoka) as well as at Civilian POW Camp at Yamakita.
When did Mutsuhiro Watanabe die in real life?
Zamperini forgave Watanabe and wanted to meet with him, but Watanabe declined the meeting, probably fearful of repercussions after some accusatory questions in the earlier press interviews. Watanabe died in April 2003.
Who was the actor who played Mutsuhiro Watanabe in unbroken?
He became the subject of the Angelina Jolie-directed flick ‘Unbroken’, in which his character was portrayed by Japanese singer/actor Miyavi. During his early years the Japanese Army corporal had been a spoilt kid hailing from a wealthy family. He had unlimited money and a beautiful house with a big swimming pool.
