Zipang — Season 1, Episode 11: Island of Guadalcanal
Animation, Drama • 25 min • 1 season, 26 episodes • ★ 7.5/10
Episode synopsis
Kusaka is flown in the Umidori to meet Yamamoto at Truk Island. The IJN staff find the idea of a ship from the future hard to believe, but the technologically advanced nature of the Umidori is indisputable. American Marines in the attacking task force discuss stereotypes of the Japanese soldiers and get a more realistic view from their commander, General Alexander Vandegrift. At a private meeting with Admiral Yamamoto, Kusaka suggests that Japan should withdraw all the way to Manchuria, now that they have already broken the myth of European invincibility. Yamamoto replies by asking whether that means Japan should flee from the fight, Kusaka replies that he has another plan — which is left hidden from the viewers. Admiral Yamamoto then asks Kusaka what has happened to him on the Mirai, to which Kusaka replies that the experience opened his eyes as a Japanese. When Yamamoto asks what happened to him as a naval officer, Kusaka hands in his dirk in implicit resignation from the navy.
About Zipang
Based on the manga by Kaiji Kawaguchi. A modern detachment of the Japan Self-Defense Forces finds itself transported back in time to 1942. The JSDF force must decide whether or not to change the course of history by involving itself in WWII.