Isoroku Yamamoto

“Should hostilities once break out between Japan and the United States, it is not enough that we take Guam and the Philippines, nor even Hawaii and San Francisco. We would have to march into Washington and sign the treaty in the White House.”

“The fiercest serpent may be overcome by a swarm of ants.”

“I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.”

“In the first six to twelve months of a war with the United States and Great Britain I will run wild and win victory upon victory. But then, if the war continues after that, I have no expectation of success.”

“A military man can scarcely pride himself on having 'smitten a sleeping enemy'; it is more a matter of shame, simply, for the one smitten. I would rather you made your appraisal after seeing what the enemy does, since it is certain that, angered and outraged, he will soon launch a determined counterattack.”

“Anyone who has seen the factories in Detroit and the oil fields in Texas knows that Japan lacks the national power for a naval race with America.”

“To die for Emperor and for country is the highest honor for a military man.”

“I can run wild for six months… after that, I have no expectation of success.”