SYND 13-3-74 JAPANESE SOLDIER RETURNS TO CIVILIZATION AFTER 30 YEARS

(13 Mar 1974) Ononda meets with The Japanesse Ambassador, Urabe, General Rancudo, and Secretary Tatad of the Ministry of Information before returning to Japan after a 30 year sojourn in the Philippines. Japanese Intelligence Officer 2nd Lt. Hiro Onoda emerged from the jungle of Lubang Island with a .25 caliber rifle, 500 rounds of ammunition and several hand grenades 29 years after Japan’s formal surrender following the end of World War II, and 15 years after being declared legally dead in Japan. In May 1942 Onoda was drafted into the Japanese military and was trained in guerilla warfare. Lieutenant Onoda is the sole survivor of a small band that had sporadically attacked the local population; one surrendered in 1950, whilst Onada’s two remaining companions died in gun battles with local forces one in 1954, the other in 1972. Hiroo Onoda continued fighting on Lubang until 9 March 1974. Onoda visits the memorial to the World War II before giving a press conference and returning to Japan. Onoda was unable to adapt to modern life and retired to a ranch in Brazil. He revisited Lubang island in 1996. Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: ​​ Instagram: You can license this story through AP Archive: