Nagumo's Ruin V2

**Nagumo's Ruin: The Battle of Midway** <img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c1/Aerial_view_of_Midway_Atoll_on_24_November_1941_%2880-G-451086%29.jpg/1024px-Aerial_view_of_Midway_Atoll_on_24_November_1941_%2880-G-451086%29.jpg"> "What becomes fixed in our memories are not just facts, but attitudes and ways of thinking from the past" Maurice Halbwachs From //The Collective Memory//, 1950 [[Play Game]] [[People and Key Terms]] [[A brief history of Nagumo and the Battle of Midway]] [[Artist's Statement]]

"Good Morning, Vice Admiral Nagumo. We were all overjoyed to hear of your successes against the British. I know that you and the carrier crews are tired but we must begin our next mission right away." Standing before you is a man in military uniform. His outfit is in immaculate condition without a single thread out of place. [[Who are you?]] [[Very good. We can begin the briefing.]]

"Forgive me, Sir. My name is Herupa. I have been assigned as your aide for the coming mission." [[And why would I need an aide?]] [[Very good. We can begin the briefing.]]

Clearly in his element, the young aide continues. "Excellent Sir. As you know, Admiral Yamamoto has been trying to force through plans for another great -but risky- offensive. The higher-ups in the Navy have been against this plan but ever since those bastard Americans attacked Tokyo and endangered the Emperor's life..... well.....there is no more resisting the inevitable. Yamamoto has decided that we will take our carriers to Midway Island. We will smash the American defenses there and establish a forward military base. When the Americans sortie from Pearl Harbor we will sink their entire fleet with our carrier forces in response. You Sir, will lead our glorious carriers: Akagi, Kaga, Hiryu and Soryu. Your flagship will be the Akagi, from which you will lead the battle personally. Do not worry I will be there with you to aide your decisions." [[I still have some misgivings]] [[Yes. Very well. Let us prepare to set sail.]]

"Sir.....please do not take offense...I was assigned...um...I am here to help....." Herupa looks at you with unease. [[How? How will you help?]] [[Very good. We can begin the briefing.]]

Quickly Herupa regains his composure and says: "Throughout the coming battle I will be by your side. My primary duty will be to focus on some of the smaller details so that you can focus on the larger objectives of the mission. However, I will also be able to provide you with crucial information when decisions need to be made. In the end it will be YOU who makes the choices that will carry us to victory. I am highly trained and excited to be working for you. Please let us do our best to fight for the Empire and honor the Emperor!!" [[Very good. We can begin the briefing.]]

You expect Herupa to admonish you... Or call you a foolish old man. Instead, he looks at you and says: "Indeed Sir. It is a risky plan. I have heard that in the past, you and Yamamoto have had differences of opinion. I, too, have disagreed with some of his strategies but, if we are to die, is it not better to die in glorious battle? Is it not better to choose death before dishonor?" [[Yes. Very well. Let us prepare to set sail.]]

**Days Later. Just before what would become known as the Battle of Midway is about to begin.** Herupa stands with you on the bridge of the Akagi. True to his word, he has been diligently working with the other officers to take care of the smaller battle preparation concerns, allowing you to focus your time on how best to attack Midway Island. "Vice Admiral, we have just received word that the destroyer Nowaki is postioned to rescue any pilots that have difficulties during takeoff. We are still unsure of the location of the enemy fleet, or if they are even in the area. I have just spoken to Captain Genda and the recon planes are ready. We have two options: We can double the normal amount of recon planes and launch them now. Alternatively, we can launch the normal amount of recon planes and deploy attack planes to the American defenses at Midway Island now. What shall we do?" [[Send out the extra recon planes now.]] [[Send the first attack units to strike Midway Island.]]

Herupa nods in agreement. The extra recon planes have been sent out. [[Send the first attack units to strike Midway Island.]]

The battle has begun!! It is 4 June 1942 at 0430. Commander Tomonaga and his flight group have been sent to Midway Island to attack the American defenses. In accordance with established doctrine, you have left half of your attack units in reserve. Japanese planes are also in the air around the fleet to guard against American attack. [[You hear a rumble in the distance.]]

**Key People that you will meet in the game:** <img src="http://navalhistory.flixco.info/images/PERSON%20JAP%20Nagumo1.jpg"> Vice Admiral Nagumo Chuichi Nagumo was the leader of Japan's carrier forces in the early stages of the Pacific War (1941-1945). He led the attack on Pearl Harbor and scored many vitories in the Indian Ocean against the British in the opening stages of the war. In this game you play as Nagumo and lead the Japanese carriers into the Battle of Midway. Herupa Herupa is literally translated as "helper or aide". Herupa is a character created to assist the player in gameplay and move the narrative along. He is not based on any particular historical figure. In reality Nagumo received information from numerous sources during the course of the Battle of Midway. Admiral Yamamoto Yamamoto was responsible for the planning of the attack on Pearl Harbor. This bold move catipulted him to stardom in the early stages of the Pacific War. By the Battle of Midway his influence within the Navy was so grand that he was able to threaten resignation in order to push through his plans and strategies. Captain Genda Genda was Nagumo's aviation expert. Nagumo was initially trained in the use of torpedoes so Genda's expertise was essential in his early sucesses leading the Japanese carrier forces. Captain Aoki Aoki was the Captain of the Akagi and was in command of the vessel. Even though Nagumo used the Akagi as his flagship during the Battle of Midway it was Aoki who was responsible for it. Lieutenant General Yoshitsugu Saito Saito was the officer in charge of the Army garrisons in the Marianas Islands. He was in charge of the final defense of the island of Saipan during the American invasion. **Key Terms for those unfamiliar with Naval combat:** Carrier The general term used when referring to an Aircraft Carrier. Aircraft Carriers are the largest ships in a fleet and can be thought of as moveable bases or airports. They carry fighter planes over vast distances and allow for tactical deployment. At this stage in history carriers were largely untested weapon systems with both the Japanese and Americans attempting to formulate strategies for their effective use in battle. In this game the Akagi, Soryu, Hiryu and Kaga are examples of carriers. Destroyer Smaller ships in a fleet. Destroyers have many functions such as anti-submarine and anti-aircraft warfare. They were typically used as escorts for larger ships. In a worst case scenario, it was destroyers that would attempt to rescue survivors from crippled ships. In this game the Nowaki is an example of a destroyer. Cruiser A medium-sized ship in a traditional fleet. Though it is smaller than its more well-known fleet-mate the battleship it is larger than a destroyer. In carrier warfare a cruiser functioned similarly to a destroyer in protecting and supporting the carriers. However, if the enemy was able to move surface ships into striking range of the carriers cruisers would offer better surface-to-surface fighting ability than the smaller destroyers. In this game the Nagara is an example of a cruiser. **Key Japanese Terms** Seppuku Sometimes written as Hara-Kiri when translated into English. Seppuku is an act of ritual suicide with a long history in Japan. The person committing the act slices open their own belly while a person acting as their "second" issues a coup de grace. Traditionally this came via a sword but, during the Pacific War, it was typically issued via a pistol. Gyokusai Literally translated it means "to smash the jewel". This was the term used for a suicide charge by Japanese soldiers at the end of a battle. These charges have typically been labelled as "Banzai Charges" in English due to the cries of "Tenno Heika Banzai" (May the Emperor Live Forever) that Japanese soldiers screamed when they commenced. [[Play Game]] Back to [[Start]]

American torpedo planes are approaching the Japanese carriers!! Under your current air cover they pose little threat and are shot down easily. Herupa, however, recognizes a major problem. "Vice Admiral, though we sustained no serious damage, the appearance of enemy planes is not a good sign. The Americans will certainly be back so we must plan our next move carefully. We have three options: We can wait to receive the Tomonaga group before launching an attack. If we do this our attack will be delayed but we will spare our pilots lives. Additionally, it will buy our scouts some time so they can locate the American fleet. We can send a partial attack force now. This will allow us to receive the Tomonaga group and attack at the same time. However, we will have to make an educated guess as to the location of the American fleet; even then, any attack would be ineffective. Finally, we can start making preparations for a full attack now. This will fill the flight decks of the carriers, which means the Tomonaga group will not be able to land and will be lost. However, due to the time it will take to prepare all the planes, it will buy our scouts some time to locate the American fleet. When we find them we will have a full complement of attack planes available. What should we do?" [[We will wait for the Tomonaga group to return.]] [[Prepare a partial attack force.]] [[We prepare for a full scale attack!!]]

The time is 0745. Deciding to receive the Tomonaga group has saved the lives of the pilots of the first attack group. Preparations for a full attack have now begun. [[Suddenly a report comes in.]]

Herupa responds. "Sir, with all due respect, your idea goes against all established protocols and is........unwise at best." Herupa drops to his knees. "Please I emplore you. Do not take the middle path. It will doom us all." Touched by Herupa's sincerity, you respond, "Very well..." [[We will wait for the Tomonaga group to return.]] [[We prepare for a full scale attack!!]]

The time is 0745. The decision to prepare for a full-scale attack has resulted in the loss of all the pilots of the Tomonaga group. Their sacfrifice shall not be in vain!! Preparations for the attack are progressing at the usual pace and the attack planes should be ready for deployment momentarily. [[Suddenly a report comes in.]]

The time is 0811 It is the first of the scout planes. The American fleet has been located. The pilot has sighted 5 cruisers and 5 destroyers but no carriers. Herupa turns to you: "Vice Admiral, this is excellent news. A lack of carriers in the area allows us to focus on the defenses at Midway Island. The attackers must all be based at airstrips on the island. Our victory is all but assured!!" Just then, the second American attack group can be seen approaching in the distance. This time, it is a full contigent of bombers with fighters defending them. What do you do? [[Take evasive action.]] [[Continue attack preparations. The fighter screens are enough defense for now.]]

Preparations for the attack have been slightly delayed but the evasive actions are helping to avoid major damage to the carriers. [[An urgent message is incoming.]]

The fighter screen is taking a beating but is effective enough that only minor damage to the carriers is being reported. [[An urgent message is incoming.]]

It is the scout pilot. A carrier has been spotted among the American fleet!! Herupa is shocked: "Vice Admiral, this changes everything; the carriers are in grave danger. We must immediately re-think our strategy. We can continue our fight against the Devil Americans. As it stands, we no longer have the advantage but we still have a chance at victory. We could also retreat. We have lost very little in this battle. If we abort now we could maintain the strength of our fleet and remain intact for future battles. What should we do?" [[We continue. This battle is ours.]] [[We must retreat. The situation is against us and we have a duty to protect our carriers.]]

The American attacks continue. They are ineffective, yet constant. Herupa has been monitoring the preparations of the next attack group and they are almost ready to take off. The counterattack can soon begin. [[Some American planes seem to have broken through our air cover]]

With that decision, the Battle of Midway came to an abrupt end. The American defenses on the island sustained minor damage. On the Japanese side, the carriers sustained little to no damage and few Japanese pilots were lost. However, the results of the battle greatly displeased Japan's wartime leaders; someone needed to answer for the failure. **Several months later** The members of the military tribunal gazed at Nagumo -former Vice Admiral of the Imperial Japanese Navy- with disgust. "Your cowardly retreat from Midway is a stain on the record of our glorious Navy. You have disgraced those who died bravely in battle, brought shame upon yourself and your ancestors and failed the Emperor, whom trusted you with his most powerful weapons in our war against the evil American scum. As such it is the decision of this tribunal that you are to be executed for your treason." End Back to [[Start]] [[A brief history of Nagumo and the Battle of Midway]] [[Artist's Statement]]

The time is 1020. Herupa shouts: "Impossible!! The Americans have broken through the air cover and are heading for the Ka....." ***BAAAAKOOOOOOOM*** The Kaga has received a direct hit to its bridge. Herupa turns to you, clearly shaken, "Vice Admiral!! The Kaga.... that hit.... surely, they are all dead. We must avoid further attack until the attack planes are ready!!" [[Continue evasive maneuvers!! We must hold out!!]]

Your evasive maneuvers are entirely ineffective. Herupa shouts: "Soryu is reporting major damage. We must..." ***A bright flash followed by a vicious shockwave knocks everyone in the bridge over*** You are the first to realize what has happened. The Akagi has taken a direct hit. "Vice Admiral... Are you okay?" [[I am fine. Give me a damage report!!]]

The time is 1100. "The Akagi is crippled. Soryu is reporting engine failure. And Kaga..... there are no reports, but she is clearly in no condition to fight. The Akagi, Soryu and Kaga are floating wrecks. It is only a matter of time before the sea claims them. Vice Admiral, I suggest that we leave the Akagi in the hands of Captain Aoki. We can transfer your flag to the cruiser Nagara and continue the battle from there. The other carriers may be beyond help but we still have the Hiryu." [[No. The Akagi is like a home to me. I will stay here. I order you to board the Nagara without me.]] [[We have no choice. We must transfer to the Nagara.]]

Tears in his eyes, Herupa nods. He salutes and gracefully turns away from you. This will be your last meeting in this life. Captain Aoki speaks: "Vice Admiral, I am honored that you have decided to stay on the Akagi with me. We will die gloriously with our beloved ship. Yet, it would be a shame to be pulled out of the ship by the sea. Could you help lash me to the helm?" You lash both Aoki and your self to the helm. Silently, you stand with him and survey the deck of your dying ship. The ship burns. Your battle is over... But as you look out over the deck one last time, you can't help but notice how clear the sky is. Against the roiling smoke and the flames, the pristine cerulean brings tranquility to your final moments. It is a wonderful day to die. End Back to [[Start]] [[A brief history of Nagumo and the Battle of Midway]] [[Artist's Statement]]

Reluctanly, you take one final look around your beloved Akagi, but there is little time for sentimentality. You have safely transferred your flag to the Nagara. The battle can continue. Herupa appraises you of the situation: "Currently the Hiryu is our only operational carrier. The Kaga, Soryu and Akagi have all been lost. However, it appears that both the Kaga and the Soryu were able to launch their attack planes before they were hit. I have dispatched destroyers to the crippled ships in order to pick up any surviving crewmembers. Our remaining strength is concentrated in surface ships; thus, we must adjust our strategy. We have three options: We can muster our remaining strength and engage in an all-out attack. We would charge towards the American bases on Midway Island. Alternatively, we could wait here for news from the attack planes. It is possible that they could find the American carriers. In the meantime this would allow us to regroup. Finally, we can retreat. We have suffered major loses and staying any longer could result in total defeat. What are your thoughts, Vice Admiral?" [[It is our turn to strike!! We Charge into Midway Island as one!!]] [[It is best to regroup here and await news from the attack planes.]] [[We have suffered greatly. We complete the rescue operations and then retreat.]]

Herupa nods. You relay the order to the remaining ships, "Proud sailors of the Imperial Navy, we have suffered greatly this day. Our carriers Kaga, Akagi and Soryu have been greatly damaged and are no longer able to fight. We must make sure that our last carrier, the Hiryu, survives this battle. As such, we will charge into the enemy defenses at Midway. Please take a moment to say goodbye to our homeland and thank our glorious Emperor." You pause, thinking of home and those that you want to protect. "Stand ready men. Our ships charge on my order!!" **Weeks Later** The Hiryu returns to Japan after receiving the attack planes that sank a US carrier. Aside from the Hiryu, the only surviving ships were the destroyers assigned to save the survivors of the other carriers. The Battle of Midway was a disaster for the Japanese Navy, yet the charge of the Japanese ships into Midway Island to save the carrier has already become a legend among the people. A loss of this scale would typically be covered up by the Japanese military, but this time the newspapers are allowed to tell the story in order to encourage the Japanese people to fight by your example. In the closing stages of the war the most common phrase on the lips of Japanese soldiers and civilians alike was, "Let us die a samurai's death, as glorious as Admiral Nagumo's." End Back to [[Start]] [[A brief history of Nagumo and the Battle of Midway]] [[Artist's Statement]]

The situation on the bridge remains tense. The rescue operations continue and Hiryu prepares to receive any returning attack pilots. At 1400 Herupa receives a report: "Vice Admiral, our pilots have sighted an American carrier. Attacks have been carried out and extensive damage is confirmed. The carrier is out of commission. How shall we proceed?" [[It is our turn to strike!! We Charge into Midway Island as one!!]] [[We make a tactical withdrawl, receive our planes and continue the battle.]]

Herupa hesitates. He is clearly disapointed but, deep down, he knows that you are correct. He is not the only one who feels this way. The rescue operations are completed with minimal talking and hushed tones. Akagi, Kaga and Soryu have all been lost. More importantly their crews and many pilots have perished in the battle. Hiryu suffered minimal damage and was able to escape the battle. **Upon Return to Japan** Admiral Yamamoto sat behind a desk on his flagship, the battleship Yamato. He shuffled through some papers and plans. The loss at Midway was catastrophic for the Imperial Navy, but the early retreat had saved part of the strike force. An aide enters, silently allowing you into the room with a stiff salute. Not looking up from his paperwork Yamamoto spoke, "Vice Admiral Nagumo, it goes without saying that I am deeply disappointed by the results of the Battle of Midway. We have lost much and you retreated without my orders. Due to your extensive successes at the beginning of the war I am willing to overlook this transgression. Yet I will be forced to permanently demote you from your position........ You will receive your orders shortly. You are dismissed." Yamamoto remained alone in his office for hours after this conversation, thinking of the implications of the battle. The failure at Midway had drastically reduced the possibility of Japan defeating the Americans. Yet the retreat had saved countless lives and gave the Navy a slim hope of retaking the initiative in the war. Yamamoto winced, "Nagumo, you saved your men with your benevolence. But what have you done to the war effort?" End Back to [[Start]] [[A brief history of Nagumo and the Battle of Midway]] [[Artist's Statement]]

The other ships in the fleet immediately fall back and prepare to regroup. It is 1645. Herupa brings news: "Vice Admiral!! The Hiryu has been spotted and is reporting minor damage. Evasive maneuvers have been taken but the ship will certainly remain in danger the longer we stay here. We must formulate a new plan of action immediately. As it stands we have two options: Now that we have regrouped we can finally muster our strength and attempt an all-out attack on the defenses at Midway. Alternatively, we can wait for the last of the fighter planes to land and make our retreat; they should land shortly. What should we do?" [[It is our turn to strike!! We Charge into Midway Island as one!!]] [[We have sunk an American Carrier. Though the Defenses at Midway remain intact.... We Retreat.]]

**Hours Pass** The Hiryu and the remaining ships managed to dodge the attacking Americans long enough to receive the returning attack planes and have turned back towards Japan. However, the Americans have not given up the chase and the Hiryu is in grave danger. It is 2255. Herupa approaches looking grim. You can see that he has something to say but he struggles to speak. [[Herupa don't fade out on me now. Speak!!]]

Herupa speaks, but this time he does not have advice or options for you: "Vice Admiral.......I have just received word from Admiral Yamamoto and....." "And what?" you respond. "You have been stripped of your command.......Please return to your quarters immediately." You turn and start to leave the room. Only to hear Herupa's voice: "Sir...... I'm sorry." [[Months Later]]

The Battle of Midway did not turn in Japan's favor, even after you were stripped of command. The Hiryu and several destroyers were lost during the final stages of the battle. Countless pilots, sailors and support crews lost their lives. Upon return to Japan you were demoted to a desk job. It could have been much worse, but your previous success in battle prevented harsher punishment. The war continued to worsen for Japan in the meantime. **Months Later, December 1943** You are sitting at your desk when you hear a knock at the door. "You may enter." It is Herupa!! "Herupa!! I haven't seen you in months. How are you?" "Vice Admiral, I've missed you. I am well, but we have little time for pleasantries. I must be brief." You are surprised at Herupa's terse response, but you have become used to this treatment since the catastrophe at Midway. "Well, please sit and we can get right to it then." [[Herupa has an assignment for you.]]

Herupa speaks: "Vice Admiral, as you are well aware, the war has taken a turn against us since the loss at Midway. Losses have piled up and now greatly outweigh our past victories. Throughout the Empire we find ourselves preparing for final battles." His voice trails off at the words "final battles". You know that these words mean battles to the death with little hope of survival. Herupa continues, "You have been given a new assignment and I have been given orders to once again work as your aide. We will be headed to the Marianas Islands, where you will be the Naval Commander." You nod, thinking of what this work will entail. Before you have a chance to respond, Herupa interjects: "But I need to be honest with you, Sir. Even though you will be a 'Naval Commander,' there are no sea-worthy vessels in the islands. It seems that the higher-ups want you there to help set-up the defenses of the islands and to lead the naval troops. It is expected that you will not return. If you choose to take on this responsibility, I will travel with you. If you refuse..... It would be best if you committed seppuku rather than face the authorities..... I would volunteer to be your second. What is your choice?" [[I accept the assignment. We leave for the Marianas.]] [[I cannot bear to lose any more men. I must refuse this assignment.]]

Upon arrival in the Marianas Islands you take up operations from the Island of Saipan. It is a relatively large island that houses not only Japanese troops but also a small population of Japanese civilians. Preparations for an American invasion are taken up immediately, but it is clear that they will be ineffective against any attack. Rather than fighting for victory, it will be a matter of fighting as best as possible for as long as possible in order to buy time for other Japanese-held Pacific Islands. In June 1944, the American invasion began. Though the Japanese defenders fought their hardest, they were quickly overwhelmed. [[By July the Battle of Saipan had entered its closing stages.]]

Herupa nods. There are no tears in his eyes. It is almost as if he expected you to take this route. "Shall we begin then, Sir?" You nod. There will be few words between the two of you now. You write a will and testament. This is done quickly to avoid any unwanted intruders to this solemn ceremony. The final lines leave your pen. "I apologize to the Emperor for the loss of his ships and my inability to take on this new duty. Instead I will committ seppuku with the help of my trusted aide. Crimson in color Radiant blossoms will fall Darkness will soon come." With this task complete, you remove your shirt and kneel before Herupa. He stands sword drawn, ready to assist. You take up a small dagger wrapped in cloth except for the exposed point of the blade. You point it at your navel, take a deep breath, and thrust it into your stomach. End Back to [[Start]] [[A brief history of Nagumo and the Battle of Midway]] [[Artist's Statement]]

Herupa enters a cave on Saipan. It is the Headquarters for both the Naval and Army forces stationed on the island. Inside, he finds you sitting with Lieutenant General Saito Yoshitsugu, "Nagumo, at this point there is no difference between fighting or holding out. Either will result in death. Now is the time for the final charge. You know I am right. You know the situation calls for gyokusai!! Make the right decision. Order your men to charge the enemy. It does not matter if you join them in the charge or by committing seppuku. But join them in death you must!!" With these words Saito left the cave. [[You are left alone in the command cave with Herupa]]

You look at Herupa, "We find ourselves in a familiar situation. Why not lay out my options for me one final time?" The grim look on Herupa's face fades somewhat. When you study his face closely, you think that you may even see a faint smile. He speaks: "Certainly Vice Admiral. Much as we expected, our defenses have been largely destroyed. Many soldiers still live, but there are few areas that we could defend efficiently. I am afraid that Saito is right. The gyokusai is the only option for the men. You on the other hand have one choice left to make: You can stay here and committ seppuku. I would be honored to act as your second. Or, you can charge with the men and die on the battlefield. In which case I will proudly follow you. How would you like to die?" [["The only death befitting an officer is by Seppuku."]] [["I cannot bear to let my men die alone. I will lead the final charge."]]

Herupa salutes you. "Well said, Vice Admiral. I will inform the men of your decision and prepare for the ceremony. You can use your remaining time to compose your thoughts. Remember, though, that time is in short supply. The Americans could arrive at any moment." With that, Herupa quickly leaves -diligent in his duties as ever. You sit down at your improvised, subterranean workstation and grab one of the few remaining scraps of paper. There is little time for a proper will and testament, so instead you scribble out a few last words. You write: "Although our soldiers fought hard, we have lost this final battle. It is my final wish that the Emperor, in his shining benovolence, will forgive our failure. If I could live one hundred lives I would give them all to the navy." End Back to [[Start]] [[A brief history of Nagumo and the Battle of Midway]] [[Artist's Statement]]

Herupa nods. "Excellent, Sir! I will inform the men." He excitedly leaves the cave, ready to relay the momentous news to the men. You carefully remove all the indications of your rank. It would be shameful if the Americans were to find them on your corpse. You exit the cave to find Herupa has prepared the men for the final charge. They stand ready for your order. A hush falls over the crowd. "Proud men of the glorious Japanese Navy, you have brought honor to your nation. This charge will be your last. I will not see you again in this life, but I will await you on the other side. TENNO HEIKA BANZAI!!" End Back to [[Start]] [[A brief history of Nagumo and the Battle of Midway]] [[Artist's Statement]]

**A Brief History of Vice Admiral Nagumo and the Battle of Midway** The Battle of Midway remains one of the most important battles of the 20th Century. Interpretations of the battle's significance have changed within scholarship over the past six decades. Below is an outline of the lead-up of the battle, the battle itself and the end of Nagumo's life during the Battle of Saipan. As alluded to in the opening of the game Vice Admiral Nagumo (1887-1944) had early successes in the Pacific War against the Americans at Pearl Harbor (7 December 1941) and against the British in the Indian Ocean. In the opening months of the Pacific War (December 1941- May 1942) the Japanese achieved many victories and extended their empire throughout the Pacific. At this time Admiral Yamamoto (1884-1943), who had championed the bold attack on Pearl Harbor, started to work on the plan for the Battle of Midway. The plan was controversial from the beginning and met with opposition within the Navy. Yet, after the Americans bombed Tokyo during the Doolittle Raid (18 April 1942) and a threat of resignation by Yamamoto, it was approved. The plan called for a diversionary attack on the Alaskan Aleutian Islands in the North Pacific while Nagumo led the carriers on an attack of Midway Island in the Central Pacific. Nagumo, a man who was uncomfortable in the spotlight, accepted the mission despite grave misgivings. He decided to choose death over dishonor and accusations of cowardice. He then led the Akagi, Kaga, Soryu and Hiryu along with a compliment of destroyers and cruisers into the Battle of Midway (3 - 7 June 1942). The battle was one of the most disastrous in the history of the Japanese Navy. All of the carriers were lost and Nagumo was stripped of his command at the end of the battle. He was exiled to a desk job within the Navy until December 1943. <img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b1/Japanese_aircraft_carrier_Hiryu_maneuvers_to_avoid_bombs_on_4_June_1942_%28USAF-3725%29.jpg/1280px-Japanese_aircraft_carrier_Hiryu_maneuvers_to_avoid_bombs_on_4_June_1942_%28USAF-3725%29.jpg"> Above: Hiryu circling to avoid a B-17 attack on the morning of 4 June 1942 His final command post was as the Naval Commander of the Marianas Islands. However, being "Naval Commander" of this region at the time meant the management of land-based Naval troops in the area along with a few vessels that were capable of nothing more than coastal defense. Nagumo was on Saipan when it was invaded by the Americans (15 June- 9 July 1944). The Japanese defense lasted much longer than initially expected but eventually collasped. This resulted in the mass suicide of Japanese civilians located on the island as well as the largest gyokusai (suicide charge) by Japanese troops during the Pacific War. Nagumo committed Seppuku in the closing stages of the battle. His final request was for a member of the Navy to be the second during this ceremony. He died on Saipan on 6 July 1944 at the age of 57. Given that he died in battle he was posthumously promoted to the rank of Admiral, as per Japanese military tradition. Ryan Scheiding 7 December 2015 (Updated 2 October 2019) PhD Candidate, Communication Concordia University Thank you for playing Midway: Nagumo's Ruin!! [[Play Game]] Back to [[Start]]

**Artist’s Statement For the //Death, Memories, & Technologies// Event** //Nagumo’s Ruin// was originally created as part of a game studies course taken towards the completion of my PhD. It is based on extensive historiographical research on the Pacific War (1941-1945) and the Battle of Midway (4-7 June 1942) and is highly influenced by collective/cultural memory theory. The original intent of the project was to subvert common game story tropes and to question the utility of “player choice” within a game narrative. As a result, the general agenda of the game was to present a non-heroic war narrative where player choice does not affect the outcome. Regardless of what the player chooses in //Nagumo’s Ruin// they will always experience defeat or retreat during the Battle of Midway, just as the Japanese Imperial Navy experienced in real life. The goal of the game is to utilize ludic narrative practice to teach players about history while not romanticizing the past. Revisiting this project at the //Death, Memories, & Technologies// event is a welcomed opportunity. It is always pleasant to rethink a past project through a new lens, theory or way of thinking. In the context of the exhibit I see //Nagumo’s Ruin// as a digital representation of an unpleasant and complicated past. In playing through the game in this space I hope that players will gain perspective on the past, the ways that we remember it and the complications that arise in the deliberation of death and memorialization. Special Thanks to Dr. Yasmin Jiwani for the opportunity to be included in this event, Dr. Mia Consalvo for her continuous encouragement and support of this research, and Tubba for being a constant companion and friend. Ryan Scheiding 2 October 2019 PhD Candidate, Communication Concordia University [[Play Game]] Back to [[Start]]