DAITOA NEWS NO 1

This film is held by the Imperial War Museum (ID: JYY 65).

Synopsis

I."Build new Philippines! Fight for greater East Asia! Air attacks over Hawaii!" Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Commentary announces that Nippon declared war on the USA and Great Britain on 8 December 1941; map of Pacific region. Kaga and another carrier in heavy seas prior to attack on Pearl Harbor. Commander of Imperial Air Squadron, in front of blackboard, delivers an address to pilots, "war heroes determined to respond to their country's call beyond life and death". Nakajima B5N2s and Aichi D3A1s stand ready to take off "carrying a load of many bombs with the smoothness of a seagull!" to the soundtrack accompaniment of "Also Sprach Zarathustra". Caption announces "US Pacific Fleet annihilated" and gives alleged losses inflicted, over aerial film of attack over airfield and blazing houses. Japanese destroyers in line astern end item which states that Nippon now commands the vast waters of the Pacific.

II. "Fall of Hong Kong." Map of Hong Kong. Commentary announces that Nippon is laying down the gauntlet and in accordance with Bushido demands surrender from the British. Artillery (37mm anti-tank gun Type 94, British QF 3.7 inch anti-aircraft gun, 150mm howitzer Type 4) opens fire and a Katori Class light cruiser bombards the shore. Kawasaki Ki-32 light bombers attack oil tanks "stored for the invasion of East Asia". Aerial shot of (British) vessel taking evasive action. Oil tanks blaze after attacks from "Nippon's wire eagles". Ground troops advance with fixed bayonets and climb up a Babcock and Wilcox crane. Enemy pillboxes reportedly crumble like paper. "Hong Kong completely occupied - December 25 1941." Soldiers raise their rifles in a Banzai salute after the British surrender, illustrated by large piles of captured equipment including a Bren carrier, medium artillery and machine guns. Unshaven RN sailors sit in captivity, one with a pet monkey. British staff officers who negotiated terms of surrender shake hands with Japanese officers. Japanese flag is raised and now flies over the New Oriental Building. Victory ceremony includes flyover and parade by mounted troops through streets of Hong Kong led by Lieutenant-General Takashi Sakai and Vice-Admiral Masaichi Niimi.

 

Titles

  • DAITOA NEWS NO 1
 

Technical Data

Year:
1942
Running Time:
7 minutes
Film Gauge (Format):
35mm
Colour:
B&W
Sound:
Sound
Footage:
600 ft (ca)
 

Production Credits

Production Countries:
Japan
Production company
Nippon Eigasha