Why did the Japanese so foolishly use banzai charges against the Marines’ well-armored defenses?

Why did the Japanese so foolishly use banzai charges against the Marines’ well-armored defenses? The Japanese military’s use of Banzai charges during World War II, especially against well-armed and fortified American forces like the U.S. Marines, stemmed from a combination of cultural, strategic, and situational factors, rather than simply being “foolish.” While these charges were often costly and ineffective against modern firepower, they were rooted in several reasons:

Cultural and Historical Tradition

Bushido Code: The traditional samurai code of Bushido emphasized honor, loyalty, and the idea of death before dishonor. Surrender was considered deeply shameful, so many Japanese soldiers preferred dying in a final charge rather than being captured. This philosophy played a significant role in inspiring the Banzai charge.
Spirit Over Technology: There was a belief in the power of human spirit and will (known as “Yamato-damashii”) over superior enemy technology. The Japanese military leadership promoted the idea that bravery and determination could overcome firepower and modern defenses.

Tactical Desperation

Situational Desperation: Banzai charges were often used when Japanese forces found themselves in hopeless situations, where retreat was impossible or logistics and reinforcements were unavailable. In many cases, Japanese troops were out of options and facing certain defeat.
Psychological Impact: There was a hope that the shock and audacity of such mass charges might psychologically overwhelm the enemy. In earlier conflicts, especially against less prepared or poorly armed opponents, such tactics had seen some success.

Lack of Supplies and Reinforcements

By the time of many key battles in the Pacific (such as Saipan or Guadalcanal), Japanese forces were frequently cut off from resupply and severely outgunned by the Allies. Faced with attrition, starvation, and a lack of ammunition, the Banzai charge sometimes seemed like the only offensive option left.
No Withdrawal Option: Japanese military doctrine often did not plan for or emphasize strategic withdrawals. Soldiers were expected to hold their positions or die trying, so mass charges became a method to inflict as much damage as possible in a final act of defiance.

Overestimation of Effectiveness

Outdated Tactics: Japanese commanders initially underestimated the effectiveness of modern machine guns, artillery, and well-dug-in defensive positions of the U.S. Marines. The doctrine behind Banzai attacks had its roots in earlier conflicts where opponents were less technologically advanced, and Japanese troops could overwhelm numerically inferior enemies.
Belief in Decisive Battle: Japanese military strategy, influenced by the decisive victories of the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), placed great importance on decisive engagements. A mass Banzai charge was seen as a way to achieve a swift victory, even if that belief was increasingly unrealistic against well-armed Allied forces.

Impact of Leadership

Japanese officers, bound by their own sense of honor and duty, often ordered Banzai charges to avoid the shame of surrender or defeat. Leaders were sometimes more motivated by ideology and honor than by practical military tactics, which led to tragic and often futile outcomes.

In conclusion, Banzai charges were a combination of cultural ideals, desperation, and tactical miscalculations. While they had limited success early in the war, by the later stages, they became increasingly ineffective against the well-prepared defenses of the U.S. Marines and other Allied forces, resulting in heavy Japanese casualties.