Isoroku Yamamoto

But then, if the war continues after that, I have no expectation of success.

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

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.

Even a burglar hesitates to go back for more.

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

A brilliant man would find a way not to fight a war.

Japan has always regarded the aircraft carrier as one of the most offensive of armaments.

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.

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.

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.

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

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