General The cave digging may be futile. The stand on Iwo may be futile. The whole war may be futile. But would you give up then? If our children can live safely for one more day, it'll be worth one more day that we defend this island!
Played by Ken Kensei 
Letters from Iwo Jima (2006) · 48 quotes
Letters from Iwo Jima (2006) · 48 quotes
Tied for 2nd most-quoted character in Letters from Iwo Jima (2006): in 6 of its 48 quotes
A line from General [to his men, right before a suicide charge]A day will come when they will weep and pray for your souls. [unsheathes his katana] I will always be in front of you.
More lines from General
4 quotes General General Everything happens in threes.
General [addressing his men before the battle]
Men, the time has come to show your true colors. As a member of the Honorable Imperial Army, I trust that you will fight with honor. This island is of utmost importance to Japan. Should the island fall, the enemy will use it as their base to attack our homeland. For the mainland...For our homeland...Until the very last man..Our duty is to stop the enemy right here. Not one of you is allowed to die until you have killed ten enemy soldiers. Do not expect to return home alive. I will always be in front of you. [removing his hat and bowing] Long live the Emperor.
General A good officer uses his head, not his whip.
Scenes with General
1 scene Major General Hayashi How are we to fight?
