36 Quotes by Isoroku Yamamoto

Japan would never invade the United States. We would find a rifle behind every blade of grass.

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. I would rather you made your appraisal after seeing what the enemy does, since it is certain that, angered and outraged, he will soon launch a determined counterattack.

The mindless rejoicing at home is really appalling; it makes me fear that the first blow against Tokyo will make them wilt at once...I only wish that [the Americans] had also had, say, three carriers at Hawaii...

I wonder what Heaven must think of the people down here on this small black speck in the universe that is earth, or of all their talk about the last few years-which are no more than a flash compared with eternity-being 'a time of emergency." It's really ridiculous.

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

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

You cannot invade mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind each blade of grass.

To fight the United States is like fighting the whole world. But it has been decided. So I will fight the best I can.