Mitsuo Fuchida explained that after the war:
“DeShazer … returned to Japan as a missionary. And his story, printed in pamphlet form, was something I could not explain …
I decided to purchase (a Bible) myself, despite my traditionally Buddhist heritage … In the ensuing weeks, I read this book eagerly.
I came to the climactic drama – the Crucifixion. I read in Luke 23:34 the prayer of Jesus Christ at His death: ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do’ …
I was certainly one of those for whom He had prayed. The many men I had killed had been slaughtered in the name of patriotism, for I did not understand the love which Christ wishes to implant within every heart.
Right at that moment, I seemed to meet Jesus for the first time. I understood the meaning of His death as a substitute for my wickedness, and so in prayer, I requested Him to forgive my sins and change me from a bitter, disillusioned ex-pilot into a well-balanced Christian with purpose in living …”
Fuchida added:
“I became a new person. My complete view on life was changed by the intervention of the Christ I had always hated and ignored before .I have traveled across Japan and the Orient introducing others to the One Who changed my life.
I believe with all my heart that those who will direct Japan – and all other nations – in the decades to come must not ignore the message of Jesus Christ.”
Kiyoko Takeda Cho, a prominent intellectual in Tokyo described the missionaries:
“They were young and idealistic, and identified with Japan … They represented not the ruling country, but came for reconciliation. That attitude was very much appreciated, not only by Christians but also non-Christians.”