Minoru Genda's personal recollection places discussions of an attack in 1934. Yamamoto and Onishi used him as a sounding board on naval aviation. He was also sent to Britain to study wartime experience, including the performance of the Spitfire and Hurricane. His recollection supports an earlier history of the attack concept, while leaving the detailed December 1941 operation distinct from those preliminary discussions.
Notable Point · 27:16-27:40
Genda's recollection dates attack discussions to 1934
Genda recalled discussing an attack years before the detailed 1941 operation and contributed aviation expertise to senior planners.