Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, A Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor Summary: Mark Harmon

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We offer you comprehensive summaries and analysis of Mark Harmon's book "Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, A Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor," This gripping historical thriller explores the untold story of Pearl Harbor where pits Takeo Yoshikawa, a cunning Japanese spy disguised as a diplomat, against Douglas Wada, a Japanese American fighting for the U.S.  As tensions rise in Honolulu, these two men engage in a high-stakes duel for information, with the fate of the Pacific Fleet hanging in the balance.

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This is an unofficial summary and analysis of Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, A Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Snap Read
• Release date: May 6, 2024
• ISBN: 9791223037294

Book preview

Ghosts of Honolulu

A Japanese Spy, A Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor

Summary

Mark Harmon

Snap Read

Table of Contents

Copyright

Overview

Section 1

Section 2

Section 3

Section 4

Section 5

Section 6

Section 7

Section 8

Epilogue

Quotes from the book

Copyright

This book is protected by copyright law. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Copyright © 2024 by Snap Read.

All Rights Reserved.

Overview

Published in 2023, Ghosts of Honolulu by Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll Jr. delves into the captivating world of pre-World War II espionage. This meticulously researched narrative nonfiction work, a New York Times bestseller, and sheds light on the pivotal yet often overlooked roles of intelligence officers in the lead-up to the Pearl Harbor attack.

The book departs from traditional war narratives by focusing on lesser-known heroes. We encounter a cunning Japanese spy tasked with infiltrating Hawaii to gather Intel on the US Pacific Fleet. Opposing him is a Japanese American interpreter working for the US Office of Naval Intelligence, navigating the complexities of loyalty and identity in a time of rising tensions.

Beyond the thrilling game of cat-and-mouse between these agents, Ghosts of Honolulu explores the profound impact of war on American citizens of Japanese descent. The narrative poignantly portrays the struggles and unwavering patriotism of this community, despite facing suspicion and prejudice.

Authors Harmon and Carroll Jr., veterans of the television show NCIS, draw a fascinating parallel between the fictional world of counterintelligence and its real-life origins. They trace the roots of the modern-day NCIS back to the dedicated Naval officers who tirelessly conducted counterespionage activities before and after the devastating attack.

Ghosts of Honolulu is a captivating blend of historical intrigue, personal struggles, and genuine heroism. It compels readers to acknowledge the often-unseen battles fought in the shadows, reminding us that history is filled with extraordinary figures who deserve recognition.

Section 1

Prologue

Meet Douglas Wada, a member of the Office of Naval Intelligence, was fishing with some friends from his Japanese American community in Honolulu. In the morning of December 7, 1941, while out on the ocean, Wada saw smoke in the distance. Wada's expertise lies in monitoring Japanese newspapers, radio broadcasts, intercepting documents, and conducting interrogations in his native Japanese language. Suddenly, a startling moment interrupts their peaceful outing when the keeper of Diamond Head Lighthouse rushes towards them, urgently exclaiming that they're at war. Confused and shocked, Wada learns from the keeper that Pearl Harbor is currently under attack by the Japanese.

Chapter 1-The Boy from Honolulu

Douglas Wada's roots trace back to Hawaii, where he was born to Japanese immigrant parents. His upbringing revolves around his father's profession as a builder for Shinto shrines and his mother's role in managing a shop within their Japanese-dominated community in Honolulu. However, tragedy strikes when his older brother passes away in a devastating accident, leaving Wada and his two sisters to cope with grieving parents.

Despite his Japanese heritage, Wada finds himself drawn to American culture, finding particular fascination in pursuits like baseball, participation in the Boy Scouts, and the world of automobiles. This newfound interest raises concerns among his more traditionalist parents, particularly his mother, who devises a plan to send Wada back to Japan.

In 1928, accompanied by his mother, Wada returns