‎70 years ago today, Mitsuo Fuchida led the Attack on Pearl Harbor which began one of the bloodiest conflicts in human history, ending with the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. I thank God for the sacrifices of many for the peace and freedom we enjoy today in America.


Some years after the war Fuchida said, “We hate, and are hated in return, and then we hate more. I have participated in the cycle of hatred for much of my life. For the rest of my life I want to begin the cycle of love as often as I can in as many places as I can.”


For those who haven't seen the film trailer for "Wounded Tiger," send me a message and I will send you a private link.

“Wounded Tiger is an amazing, enthralling story of how the once obscure lives of an Oregon farmhand and a young co-ed intersected with the Japanese pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor. With cultural insight and deep pathos, Martin Bennett brings to life this powerful true chronicle of hatred, surrender, and transformation. Wounded Tiger reveals how ordinary lives lived out faithfully to their calling can impact the destiny of a people and a nation. I wholeheartedly recommend Martin’s work and know that you will find it equally compelling.”

Ravi Zacharias
Author and speaker

Seventy years ago today, December 1, 1941, Emperor Hirohito made the ultimate decision for Japan to go to war with the United States. Six days later, the world would never be the same again. Six million members of the Japanese and America military would die, along with eighteen million civilians by the end of the Pacific War.

This scene of Hirohito is depicted in the opening chapter of "Wounded Tiger" and you can read the first five chapters of the book by clicking the link here. This is the extraordinary true story of Mitsuo Fuchida, the pilot who led the attack on Pearl Harbor, whose life was changed by an American  prisoner of Japan, and by a girl he never met.

Fuchida's daughter, Miyako, now 74, read the book and said, "I have read the complete book manuscript. He is a tiger. He was born in the year of the tiger. You describe his posture and behavior so well and precisely, I can feel my father's presence. I have no idea how the world accepts him today. Some will call him a villain, others will call him a proud warrior who found redemption. I will always admire his guts, his intellect, and his sincerity."

I've moved to Tucson, Arizona!

In case any live in AZ, I've packed up and for the time being will be living in Tucson and will head to Los Angeles as soon as I'm able. No book deal yet, but my agent and I are working on it.

No film funding either, but I've received encouraging correspondence from three investor contacts with huge potential. Also, the project is in the process of getting in front of a number of key film people as well. Sorry I can't mention names until we have something solid ... Stay tuned.

A friend and fellow WWII aircraft buff just posted a nice blog about the Wounded Tiger project. Check it out and let him know what you think. Thanks!

New Year's Update, January 1, 2011

It's been said that "luck" is when preparation meets opportunity. I don't believe in luck, but I do believe in preparations. After thousands of hours of work and preparations, I'm convinced 2011 will see new things begin to take shape in a way they haven't in the past. As of today, this is where things stand:

• The "Wounded Tiger" film project: I have ten or so people who are very interested in funding the project in one way or another, all of whom have the ability to bring a large amount of funding into the film, but none of whom have done so as of yet. One Hollywood studio offered to purchase the film script for a figure in the high sixes, but I wasn't interested as I would lose all ability to protect the integrity of the story. Some want to see the book in print first, which is understandable. And one group believes they will be able to assemble significant funding in the next month or so. We'll see ...
• The "Wounded Tiger" book: The manuscript is complete and I continue to receive helpful critiques (some even from Japan!) and make minor edits as I consider the best way to approach the right publishing companies - those with the vision and horsepower to do with the book what needs to be done. I also have ideas to convert the story into a graphic novel. Some very experienced people have offered to help me make connections and I'm grateful for how things are developing.

When I have solid news on either project that I'm allowed to disclose, I'll post it here. Until then, may each of you have a wonderful and productive 2011!

- Martin

Below photo: Me at the Yasukuni War Museum, Tokyo.