[Nedusa]

It was not cowardly but it was an atrocity, one that in my opinion Japan brought upon themselves.

As a nation they lost sight of common values of decency even at a time of war. their collective mindset was worse than the German armies and soldiers because like the Nazi's they degraded human life and followed no moral code when treating captured allied soldiers.

They exhibited barbarism and sadism in equal measure and one could argue almost drew pleasure when inflicting such torture on their (captured) enemy.

Anyone in Japan with any sense could see the War was over and they had lost but to them surrender was not an option and because of this many thousands of Allied soldiers and Japanese soldiers died needlessly.

The US had little choice in trying to end the War and were forced to show Japan overwhelming force in order to bbring Japan to her senses.

It was quite a brave decision in my view.