The Search for Onoda: A True Story

During World War II, there were 61 known Japanese army stragglers located throughout the pacific.

The longest and most famous holdout is Hiroo Onoda, an Imperial Japanese Army Intelligence Officer who was posted to Lubang Island in the Philippines in 1945. Onoda fought for thirty years, refusing to surrender until 1974.

Sound editor and film-maker Mia Stewart is passionate about Onada’s story, discovering a personal connection to the soldier and how his story has personally shaped the story of her own family.

She joined Nic to discuss her project, finding her own meaning in the tale and rendering this 30-year battle beyond the folklore.

Mia is currently fundraising to support her documentary and you can support via the Australian Cultural Fund.