Why did the kamikaze pilots wear helmets in ww2?

Question

They were on a mission of ultimate sacrifice; so why wear a helmet for protection?

Answer 1

For the same reasons other pilots wore them. Primarily because it's cold up there. The helmets were not protective ballistically, at any rate. Those were the days of cloth helmets. But even if that were the case, one doesn't do any good on his mission if he doesn't reach the objective.

What did you think pilots' helmets were for, anyway? Do you think a plastic hat will save a modern pilot if he burrows into the ground at 600+ knots?

Answer 2

It wasnt for protection. Their radio receivers (speakers) were in the ear pieces set inside the helmut.

btw not all japanese pilots were "kamikaze" pilots. Just the ones who went on the suicide missions were called "kamikaze" by the allied soldiers and sailors.

Answer 3

Statistically Kamikaze pilots had a good chance of survival. They didn't always fly off and do just the one mission. Memory is their fighter escorts had a higher loss rate. Many returned to base.

The helmets were worn for warmth, carried the radio earphones and, as they were pilots, helmets were the symbol of being one in the 1940s.