Yokoi had been stationed on Guam during the Japanese occupation, and like thousands of other Japanese soldiers, rather than surrendering, went into hiding in the island’s caves and jungles.

By the 1970s, there were still rumors and sightings of straggles, especially in the southern part of Guam. But it was assumed that all who had gone into hiding had either been caught or died by that point.

Manuel Tolentino De Gracia and Jesus Mantanona Duenas, two hunters were checking fish traps in the Talo’fo’fo’ River, when they came upon Yokoi. After a brief struggle they brought him to the police. Yokoi expected to be killed and be shamed over his capture, but instead became an international celebrity. In this image he is photographed with then Governor Carlos Camacho, as well as Jesus and Manuel, the two hunters who found him.

In 1972, it was assumed that Yokoi was the last holdout of World War II, hence the international attention he received. When he returned home that year, he did so to excited and cheering crowds. After his discovery, 28 years after the war ended in Guam, new searches for stragglers were launched across Southeast Asia, leading to a handful of others being found.

Yokoi returned to Guam several times prior to his passing in 1997. Artifacts and photos of him can be found at Jeff’s Pirates Cove and also the “I Hinanao-ta” exhibit at the Guam Museum.