FAQ

At first against American soldiers fraternizing with Japanese women during the Korean War (1950-1963), U.S. Air Force Major Lloyd "Ace" Gruver (Marlon Brando) changes his tune when he falls in love with Japanese entertainer Hana-ogi (Miiko Taka). However, Air Force regulations strictly forbid American military men from marrying, or even fraternizing with, Japanese locals.

Yes. Sayonara is based on the 1954 novel by American author James A. Michener (1907-1997). The novel was adapted for the screen by American screenwriter Paul Osborn.

"Sayonara" (Hiragana: さよなら, Katakana: サヨナラ) is simply the Japanese word used when expressing valediction.

Knowing that Hana-ogi has moved to Tokyo, Ace arranges to fly there. He finds her performing with a Japanese theater troupe. He waits until after her performance, tells her that he's returning to the States, and asks her to marry him. After some consideration, Hana-Ogi follows him outside where reporters are waiting to interview them. She announces that she's decided to marry Ace. In the final scene, a reporter asks whether they have anything to say to the big brass and to the Japanese, and Ace replies, "Tell them I said sayonara."