They wore helmets because their ultimate goal wasn't to die within the battle... it was an honor given to them by God.... If the situation arose for them to "kamikaze".... they took advantage of the oppertunity.... otherwise they all would have flown happily back to Japan........... The fact of the matter is... They all took off with the thought in mind that they wouldn't retunr.......... Realistically.... when you drive to work/school in the morning.... why do you wear a seatbelt??? Because you fear death.... do you FEAR death.... or do you RESPECT death.... I think the Kamakazi pilots RESPECTED death.... that's why they wore helmets.... philosophy motivates.