When discovering New Zealand in the late 1700, Captain Cook was met by a group of angry savages on the beach waving sticks. These sticks are called Taiha and those savages today are called Maori. Our Maori language has the same vowel sounds as the Japanese and pronunciation of words is the same in both languages. Our Maori men are renowned warriors from the past until the present. There are many Maori men in the Special Air Services (SAS), with the most recent decorated soldier (Maori) receiving the Victoria Cross ( purple heart equivalent).
Here is a you tube clip for reference.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CNq4_RrUrg