Biographies of Interrogated Officials

ABE, Tokuma, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 110

ABE's twenty-three years of service as a permanent officer included six years duty in submarines and in anti-submarine warfare. During World War II all his duties were with naval escort forces including staff work ashore and command of a coast defense squadron. He evinced considerable interest in U.S. submarine operations and expressed very positive opinions regarding the rapid progress in development of U.S. submarines and the training of their crews. He also pointed out the deficiencies in Japanese defensive measures and lack of coordination among units responsible for protection of shipping. He appeared to have a good general knowledge of the campaign against Japanese shipping but did not recall many details.

Submarine and anti-submarine   1926-1932
Senior Staff Officer, Defense Unit SASEBO December 1941-October 1942
Senior Staff Officer, 22nd Base Force BALIKPAPAN November 1942-February 1944
Senior Staff Officer, #4 Surface Escort and OKINAWA Base Force   February 1944-January 1945
Commanding Officer, 22nd Coast Defense Squadron South CHINA SEA January 1945-August 1945


AMAGI, Takahisa, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 1

AMAGI served 21 years in the regular Navy and was a pilot of 2,500 hours experience. He was Air Officer on the Hiryu (CV) at PEARL HARBOR and later Air Officer on the Kaga (CV) at the Battle of MIDWAY, 4-6 June 1942. Following the sinking of Kaga, he served as a member of the Naval Air Service Headquarters Staff where he was in charge of aircraft carrier flight deck installations. From May 1944 until the end of the war he served as Commanding Officer of the 634th Air Group.

He was the first Japanese Naval Officer interrogated by this group following the surrender of Japan. As such he was reticent to volunteer information but answered direct questions without hesitation. His statements were confirmed by subsequent interrogations.

Air Officer, Hiryu (CV) First Air Fleet 1941-1942
Air Officer, Kaga (CV) First Air Fleet 1942
Staff, Naval Air Service Hdqs. TOKYO 1942-1944
Commanding Officer, 634th Air Group   1944-1945


AOKI, Taijiro, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 4

AOKI was a regular naval officer, non-pilot, of 32 years active duty following his graduation from the Naval Academy at ETAJIMA in 1910. At the outbreak of the war he was serving as Commanding Officer of a Naval Aviation Training School at TSUCHIURA. In April 1942 he was ordered to command the aircraft carrier Akagi (CV) and was so serving when it was sunk at the Battle of MIDWAY, 4-6 June 1942. Following this action he was ordered as Commanding Officer of the KURE Naval Arsenal. In October 1942 he retired from active service.

Although this officer readily but conservatively answered all questions, his knowledge of the conduct of the war appeared limited to the brief 21/2 month period at sea prior to being retired.

Commanding Officer, N.A.S. TSUCHIURA   1940-1942
Commanding Officer, Akagi (CV)   1942
Commanding Officer, Naval Arsenal KURE 1942
Retired   1942

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ARICHIKA, Rokuji, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 73

ARICHIKA was a regular officer of 23 years service. He had specialized in torpedoes and torpedo tactics. As Chief of Staff of the First Destroyer Squadron he engaged in all the principal naval operations in the ALEUTIAN Campaign. He had a buoyant and energetic personality and evinced pride in and thorough knowledge of his profession. What success the Japanese had in supplying the ATTU and KISKA Garrisons through the ever tightening United States air and sea blockade was largely due to his planning. He planned and took part in the successful evacuation of the KISKA Garrison. He was known and respected by practically all the Japanese Officers interrogated on the subject of the ALEUTIANS Operations. He presented an accurate and detailed account of those operations.

Chief of Staff, 1st Destroyer Squadron, Abukuma (F)   December 1941-November 1943
Staff, OSAKA Guard District OSAKA November 1943-September 1944
Staff, No. 2, Special Attack Corps, (Suicide Boats) HIKARI September 1944-November 1945


CHIHAYA, Masatake, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 49

CHIHAYA was a permanent officer of 18 years service. During World War II he was assigned principally to staff duties and attended the Naval War College.

Musashi (BB)   December 1941-September 1942
Staff, 11th Squadron TRUK & SOLOMONS September 1942-November 1942
Naval War College TOKYO August 1943-February 1944
Staff, 4th Advanced Southern Fleet AMBON March 1944-February 1945
Staff, Combined Naval Fleet TOKYO February 1945-September 1945
Personnel Bureau, Navy Department TOKYO September 1945


DOI, Yasumi, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 52 & 92

DOI served 17 years in the regular Navy, specializing in gunnery. In 1942 he was a member of the Army-Navy Total War Research Institute to study economic problems of the war. in March 1943 he was ordered as Gunnery Officer on the staff of the Commander, Southeastern Area Fleet, located in RABAUL. In this position he was responsible for the anti-aircraft defense and ordnance supply of the naval airfields in the RABAUL-SOLOMONS-BISMARK Area. He was also concerned with the mining operations. Since demobilization DOI has been serving as a member of the House of Peers.

This officer answered all questions freely and accurately, although he appeared critical of the Japanese Army's efforts in the defense of the SOLOMONS. (This attitude was also in evidence among other officers that were stationed in this area during the SOLOMONS Campaign.)

Gunnery Officer, Aoba (CA)   November 1941-March 1942
Army-Navy Total War Research Institute   March 1942-March 1943
Staff Gunnery Officer, Southeastern Area Fleet RABAUL March 1943-March 1945
Staff Officer, Bureau of Military Affairs TOKYO March 1945-August 1945

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FUCHIDA, Mitsuo, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 6, 29, 87 and 99

FUCHIDA served 25 years in the regular Navy. An aviator with 3000 hours in the air, FUCHIDA aboard Akagi, was in command of the air groups of CarDiv 1 from August 1941 until July 1942. Wounded during the Battle of MIDWAY, he was hospitalized for approximately one year, then in June 1943 senior staff officer, 1st Air Fleet at KANOYA, and, subsequently, when 1st Air Fleet moved to the MARIANAS, at TINIAN. In April 1944, FUCHIDA transferred to OYODO as Staff Officer (Air Operations) of Combined Fleet. When Fleet Headquarters moved ashore to HIYOSHI in September 1944 he continued as Staff Officer (Air Operations) until the end of the war. FUCHIDA answered questions frankly and carefully. He was considered one of the most lucrative sources of information and a reliable witness.

Commanding Officer, Air Group CarDiv I   August 1941-July 1942
Hospitalized   August 1942-May 1943
Senior Staff Officer, 1st Air Fleet   June 1943-March 1944
Staff Officer (Air Operations), Combined Fleet   April 1944-August 1945


FUJII, Kazumi, Lieutenant Colonel, I.J.A. Nav. No. 84

FUJII was a regular Army Officer of 12 years service. A graduate of the Military Academy as an infantry officer, he went later to the Army Staff College and specialized in air staff work although not himself an aviator. As a Staff Officer of the Northern Area Army and of the KISKA Army garrison he had an intimate knowledge of Army forces in the ALEUTIANS, as well as planning for Army airfields in that area. He was intelligent, thorough and cooper. His account was believed accurate both generally and in detail.

Staff Officer, MANCHURIAN Air Force SHINKYO MANCHURIA December 1940-January 1942
Staff Officer, North Area Army SAPPORO HOKKAIDO January 1942-October 1942
Staff Officer, KISKA Army Garrison KISKA October 1942-August 1943
Staff Officer, Northern Area Army SAPPORO August 1943-October 1943
Staff Officer (Supplies), Army General Headquarters TOKYO October 1943-July 1945
Staff Officer (Supplies, Communications and Maintenance), 6th Air Army TOKYO July 1945-November 1945


FUJIMORI, Yasuo, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 108

FUJIMORI served 17 years as a permanent naval officer in the Imperial Japanese Nav y. During the early part of the war he commanded the RO-60 submarine doing defense patrol east of the MARSHALLS. He then took command of the minelaying submarine I-121. In June 1943 he was assigned to the Naval General Staff and was still there at the end of the war.


FUJITA, Masamichi, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 14 and 81

FUJITA served 20 years in the regular Navy. As Gunnery Officer of the Second Fleet he participated in the invasion of the PHILIPPINES and NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES. He was familiar with the general planning of the above campaign more than any other officer. FUJITA seemed to be unable to comprehend the fact that Japan had been destroyed. He can best be described as the "Ashly Wilkes" of Japan.

Staff, Second Fleet PHILIPPINES
NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES
June 1941-June 1942
Bureau of Military Affairs TOKYO June 1942-August 1945

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FUKAMIZU, J. Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 50 and 86

FUKAMIZU served 17 years in the regular Navy. From December 1941 until June 1942 he was a supply officer on the staff of the 21st Air Flotilla. For the next six month, FUKAMIZU was attached to the staff of the Southwest Area Fleet also as a supply officer. Thereafter until the end of the war, he was in charge of the 1st Section of the 1st Department of Naval Air Headquarters, TOKYO, which was charged with the allocation of aircraft to tactical and training commands at the direction of the Naval General Staff. FUKAMIZU answered questions frankly and directly, and was considered a very reliable source of information.

Supply Officer, Staff 21st Air Flotilla   December 1941-June 1942
Supply Officer, Staff Southwest Area Fleet   July 1942-December 1943
Chief, 1st Section, 1st Department, Naval Air Headquarters TOKYO January 1943-August 1945


FUKUDOME, Shigeru, Vice Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 115

The experience of Admiral FUKUDOME particularly fitted him as an authority on high level planning and operations during the entire period from pre-war planning through the loss of the PHILIPPINES. He was intelligent, talked freely, and appeared as being a markedly superior Japanese Officer. Although understood English he conversed through an interpreter.

The high regard in which the British held this officer is illustrated by the fact that he was fully entrusted with the repatriation of Japanese nationals in SINGAPORE Area, a duty to which the Supreme Commander, Allied Forces Southeast Asia requested the earliest return of this officer.

Chief of Staff, Combined Fleet   January 1940-April 1941
Chief of 1st Section, (Plans and Operations) Naval General Staff   April 1941-May 1943
Chief of Staff, Combined Fleet   May 1943-March 1944
Commanding Officer, 2nd Air Fleet   July 1944-January 1945
CinC Tenth Area Fleet   January 1945-End of War


GENDA, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 112

GENDA was an aviator of broad experience, intelligent and alert. He was of the younger school of officers, inclined to criticize freely, and perhaps associated with the earlier radical groups. He appeared to have considerable Filipino blood.

Staff, 1st Air Fleet   December 1941-June 1942
Air Officer, Zuikaku (CV)   July 1942-September 1942
Staff, 11th Air Fleet   September 1942-November 1942
Imperial Headquarters TOKYO November 1942-January 1945
Commanding Officer, Air Group 343rd (VF)   January 1945-End of War

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HASHIMOTO, Shigefusa, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 25

HASHIMOTO was a regular officer of 19 years service. As Navigator and Communication Officer on the Staff of Commander Fifth Fleet, and later with the Staff of Commander Northeast Area Fleet, he was well informed on the operations in the North PACIFIC from November 1942 until the conclusion of hostilities. He was intelligent and cooperative, and his information was generally quite accurate.

Russian Intelligence, Naval Headquarters TOKYO November 1940-November 1942
Navigation and Communication, Fifth Fleet Staff   November 1942-January 1944
Intelligence, Naval Headquarters TOKYO June 1944-November 1944
Staff, Northeast Area Fleet CHITOSE November 1944-February 1945
Staff, OMINATO Guard District OMINATO February 1945-August 1945
Intelligence, Naval Headquarters TOKYO August 1945-October 1945


HORIUCHI Shigetada, Rear Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 47

HORIUCHI was a permanent officer of 31 years service. His principal war time combat experience was in the First Southern Advance Fleet in the latter half of 1942 and with air protection of convoys during the last eight months of the war.

Naval Attache INDO CHINA December 1941-June 1942
Staff, First Southern Advance Fleet   June 1942-November 1942
Chief of 1st Section, Navy Department TOKYO November 1942-May 1944
Chief of Staff, 1st Escort Fleet, Navy Department TOKYO May 1944-December 1944
Commanding Officer, 901st Air Group FORMOSA January 1945-September 1945


IHARA, Mitsugo, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 68

IHARA has served 20 years in the regular Navy. As Gunnery Officer he served on the Staff of the Third Fleet during the invasion of NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES and on the Staff of the Second Fleet during the MIDWAY and SOLOMONS actions. Subsequently he has served as Naval Aide to Prime Minister SUZUKI and Prime Minister HIGASHI. He was intelligent, well groomed, and accurate and concise in answers to all questions.

Staff, Third Fleet PHILIPPINES,
NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES
December 1941-July 1942
Staff, Second Fleet MIDWAY, SOLOMONS July 1942-April 1943
Navy Department Training Section TOKYO April 1943-April 1945
Prime Minister's Aide (SUZUKI) TOKYO April 1945-August 1945
Prime Minister's Aide (HIGASHI) TOKYO August 1945-September 1945

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INOGUCHI, Rikihei, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 12

INOGUCHI was an officer of 23 years service, and although not himself an aviator, he spent the last year and a half of the war in aviation activities. In August 1944 he became Chief of Staff of the First Air Fleet in the PHILIPPINES, the unit which first employed organized suicide tactics. INOGUCHI was a difficult witness, attempting continually to take charge of the interview and to return to the discussion of his favorite subject, the philosophy of Kamikaze. His testimony, although of limited interest, was considered credible.

Gunnery Aviation    
Commanding Officer, 153rd Air Corps NEW GUINEA February 1944-June 1944
Senior Staff Officer, 23rd Air Squadron CELEBES July 1944-August 1944
Chief of Staff, 1st6 Air Fleet PHILIPPINES
FORMOSA
August 1944-March 1945


INOUE, Isamu, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 66

INOUE served 21 years in the regular Navy. During this period he specialized in aircraft communications. He was Air Officer on the Chitose (CVE) in the Transport Force at the Battle of MIDWAY, and in the Detached Unit at the Battle of Eastern SOLOMON, 23-25 August 1945. Although this officer was in only minor action he appeared reticent about providing information concerning his ship. However the information obtained was verified by official documents.

Training Department, Air Headquarters TOKYO 1939-1941
Air Officer, Chitose (CVE)   1941-1942
Staff Officer, Naval Base YOKOSUKA   1942-1944
Commanding Officer, YOKOSUKA Air Group   1944-1945
Staff Officer, 10th Air Fleet   1945
Staff Officer, 15th Combined Air Group   1945


ISAWA, Yutaka, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 19

ISAWA was a regular officer with 20 years experience. He was aboard the Haruna during the invasion of the PHILIPPINES and the Battle of MIDWAY. He later served in a destroyer squadron in the SOLOMONS Area. He was cooperative and well informed and his information regarding the activities of the Second Fleet proved to be substantially accurate.

Haruna (Gunnery) PHILIPPINES
MIDWAY
December 1941-October 1942
2nd Destroyer Squadron SOLOMONS October 1942-May 1943
Naval Academy ETA JIMA May 1943-March 1944
Navy Department TOKYO March 1944-March 1945
5th Air Fleet KYUSHU March 1945-August 1945


ISHIHARA, Kawakita, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 17

ISHIHARA served 24 years in the regular Navy. As a member of the Staff of the Third Fleet in 1941 he actively participated in the detailed planning required for the intricate invasion of the PHILIPPINES and NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES, and later aboard the flagship Ashigara he witnessed the execution of the above plans. After completion of the occupation of JAVA, ISHIHARA returned to TOKYO where

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he was attached to GUMMU KYAKU, Military Affairs Bureau of Navy Ministry. He was frank and quick witted and furnished accurate information upon request.

Staff, Third Fleet PHILIPPINES
NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES
June 1940-April 1941
Military Affairs Bureau, Navy Ministry TOKYO April 1941-August


ITO, Sukemitsu, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 23

IT was a regular officer of 26 years service and also a naval aviator of 3,000 hours flight time. As Commanding Officer of a 6-plane flying boat unit of the TOKYO Squadron he moved into KISKA the day following the initial landing, and conducted air searches and a few bombing missions during the early part of the KISKA occupation. His unit was withdrawn on 17 August 1942, after 3 planes were put out of commission by U.S. naval bombardment. He was well qualified to speak on conditions for the operation of flying boats in summer in the Western ALEUTIANS. His recollection of details was reasonably accurate.

Staff Officer, 1st Naval Air Technical Arsenal YOKOSUKA December 1941-January 1942
Commanding Officer, TOKYO Seaplane Group YOKOHAMA February 1942-March 1943
Personnel Officer, Naval Air Headquarters TOKYO April 1943-June 1945
Commanding Officer, 724th Air Group MISAWA July 1945-September 1945


ITO, Taisuke, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 24

ITO was a regular officer of 21 years service and also a naval aviator of 2,000 hours flight time. His position as Air Officer on the Staff of the Fifth Fleet made him particularly qualified to provide information on the initial planning for the occupation of the Western ALEUTIANS and the early operations after the occupation took place. ITO was intelligent and cooperative and quite well informed on the major points of the campaign. Since he spoke entirely from memory, and had visited the ALEUTIANS only once, he could not provide details.

Air Officer, Fifth Fleet Staff PARAMUSHIRO August 1941-November 1942
Board of Awards, Naval Headquarters TOKYO November 1942-May 1944
Air Officer, Central Pacific Staff SAIPAN May 1944-June 1944
Senior Staff Officer, 61st Air Flotilla PELELIU June 1944-July 1944
Hospitalized YOKOSUKA August 1944-September 1944
Senior Staff Officer, 2nd Air Fleet FUJISAWA September 1944-November 1944
1st Section, Naval Personnel Bureau TOKYO November 1944-October 1945


KAMIDE, S., Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 74

KAMIDE served 28 years in the regular Japanese Navy. He was a pilot with over 2,000 hours flying time. Most of his war service was devoted to convoy coverage by aircraft in the FORMOSA Area. As Commanding Officer of the 901st Air Group he was associated with anti-submarine aircraft equipment and tactics with which

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he was thoroughly familiar. All information requested was furnished in a straight forward manner and later proved substantially accurate.

Commanding Officer, Kashima Air Flotilla KASUMIGAURA December 1941-August 1942
Naval Air Headquarters TOKYO August 1942-September 1943
Commanding Officer, 901st Air Group TATEYAMA September 1943-December 1944
Staff, 901st Air Group SANKI December 1944-August 1945


KANAI, K., Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 40

KANAI was a regular naval officer, non-pilot, of 23 years active duty. At the outbreak of the war he headed the First Section of the First Department of the KOKUHOMBU; his assignment, the allocation and distribution of aircraft to combat units. In May 1943 he was ordered to RABAUL to head the General Affairs of the Southeast Air Depot of the 11th Air Flotilla.

This officer quietly and conservatively answered the questions put to him. He was reluctant to give estimates on non-combat attrition rates due to the fact that he had to rely entirely on memory.

Head of 1st Section of 1st Department, Koku Hombu TOKYO July 1941-May 1943
Head of General Affairs of Southeastern Air Depot, 11th Air Flotilla RABAUL May 1943-April 1944
Head of Supply Department, KISARAZU KISARAZU May 1944-July 1945
Commanding Officer, 1001st Air Group SUZUKA July 1945-October 1945
Attached to YOKOSUKA Naval Base YOKOSUKA October 1945


KANEKO, Rinsuke, Colonel, I.J.A. Nav. No. 94

KANEKO served 18 years in the regular Army. Almost all of his wartime service was in the RABAUL-NEW GUIENA areas where he was a member of the Staff of the 4th Air Army. Although apparently well informed and willing to give accurate answers to all direct questions his manner was quite different from that of most Japanese Naval Officers. He refused to "warm up" and remained tense at all times. He exerted considerable effort towards behaving as a conquered man and was continually bowing from the waist, standing at attention and acting as though he expected a slap or kick momentarily.

Japanese Embassy PERU December 1941-January 1942
Army Air Headquarters TOKYO January 1942-June 1943
Staff, 8th Area Army RABAUL July 1943-August 1943
Staff, 4th Air Army RABAUL
WEWAK
August 1943-September 1944
MANILA Army Air Depot MANILA September 1944-January 1945
Army Affairs Ministry TOKYO January 1945-August 1945

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KATO, Kenkichi, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 83

KATO served 29 years in the regular Navy. He served as the Executive Officer of the Chokai (CA) at the Battle of MIDWAY, and SAVO Island and as Executive Officer of the Musashi (BB) when it was sunk in LEYTE Gulf. Following these actions he was assigned duty ashore during the remainder of the war. He presented a detailed description of the above actions from memory. This information has been verified in other interrogations.

Executive Officer, Chokai (CA)   1941-1942
Executive Officer, Musashi (BB)   1942-1944
Staff, KURE Guard Unit Executive Officer Naval Barracks KURE 1944-1945


KATSUMATA, Seizo, Rear Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 31

KATSUMATA served 2ars in the regular Navy. His wartime duties were chiefly with Air Groups. He appeared to answer questions to the best of his ability but his knowledge of the subjects upon which he was interrogated was limited.

Head Instructor, Naval Mechanical and Engineering School   December 1941-September 1942
Hospitalized   September 1942-March 1943
Commanding Officer, SAGAMINO Air Group   April 1943-March 1944
Commanding Officer, 18th Combined Air Group   April 1944-February 1945
Commanding Officer, 22nd Combined Air Group   March 1945-July 1945
Commanding Officer, 101st Air Flotilla   July 1945-10 October 1945


KAWABE, Torashiro, Lieutenant General, I.J.A. Nav. No. 98

KAWABE was of that group, probably predominating in senior Army positions, who felt the war should have been carried on "to the very end" in the hope that heavy casualties to U.S. landing forces would result in peace terms better than unconditional surrender.

While he spoke freely and was obviously intelligent and able, KAWABE displayed a limited understanding of sea power and appreciation of the problems of war other than on the continent and in MANCHURIA. This narrow view was likewise probably shared by the bulk of JAPAN's Army officers. KAWABE understood English fairly well, but conversed in his native tongue.

Chief, General Affairs Section, Army Bureau Aeronautics   December 1941-April 1943
Commander, Air Army MANCHURIA May 1943-August 1944
Deputy Chief, Army Bureau Aeronautics   August 1944-April 1945
Deputy Chief, Army General Staff   April 1945-End of War

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KAWAGUCHI, Susumu, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 2

KAWAGUCHI served 24s in the regular Navy. He was an aircraft pilot and specialist in aircraft gunnery. During this interview KAWAGUCHI answered all question within his knowledge in a precise manner. Unfortunately his action experience was limited to the Battle of MIDWAY. The accuracy of his information has been substantiated by later interrogations.

Air Officer, (CV)   March 1942-June 1942
Executive Officer, Naval Air Station KANOYA June 1942-September 1942
Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station KANOYA October 1942-November 1944
Additional Duty in Ordnance Test Flight Department, Naval Technical Air Arsenal   1942-1944
Ordnance Officer, Staff, Air High Command Headquarters, Navy Department   November 1944-1945


KIJIMA, Kikunori, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 106

KIJIMA served 24 years in the regular Navy. During 1941 and 1942 he served as Chief of Staff of the Sixth Cruiser Squadron, on the Aoba (CA), Flagship. During this period he was present at the occupation of WAKE Island, GUAM, RABAUL, Battle of the CoRAL SEA and the Battle of Cape ESPERANCE. KIJIMA was extremely tense and reticent during the interrogation, although the information obtained has subsequently been found to be correct. In checking upon his attitude and veracity of statements it was reported by other Japanese Naval Officers that he had a good service reputation. However he considered the defeat of the Sixth Cruiser Squadron and the death of Admiral GOTO at the Battle of Cape ESPERANCE to be his responsibility. In view of this mishap and its contribution to the defeat of Japan, he was contemplating atonement through Hara Kiri.

Chief of Staff, Sixth Cruiser Squadron   1941-1942
Chief of Staff, Third Cruiser Squadron   1942-1943
Construction Department TOKYO 1943-1945


KOMOTO, H., Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 71

KOMOTO served 20 years in the regular Navy. He was an active pilot with 1,500 hours in the air. As Flight Leader of the 753rd Air Group and later as Operations Officer on the Staff of the 23rd Air Flotilla he participated in most of the Naval land-based air operations in the CELEBES and Western NEW GUINEA Areas from February 1943 until July 1944. He was well acquainted with the above theatre and furnished accurate and detailed information upon request.

Personnel Bureau TOKYO October 1940-January 1943
Flight Leader, 753rd Air Group CELEBES February 1943-June 1943
Staff, 23rd Air Flotilla CELEBES June 1943-July 1944
Flight Leader KASUNUGAURA July 1944-June 1945
Military Affairs Bureau TOKYO June 1945-August 1945

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KOMURA, Keizo, Rear Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 106

KOMURA served 32 years in the regular Navy. While Commanding Officer of the Chikuma (CA) he provided cruiser escort for the aircraft carriers at the Battle of MIDWAY, the battleships at the Battle of the Eastern SOLOMONS and at SANTA CRUZ. In the latter action he was wounded when his ship was damaged by dive-bombers. This officer was of unusual Japanese stature, being about six feet tall and weighing approximately 220 pounds. He had a rather domineering attitude towards other Japanese in his presence and arrogance towards the interrogator, although this attitude was not continued throughout the interrogation. His aide constantly checked his statements by official documents. The information obtained agreed with other testimony.

Command Officer, Chikuma (CA)   1941-1942
Commanding Officer, Fuzo (BB)   1942-1943
Commanding Officer, Musashi (BB)   1943
Chief of Staff, Third Fleet (First Task Force Fleet)   1943-1944
Commanding Officer, 1st Air Flotilla   1944
Commanding Officer, 2nd Torpedo Flotilla   1944-1945
Chief of Staff, YOKOSUKA Naval Base   1945


KOYAMA, Tadashi, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 85

KOYAMA served 25 years in the regular Navy. As Chief of Staff of the 6th Destroyer Squadron he participated in the planning and operations incident to the Japanese Capture of Wake Island. During the closing months of the war he was Commanding Officer of the 16th Special Attack Force which was a one-man torpedo unit. KOYAMA was very cooperative and his answers to questions were both accurate and complete.

Chief of Staff, 6th Destroyer Squadron MARSHALL ISLAND June 1941-December 1942
Naval Technical Headquarters TOKYO January 1942-April 1945
Commanding Officer, 16th Special Attack Force ARASHI April 1945-August 1945


KOYANAGI, Tomiji, Rear Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 35

KOYONAGI served 30 years in the regular Navy. During the first twelve months of the war he was Commanding Officer of the battleship Kongo, flagship of Battleship Division 3 which was then under the command of Vice Admiral Takeo KURITA. Promoted Rear Admiral in November 1942, KOYONAGI commanded a destroyer squadron until July 1943 when he became Chief of Staff to Admiral KURITA, then CinC Second Fleet. Severely wounded by fragments from a near miss on 26 October, he returned to duty only with the end of the war. KOYONAGI answered questions frankly and directly and was considered a reliable witness.

Commanding Officer, Kongo (BB)   August 1941-December 1942
2nd Torpedo Squadron   December 1942-January 1943
10th Squadron   January 1943-June 1943
Chief of Staff, Second Fleet   July 1943-November 1944
Hospital and Rest   November 1944-August 1945
Principal of Navy Torpedo College YOKOSUKA August 1945-September 1945
YOKOSUKA Naval District YOKOSUKA September 1945

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KURITA, Takeo, Vice Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 90

KURITA served 38 years in the regular Navy. As Rear Admiral he was in command of Cruiser Division 7 from September 1940 to July 1942. Promoted Vice Admiral, he then commanded Battleship Division 3 until July 1943 when he became CinC Second Fleet, in which capacity he took part in the battles of June and October 1944. When interrogated, KURITA appeared somewhat on the defensive, giving only the briefest of replies prior to the discussion of the actual engagement of the 25th. In some instances his memory for details such as times, cruising dispositions, etc. appeared to be inaccurate.

Commanding Officer, 7th Cruiser Division   September 1940-July 1942
Commanding Officer, 3rd Battleship Division   July 1942-July 1943
CinC Second Fleet   July 1943-December 1944
President Naval Academy   December 1944-End of War


KUWAHARA, Tadao, Commander, I.J.N.R. Nav. No. 51, 53

KUWAHARA in peace time served as Captain of a large N.Y.K. passenger ship on the transPacific run to SAN FRANCISCO. He served in the Navy for 37 months of World War II as navigator of two vessels and as Commanding Officer of an escort vessel engaged in protection of convoys. This officer appeared to have a good memory and referred to a personal note book for many of the details given during interrogation.

Chief Navigator, Chuyo (CVE) Central PACIFIC August 1942-February 1943
Chief Navigator, Asaka Maru ALEUTIANS February 1943-December 1943
Commanding Officer, Sub-chaser #33 JAPAN to MARIANA April 1944-July 1944
Chief Technician and later Commanding Officer, Ukuru (escort) CHINA SEAS July 1944-February 1945
Office of Military Affairs Merchant Crew recruiting TOKYO February 1945-August 1945


MATSUDA, Chiaki, Rear Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 69

MATSUDA served 32 years in the regular Navy. Although his experience had been predominantly battleship, he was assigned in May 1944 to command of Carrier Division 4, composed of Junyo, Ryujo, and the converted battleships Ise and Hyuga, which command he held until the division was disbanded in March 1945. MATSUDA was an exceedingly agreeable and cooperative witness and his testimony was considered generally accurate, although there was perhaps some effort at self justification in the account of the movements of Ise and Hyuga on the night of 24-25 October.

Commanding Officer, Settsu (target ship)   February 1940-February 1942
Commanding Officer, Hyuga (BB)   February 1942-December 1942
Commanding Officer, Yamato (BB)   December 1942-September 1943
Attached to Naval General Staff   September 1943-April 1944
Commanding Officer, 4th Aircraft Squadron   May 1944-February 1945
Commanding Officer, YOKOSUKA Naval Air Corps   February 1945-September 1945

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MATSURA, Goro, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 30

MATSURA was an officer of 17 years service in the regular Navy and a naval aviator with 1800 hours flying time. Almost his entire service in World War II was spent on Staffs of various Air Commands and in Naval Headquarters, TOKYO.

Staff, Third Fleet PHILIPPINES, NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES December 1941-December 1942
Student, Naval War College   December 1942-May 1943
Staff, 22nd Air Flotilla MARSHALLS, MARIANAS October 1943-February 1944
Staff, Central PACIFIC Area Fleet MARIANAS March 1944-May 1944
Staff, 1st Air Fleet MARIANAS-PHILIPPINES June 1944-August 1944
Staff, Navy General Headquarters TOKYO September 1944-March 1945
Staff, Combined Fleet TOKYO April 1945-August 1945


MATSUYAMA, Mitsaharu, Rear Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 57, 61

MATSUYAMA was an officer of 37 years service in the regular Navy. His activities during World War II were largley concerned with escort and portection of sh8ipping. He commanded escort groups in the BISMARKS in th3e later part of 1942 and in the South CHINA SEA in 1944. He witnessed the First Battle of SAVO Island as an observer.

Chief, Naval Barracks and Garrison Group KURE August 1941-June 1942
Commanding Officer, 18th Battle Corps Eastern NEW GUINEA June 1942-January 1943
Director, Gunnery School TATEYAMA January 1943-November 1943
Navy General Headquarters TOKYO November 1943-April 1944
Commanding Officer, 7th Escort Group South CHINA SEA April 1944-December 1944
Member, Grand Escort Fleet TOKYO December 1944-May 1945
Commanding Officer, 105th Battle Corps   May 1945-September 1945


MATSUZAKI, Akira, Rear Admiral I.J.N. Nav. No. 59, 105

MATSUZAKI was a regular officer with 30 years experience. As Chief of Staff of the Southern Expeditionary Fleet at SOERABAJA and later as Chief of Staff of OSAKA Naval Station he had an opportunity to become

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very familiar with the defensive phases of mine warfare. he was extremely cooperative and made every effort to furnish in accurate detail all information requested.

Officer in Charge, 1st Section General Affairs Section, Naval Technical Department TOKYO November 1942-APril 1943
Chief of Staff, Second Southern Expeditionary Fleet SOERABAJA April 1943-February 1945
Chief of Staff, OSAKA Naval Station OSAKA February 1945-August 1945


MINAMI, Rokuemon, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 62

MINAMI served 20 years in the regular Navy. He saw active duty as commander of a destroyer squadron and from 1944 to end of war was Senior Staff Officer of the First Escort Fleet with headquarters at TAKAO and later MOJI. At MOJI he was also charged with the defense of SHIMONESEKI Straits against minelaying B-29's. MINAMI was intelligent and cooperative and answered all questions quickly and accurately.

Navy Department, Military Affairs Bureau TOKYO December 1941-December 1943
Commander, 10th Destroyer Squadron TRUK January 1944-November 1944
Staff, First Escort Fleet TAKAO December 1944-February 1945
Staff, FIrst Escort Fleet and Seventh Fleet MOJI February 1945-August 1945


MIURA, Kintaro, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 21

MIURA was a regular officer of 15 years service and also a naval aviator of 2,500 hours flight time. He participated in the early float plane operations from KISKA as air officer of the seaplane carrier Kamikawa Maru. He returned to the North PACIFIC as Staff Air officer of the Fifth Fleet and the 12th Air Fleet. He witnessed the KOMANDORSKIS action as a Staff Officer aboard the Nachi. While NIURA had valuable knowledge of many of the ALEUTIAN Operations it was proved that he made positive statements about details upon which his memory was incorrect--examples were: an error of two hours in the time of the KOMANDORSKI engagement, the number of destroyers present which were 4 instead of 6, the number of ships engaged in the KISKA evacuation, and his statement that these ships had no radar. He spoke freely, but tended to minimize damage to both Japanese and U.S. Forces.

Air Officer, Kamikawa Maru (CVS)   December 1941-December 1942
Staff, Fifth Fleet North PACIFIC December 1942-August 1943
Staff, 12th Air Fleet North PACIFIC August 1943-March 1944
Senior Officer, USA Air Group   March 1944-August 1944
Staff, 25th Air Squadron OKINAWA August 1944-October 1944
Staff, 2nd Air Fleet PHILIPPINES October 1944-December 1944
Staff, 12th Air Fleet HOKKAIDO December 1944-June 1945
Senior Officer, YOKOSUKA Air Group MISAWA June 1945-October 1945

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MIWA, Shigeyoshi, Vice Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 72

MIWA, a submarine specialist, served 35 years in the Navy. After commanding a submarine squadron for the first five months of the war, he had duty ashore until July 1944 when he became CinC, Sixth Fleet in which post he had operational control of the Japanese submarine force. MIWA appeared cooperative, capable, and sincere, answering all questions without reluctance with the single exception of those which had political implications.

Commanding Officer, 3rd Submarine Squadron SAEKI November 1940-April 1942
Sick   May 1942-December 1942
Chief, 7th Section Technical Headquarters TOKYO December 1942-April 1943
Commanding Officer, Submarine Section, Navy Ministry TOKYO May 1943-July 1944
Commander in Chief, Sixth Fleet KURE July 1944-May 1945
Attached to General Staff (Bunreibu Officer) TOKYO May 1945-September 1945


MIYAMOTO, T., Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 32

MIYAMOTO served 18 years in the regular Navy. As a Staff Officer of the Second Fleet he performed gunnery duties, and was aboard the Yamato during the abortive attempt of this group to attack U.S. Forces at OKINAWA in early April. Upon return to JAPAN as a survivor he was assigned to the Training BUreau of the Navy Department and remained there until the end of the war. MIYAMOTO gave an excellent eye-witness account of the sinking of the Yamato and the actions involving this group.

Commanding Officer, Kinusaga (CA)   December 1941-June 9142
Staff, 2nd Air Fleet   June 1942-June 1943
Naval Staff College (Student)   July 1943-March 1944
Staff, Second Fleet   March 1944-April 1944
Assigned to Training Bureau of Navy Department   April 1944-End of War


MIYAZAKI, Takashi, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 97

MIYAZAKI served 21 years in the regular Navy. He was an observer with over 2,000 hours flight time. He was in RABAUL during the violent air action in 1942 and 1943 and is thoroughly familiar withy all phases of the Japanese naval land-based air effort. He answered all questions readily and accurately and appeared anxious to furnish all information possible.

Naval Air Station KASUMIGAURA December 1941-September 1942
Commanding Officer, 4th Air Squadron RABAUL September 1942-March 1943
Staff, 25th Air Flotilla RABAUL March 1943-November 1944
Technical Department YOKOSUKA March 1944-February 1945
Staff, 5th Air Fleet KANOYA February 1945-August 1945

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MIZUTANI, Katsuji, Commander, I.J.N.R. Nav. No. 111

MIZUTANIK, who had civilian experience as a former chief officer and master of N.Y.K. vessels, served throughout World War II as commanding officer of various escort vessels. His recollection of details of various air and submarine attacks was excellent and his answers to questions were carefully considered. He spoke fair English.

Commanding Officer, No. 3 Chaser East CHINA SEA April 1941-December 1943
Commanding Officer, No. 4 Coastal Escort MARIANAS, South HONSHU April 1944-February 1945
Commanding Officer, No. 112 Chaser Group OWASE April 1945-August 1945


MORI, Kokichi, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 58

MORI, who had 15 years service in the Navy, specialized in destroyers and in March 1944 was assigned to the Staff of Commander in Chief Fifth Fleet as Torpedo Officer. In this capacity he took part in the abortive effort of the Fifth Fleet in the Battle of SURIGAO Strait. MORI appeared competent, intelligent, and helpful, with an excellent memory for detail.

Captain, Mutsuki (DD)   December 1941-August 1942
Staff, 16th Squadron   August 1942-February 1943
Captain, Sawakaze (DD)   March 1943-May 1943
Student, Naval Staff College   May 1943-February 1944
Staff, Fifth Fleet   February 1944-February 1945
Navy Headquarters   February 1945-September 1945


MUKAI, Nifumi, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 22

MUKAI was a regular officer of 20 years service. He commanded No. 3 Special Naval Landing Force which first occupied KISKA Island, and remained as Senior Officer of the Naval Defense Force when the garrison expanded. He was present at the final evacuation of the island, hence his experience spans the entire period during which the Japanese were at KISKA. He spoke frankly and with interest. His recollection of details was reasonably accurate.

Commanding Officer, S.N.L.F. KISKA May 1942-30 June 1942
Senior Officer, Defense Force KISKA July 1942-July 1943
Senior Officer, Defense Force KURILES August 1943-April 1944
Commanding Officer, AINOURA Naval Barracks SASEBO April 1944-October 1945


NABESHIMA, Shunsaku, Rear Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 96

NABESHIMA's most important assignments during World War II were command of the heavy cruiser Maya during the first year and Chief of Staff, Fourth Fleet between December 1942 and December 1943. In the latter

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position he was engaged in strengthening JAPAN's Central PACIFIC defenses against U.S. invasion of the GILBERTS and MARSHALLS.

Although familiar with the general plan and major steps taken for defense of those islands he was unable to recollect a number of important details.

Commanding Officer, Maya (CA)   September 1941-December 1942
Chief of Staff, Fourth Fleet TRUK December 1942-December 1943
Officer in Charge, Anti-Sub Warfare School YOKOSUKA January 1944-May 1944
Commanding Officer, SHIKOKU Area Naval District TAKAMATSU June 1944-October 1945


NAGANO, Osami, Fleet Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 80

As his duties would indicate, NAGANO was probably the most authoritative senior naval officer surviving the war. In common with most naval men of his background and experience, he expressed initial opposition to the war and to the Three Power Pact, and decried the (Army) practice of service personnel participating in politics.

NAGANO was thoroughly cooperative, was keenly alert and intelligent, and seemed anxious to develop American friendship. He understood English readily, but normally preferred discussion through an interpreter.

Chief Delegate, London Travel Conference   1935
Navy Minister, HIROTA Cabinet   May 1936-June 1937
Commander in Chief, First & Combined Fleets   December 1937
Chief, Naval General Staff   April 1941-February 1944
Supreme Naval Advisor to Emperor   February 1944-End of War


NAKAJIMA, Chikataka, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 34 and 100

NAKAJIMA had 19 years of service in the regular Navy. Most of his service in World War II was in communication, intelligence and planning duties. On the Staff, Second and Combined Fleets his specific duties were assembling intelligence, preparing estimates of the enemy's capabilities and intentions and presenting this material to the staff as a basis for discussion. During interrogation he gave the impression of being an alert observer and conversant with the factors and discussions which influenced major decisions in Japanese naval planning.

Staff, Second Fleet, Atago (F)   December 1941-July 1942
Staff, Third, Fleet, Zuikaku & Shokaku (F)   July 1942-October 1943
Staff, Combined Fleet, Masashi (F)   November 1943-August 1945


NISHIKAWA, Lieutenant Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 66

NISHIKAWA served about 8 years in the regular Navy. At the Battle of MIDWAY he was Gunnery Officer of the Mogami (CA) which was damaged by dive-bombers. Information obtained from this officer was later verified by the Commanding Officer of the Mogami.

Gunnery Officer, Mogami (CA)   1941-1943
Gunnery Officer, Iwate (OCA)   1943-1945


NISHINO, Shigeru, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 79

NISHINO had 18 years of naval service. During the greater part of the war he commanded destroyers. As he was the only surviving commanding officer of the force under Vice Admiral NISHIMURA which attempted to force the southern entrance to LEYTE Gulf on the morning of 25 October 1944, his testimony was of particular

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if fortituous value. NISHINO appeared greatly flattered by being summoned for interrogation, and answered all question to the best of his ability. His testimony was considered generally reliable.

Commanding Officer, Tsuga (DD)   December 1941-July 1942
Executive Officer, TAKAO Guard Unit   July 1942-November 1943
Commanding Officer, Shigure (DD)   December 1943-November 1944
Commanding Officer, Natsuzuki (DD)   February 1945 to Present


NOMURA, Kichisaburo, Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 90

NOMURA was an extremely capable individual, versed in history and foreign affairs, and apparently completely frank in discussing the past and current troubles in Japan. He had long been accepted as pro-American, and it was perhaps for this reason that he was sent as Ambassador to the UNITED STATES in 1941, at the instigation of senior naval officers who hoped for success of his mission in avoiding war.

NOMURA had a very good understanding of English and preferred to discuss matters in that language, but his pronunciation sometimes left a good deal to be desired.

Naval Attache, UNITED STATES   1916-1918
Attended WASHINGTON Naval Conference   1921
Varied duties on Naval General Staff   1921
Councilor, Supreme War Council   1933-1937
Foreign Minister, ABE Cabinet   1939
Ambassador, United States
Repatriated
  March 1941-July 1942
Ambassador-at-large   July 1942-December 1942
Appointed to Privy Council   May 1945


NOMURA, Ryosuke, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 116

NOMURA served seventeen years in the regular Navy. He is a pilot with 3,200 hours flight time. During the entire war he was attached to operating air units ranging from KENDARI to RABAUL to KYUSHU. He was thoroughly familiar with all air phases of the war including the Kamikaze attacks on OKINAWA for which he did the daily planning. He also planned the suicide attack on ULITHI and attacks against the Bunker Hill and other carriers. He was an alert and intelligent officer and showed a keen professional interest in all technical and operational matters pertaining to aviation.

23rd Air Flotilla TAKAO, JOLO, TARAKAN, BALIKPAPAN, KENDARI June 1941-November 1942
11th Air Fleet RABAUL November 1942-June 1943
Naval Academy TOKYO June 1943-March 1944
Air Technical Dept. TOKYO March 1944-August 1944
51st Air Group KYUSHU August 1944-November 1944
25th Air Group KYUSHU November 1944-February 1945
5th Air Fleet KYUSHU February 1945-June 1945
72nd Air Group KYUSHU June 1945-August 1945

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OHARA, Hisashi, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 39

OHARA served twenty-three years in the regular Navy. He was Executive Officer on the Soryu (CV) and was wounded when it was sunk at the Battle of MIDWAY, 4 June 1942. During interrogation he was a stolid individual but answered all questions in a direct manner. Information obtained has been verified through other interrogations or documents. Upon being released from the hospital following the MIDWAY action he was assigned to shore duty only.

Hydraulic Bureau, Navy Department   1941
Executive Officer, Soryu (CV)   1942
Hospital   1942
Hydraulic Bureau, Navy Department   1942-1943
Southern Sea Route Department SOERABAJA 1943-1945
Navigation Instructor, Naval College YOKOSUKA 1945


OHMAE, Toshikazu, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 36, 38, 42, 43, 95, 109

OHMAE was a most prolific source of information on all phases of the war, both operational and planning information. His wide background of experience together with his intelligence and insight into naval operations and planning, made him the most reliable and accurate source of information developed in JAPAN. He was quite eager in making available all source of information and most frank in his comments and opinions.

OHMAE was the guiding spirit behind the Naval Research Department of the Navy Ministry, which department furnished the bulk of the information obtained by the Naval Analysis Division.

Military Affairs Bureau, Navy Department   1939-June 1942
Senior Staff Officer, Southwest Fleet at RABAUL   June 1942-December 1943
Senior Staff Officer, Third Fleet, later Chief of Staff   December 1943-November 1944
Member, Naval General Staff (Operational planning)   January 1945-End of war.


OI, Atsushi, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 11 and 102

OI's 25 years of Naval service included training at the Naval War College and numerous assignments to staff duty. He acquired thorough familiarity with the Japanese organization for control and protection of shipping during World War II through his work on the Staff of Combined Escort Forces from its organization in November 1943 until the war's end.

Bureau of Personnel, Navy Department TOKYO March 1941-March 1943
Staff, 21st Minor Base Force SOERABAJA 23 March 1943-25 June 1943
Naval General Staff TOKYO 2 July 1943-14 November 1943
Staff, Combined Escort Forces TOKYO 15 November 1943-21 September 1945
Bureau of Military Affairs, Navy Department TOKYO 22 September 1945


OKAMOTO, T. Lieutenant Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 48, 63

OKAMOTRO was a naval aviator of 12 years service and 2600 hours flying experience. He performed aviation duties afloat and ashore during World War II, served in CHINA and the MARIANAS and during the latter part of the war was staff officer of the First Escort Fleet and at the General Headquarters for Naval Escort in

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TOKYO. He is familiar with procedures used in air protection of convoys and the employment of the Japanese Magnetic Air-borne Detector.

Senior Aviator Nagato and Hiei December 1941-August 1942
Naval Air Corps SHANGHAI September 1942-March 1943
Staff, 1st Squadron MALAY, SAIPAN April 1943-July 1943
Staff, 1st Task Force, Zuikaku (F)   August 1943-October 1943
Staff, FIrst Escort Fleet MALAY, JAPAN November 1943-June 1944
Headquarters, Naval Escort Forces TOKYO July 1944-August 1945


OKUMIYA, Masatake, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 8, 16, 20, 27, 93

OKUMIYA was experienced, intelligent and logical. His professional interest and enthusiasm were combined with accuracy, frankness and a knowledge of detail which made him an excellent source of information. He was for 14 years a commissioned officer in the regular Navy, served for the last 12 years as a naval aviator logging 2,000 hours of flight time. After 2 years service on a light cruiser and destroyer, he learned to fly. Thereafter he served in carrier air groups, on board carriers, and on carrier air staffs.

Division Officer, YOKOSUKA Air Group   1939-1941
Aviation Instructor, KASUMIGAURA Air Station   1941-1942
Air Staff Officer, 4th and 2nd Air Flotilla   1942-1944
Air Staff Officer, Naval General Staff   July 1944-October 1945
Air Staff Officer, Ryujo ALEUTIANS June 1942
Air Operation Officer Staff, 2nd Flying Squadron RABAUL August 1942-February 1944
Air Intelligence Office, Japanese Naval Historical Research Department TOKYO August 1945


OKUNO, Y., Lieutenant (jg) I.J.N. Nav. No. 56

OKUNO left his studies at the Imperial University, TOKYO, in the middle of his third college year and commenced naval flight training in December 1943. He received about 75 hours flight time in training and was then sent to the First Escort Fleet Air Squadron. His total combat flight experience of about 200 hours was gained in missions connected with the protection of shipping in the South CHINA SEA. In April 1945, the remnants of his squadron were incorporated in the Special Attack Corps.

Flight Training   December 1943-October 1944
Naval Aviator, 1st Escort Fleet Air Squadron FORMOSA October 1944-December 1944
Fleet Air Squadron HONG KONG December 1944-February 1945
Fleet Air Squadron AMOY & SHANGHAI February 1945-April 1945
Special Attack Corps KYUSHU April 1945-August 1945

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OMORI, Sentaro, Vice Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 78

OMARI was a regular officer of 30 years service. As Commander, 1st Destroyer Squadron he engaged in the planning for and the occupation of the Western ALEUTIANS. With regard to the ALEUTIAN Operations he evinced an accurate general knowledge of the campaign, but his memory of times and dates was not as accurate as those of his Chief of Staff, Captain ARICHIKA. He was Commander, 5th Cruiser Division and Officer in Tactical Command during the night cruiser action at EMPRESS AUGUSTA Bay, 1-2 November 1943. He drew from memory a track chart of this action which was accurate in detail.

Commander, 1st Destroyer Squadron PEARL HARBOR, ALEUTIANS October 1940-October 1942
Commander, 5th Cruiser Division Myoko (F)   October 1942-November 1943
Head of Torpedo School YOKOSUKA November 1943-August 1945


OTANI, Tonosuke, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 51

OTANI, one of the youngest generation of Japanese naval officers, has had 17 years service. During the war he specialized in communications until August 1943 when he became Operations Officer on the Staff, Second Fleet. A cooperative witness, OTANI was believed on the whole to offer reliable testimony. He was obviously somewhat impatient of the traditionalist views of his seniors and certain that his uncorroborated statements should be taken with reserve.

5th Air Group   September 1941-September 1942
Navy Staff College   October 1942-May 1943
12th Air Fleet   May 1943-July 1943
Staff, Second Fleet   August 1943-December 1944
Navy Department   December 1944-end of war


OZAWA, Tokusaburo, Vice Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 3, 55

OZAWA was one of the most experienced officers of the Japanese Navy, having held major commands afloat since well before the outbreak of war. In November 1942 he became CinC Third Fleet, and from March to September 1944, as CinC First Mobile Fleet, he had command over the Second Fleet as well. He was thus in overall command at the Battle of the PHILIPPINE SEA, and commanded the Japanese Northern Force in the Battle for LEYTE Gulf. OZAWA was an officer of impressive personality, dignified presence, and thoughtful habit of mind. While his memory for fine detail was not always precise his opinions were considered of the highest value.

Professor, Naval Academy   1935
Commanding Officer, Maya (CL)   1935
Commanding Officer, Haruna (BB)   1936-1937
Chief of Staff, Combined Fleet   1937-1938
Commanding Officer, Cruiser Squadron
Principal of Torpedo School
  1938-1940
Commanding Officer, First Air Squadron
Commanding Officer, Battle Squadron
  1940-1941
Commanding Officer, Dispatched Fleet to South
Staff, Navy General Headquarters
  1941-July 1942
CinC Third Fleet
CinC Task Force with Third Fleet
  November 1942-March 1944
Vice Chief, Navy General Headquarters
CinC, Combined Fleet
  November 1944-May 1945

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SASAKI, Akira, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 91

SASAKI was a former Assistant Naval Attache (air at WASHINGTON about 1930. He offered no particular interest beyond details of duty stations, as given.

Staff, Combined Fleet   November 1941-November 1942
Naval Staff College   November 1942-March 1944
Staff, 12th Air Force   March 1943-October 1943
YOKOSUKA AIr Group   March 1944-July 1944
Staff, 3rd Air Fleet   July 1944-End of War


SEKINO, H., Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 8

SEKINO was an officer of 20 years experience in the regular Navy. He had specialized in communications and had had extensive Staff duty. He was Communication Officer on the Staff, 6th Cruiser Squadron on board the Aoba (CA), escorting the Shoho (CV) when it was sunk in the Battle of the CoRAL SEA, 7 May 1942. Although not very familiar with air operations, this officer willingly answered all questions without reserve. The accuracy of his statements from memory have subsequently been found quite correct when compared with official documents.

Communication Officer Staff, 6th Cruiser Squadron   October 1940-June 1942
Communication Officer Staff, 11th Battleship Squadron   June-December 1942
Communication Officer Staff, 25th Base Force  
Naval Staff College   July 1943-September 1943
Communication Officer Staff, 2nd Air Fleet   1944-1945
Communication Officer TAISHA Air Base   1945
Communication Officer Staff, Combined Fleet   10 August 1045-28 December 1945


SHIBATA, Bunzo, Captain Nav. No. 88

SHIBATA was an experienced naval aviator who had a considerable amount of command duty in operational units throughout the war. He was well informed and very interested in all phases of land-based aviation. He was cooperative to a high degree and answered all questions in a direct and intelligent manner.

Senior Staff Officer, 21st Air Flotilla FORMOSA December 1941-March 1942
Staff, 26th Air Flotilla KISARAZU March 1942-August 1942
Staff, 26th Air Flotilla RABAUL August 1942-November 1942
YOKOSUKA Air Group YOKOSUKA January 1943-March 1943
Commanding Officer, TOYOHASHI Air Group TOYOHASHI March 1943-February 1944
Commanding Officer, 762nd Air Group KANOYA February 1944-July 1944

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Staff, 2nd Air Fleet KYUSHU July 1944-December 1944
Commanding Officer, OMURA Air Group OMURA January 1945-May 1945
Commanding Officer, NAGOYA Air Group NAGOYA May 1945-July 1945
Commanding Officer, MEIJI Air Group MEIJI July 1945-end of war


SHIBATA, Otokichi, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 66, 107

SHIBATA served 20 years in the regular Navy as a line officer. At the Battle of MIDWAY he was Navigator of the Suzuya (CA), operating in the 7th Cruiser Division. Following this assignment he served on several Escort Fleet Staffs, and was cognizant of convoy problems and losses. Although his ship had not been attacked, he displayed a professional knowledge of other ships of his division which had been damaged. His statements have been verified through other interrogations and official records.

Navigator, Suzuya (CA)   1941-1942
Staff, Southwest Area Fleet, Ashigara (F)   1942-1943
Navy Department TOKYO 1943-1944
Staff, First Escort Fleet TAKAO, MOJI 1944-1945
Staff, Shipping Department UJIMA 1945


SHIKI, Tsuneo, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 82

SHIKI was a regular officer of 20 years service. He was assigned to duty in the Bureau of naval Personnel during the war except for the period from November 1942 to August 1944 when he was Senior Staff Officer of the Second Fleet. He was present at RABAUL when units of the Second and Third Fleets received damage from the carrier aircraft raid on 5 November 1943.

Bureau of Personnel TOKYO 7 December 1941-November 1942
Senior Staff Officer, Second Fleet Central PACIFIC November 1942-14 August 1944
Bureau of Personnel TOKYO 14 August 1944-15 August 1945


SHIMADA, Koichi, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 67

SHIMADA was a regular officer of 18 years service. He was not a naval aviator but had served as a naval aviation observer. As Air Officer on the Staff, Northeast Area Fleet from March 1944 to November 1944 he was well informed on the air bases and employment of units of the 12th Air Fleet in the North PACIFIC during that period. SHIMADA was cooperative and thorough in giving information. He spoke from memory, but took some time and pains to produce a table of employment of air units given in the record of interrogation.

Staff, 11th Air Fleet FORMOSA December 1941-November 1942
Student, Staff College TOKYO November 1942-May 1943
Staff, Combined Fleet, Musashi (F)   May 1943-March 1944
Air Officer, Staff, Northeast Area Fleet Chitose
SHIMUSHU
March 1944-November 1944
Air Officer Staff, Southwest Area Fleet PHILIPPINES November 1944-February 1945
Air Officer Staff, South Area Army SAIGON February 1945-May 1945
General Affairs Section, Naval Air Headquarters TOKYO May 1945-October 1945

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SHIMADA, Masuda, Major, I.J.A. Nav. No. 103

SHIMADA was a graduate of the Japanese Military Academy and Army War College. He served as Staff Officer throughout the war and was a member of the Military Affairs Section of the Army Headquarters in TOKYO. He presented a concise report concerning the deployment of Japanese Army troops in the KURILES. SHIMAFA was intelligent, cooperative and painstaking in detail.


SHIMANOUCHI, Momochio, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 104

SHIMANOUCHI served 17 years in the regular Navy. From March 1944 he was a member of the Staff, 16th Cruiser Division, composed of the Aoba (F), Oi, Kinu and Ashigara. He particpated in operations in the PHILIPPINE Area as well as the "KON" Operation which was an unsuccessful attempt to reinforce BIAK. He furnished a complete and detailed description of the above operation including the track chart.

Navy Department, Personnel Section TOKYO December 1941-March 1943
Staff, 16th CruDiv PHILIPPINE March 1943-October 1944
Naval Academy ETA JIMA October 1944-October 1945


SHIRAICHI, Kayutaka, Vice Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 7

SHIRAICHI served 42 years in the regular Navy. As Chief of Staff of Admiral KONDO, Commander of the Second Fleet, he participated in the initial invasions of the PHILIPPINES, NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES and MALAYA as well as the Battle of MIDWAY, and various operations in the SOLOMONS Area. Later a commander of the Seventh Cruiser Squadron he participated in the defense of the PHILIPPINES in 1944. Although undoubtedly a man of wide experience and general knowledge, SHIRAICHI appeared to be a broken and sad old man. He continually gazed into space and seemed unable to concentrate. He was not considered a good subject for interrogation.

Chief of Staff, Second Fleet PHILIPPINES, MIDWAY, SOLOMONS December 1941-March 1943
Naval Staff Academy TOKYO March 1943-September 1943
Commanding Officer, 7th Cruiser Squadron PHILIPPINES September 1943-October 1944
Chief of Merchant Crews TOKYO


SOGAWA, Kiyoshi, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 102

SOGAWA had 17 years experience as a regular Naval officer. He served in destroyers prior to the war including one tour as commanding officer in 1940. The first year of the war was spent as a staff officer of the YOKOSUKA Naval Station from which he was transferred to the Naval General Staff in November 1942. His duties during the entire war were concerned with escort and protection of shipping.

Commanding Officer, Harukaze (DD)   April 1940-November 1940
Staff Officer YOKOSUKA July 1941-November 1942
Naval General Staff TOKYO November 1942-October 1945


SOJI, Akira, Rear Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. , 101

SOJI sered 30 years in the regular Navy. As Commanding Officer of the Mogami he participated in the invasion of JAVA, (including the sinking of the USS Houston and HMAS Perth), the Battle of MIDWAY, where the Mogami suffered damage from a collision as well as from dive bombers, and SOLOMONS

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Operations. Later as Commanding Officer of the Nachi he operated in the North PACIFIC. He was commissioned a Rear Admiral on 1 May 1944 and assigned duty as Commander of the First Transportation Corps with the responsibility of transporting supplies from FORMOSA to the PHILIPPINES. He returned to TOKYO in April 1945. SOJJI appeared vigorous and athletic for a man of his age and although at times he was unable to remember exact details of engagements he attempted to furnish accurate and complete information upon request.

Commanding Officer, Mogami JAVA, MIDWAY, SOLOMONS December 1941-December 1942
Commanding Officer, Nachi North PACIFIC November 1942-September 1943
Chief of Staff, Naval Station MAIZURU September 1944-April 1945
Commanding Officer, 1st Transportation Corps FORMOSA September 1944-April 1945
Chief of Meteorological Department TOKYO April 1945-August 1945


SONOKAWA, Kameo, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 77

SONOKAWA served 22 years in the regular Navy. He was an experienced combat pilot with over 2,000 hours flying time. He was in command of the GENZAN Air Group when it participated in the attacks resulting in the sinking of the Repulse and Prince of Wales. This same unit had previously conducted operations in the CHINA Theatre and was highly trained in night and day bombing and torpedo work. SONOKAWA appeared to be exceptionally intelligent and well aware of the situation in general. He was eager to ask as well as answer questions of a professional nature and furnished accurate and interesting information.

Commanding Officer, GENZAN Air Group KOREA, SAIGON September 1941-April 1942
Commanding Officer, TAKAO Air Group TAKAO April 1942-February 1943
Staff, Naval Air Headquarters TOKYO February 1943-August 1944
Staff, 23rd Air Flotilla KENDARI August 1944-February 1945
YOKOSUKA Naval Station YOKOSUKA February 1945-April 1945
Commanding Officer, 210th Air Group NAGOYA April 1945-August 1945
Staff, 32nd Air Flotilla OITA August 1945-September 1945


SUGITA, Binzo, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 5

SUGITA served 23 years in the regular Navy. During the beginning of the war he was assigned battleship and cruiser duty x well as staff duty with the Combined Escort Fleet. He was familiar with mine warfare problems and furnished frank and accurate answers to questions.

NAGATO, First Fleet   December 1941-November 1942
Chokai Rabaul November 1942-November 1943
Combined Escort Fleet TOKYO November 1943-August 1945


SUGITA, Ichiji, Colonel, I.J.A. Nav. No. 113

SUGITA was on the Staff, 8th Area Army at RABAUL, and embarked in an escort vessel of the convoy engaged in the so-called Battle of BISMARK SEA, 3 March 1943.

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TADENUMO, Saburo, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 54

TADENUMO served 16 years in the regular Navy. His entire career was devoted to research and development of mines and mine countermeasures. Prior to May 1945 he was an instructor at YOKOSUKA Mine Warfare School and subsequently he was actively engaged in Mine sweeping of the INLAND SEA. TADENUMO was very cooperative and in addition to specific information he also furnished an interesting paper containing his opinion of the American mining effort.

YOKOSUKA Mine Depot YOKOSUKA 1937-May 1945
Staff, KURE Mine Squadron (SOHAI SENTAI) INLAND SEA May 1945-August 1945


TAKAHASHI, Chihaya, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 15

TAKAHASHI served 27 years in the regular Navy. He was a naval officer of wide experience as a pilot with 2,000 hours flying time. As Chief of Staff, 11th Air Fleet he was charged with operations in the PHILIPPINE, CELEBES and MALAYA Areas at the outbreak of war in 1941. He also served as Senior Staff Officer, 3rd and 4th Air Fleets in 1945 when the threat of invasion of the Japanese homeland became imminent. Although TAKAHASHI answered direct questions in what later proved to be an accurate manner he did not "warm up" and did not prove to be a good subject for interrogation.

Staff Officer, 11th Air Fleet FORMOSA, PHILIPPINES, NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES, INDIA May 1941-December 1942
Senior Member, Naval Aeronautic Bureau TOKYO January 1943-June 1945
Senior Staff Officer, 5th Air Fleet KYUSHU June 1945-August 1945
Senior Staff Officer, 3rd Air Fleet KWANTO August 1945


TAKATA, Toshitane, Rear Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 64

Staff Officer, Third Fleet   November 1942-May 1943
Headquarters, Combined Fleet   May 1943-December 1943
Naval General Staff   December 1943-September 1944
Assistant Chief of Staff, Naval General Staff   September 1944-May 1945
Vice Chief, Naval Affairs Bureau, Navy Ministry   May 1945-End of War


TAMURA, Kyuze, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 5, 26, 65

TAMURA served 25 years in the regular Navy. After graduating from the Naval Academy at ETYA JIMA he continued his studies at the Imperial University, TOKYO where he majored in physics. Almost all of his naval career has been devoted to research and technical development and in this field he excelled. During the war he was Chief of the Mine Section of the Naval Technical Department, a post which he was still holding pending successful sweeping of Japanese ports. In addition to the above duty, TAMURA was assistant Naval Attache in ROME (1940-1941) and visited GERMANY and the UNITED STATES. He was well educated, frank and cooperative and was a fertile source of information regarding all phases of mine warfare.

Chief of Mine Section, Naval Technical Department TOKYO 1941-1945

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TANAKA, Roji, Lieutenant Colonel, I.J.A. Nav. No. 114/a>

TANAKA was interrogated only as to air strength figures at RABAUL, on which subject he apparently was well informed.

Military Affairs Section, War Ministry   April 1941-September 1942
Staff, Eighth Area Army RABAUL September 1942-September 1943
Army General Staff   September 1943-End of War


TERAI, Yoshimori, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 89, 117

TERAI served 17 years in the regular Navy. At the beginning of the war he was an Air Attache at the Japanese Embassy, WASHINGTON. Repatriated on Gripsholm, TERIA was assigned duties at the Navy Department and Naval General Staff from June 1942 until the end of the war. His duties concerned training and allocations of pilots to the Naval Air Force through Naval Air Headquarters. TERAI answered questions frankly and directly. He was considered a reliable witness.

Air Attache, Japanese Embassy WASHINGTON, D.C. December 1941-May 1942
Navy Department and Naval General Staff   June 1942-August 1945


TOGA, Hiroshi, Major, I.J.A. Nav. No. 28

TOGA served for 9 years in the regular Army. He was able to give but little information on the activities of the 10th Air Division, and his information was not considered too reliable.

57th Infantry Regiment MANCHURIA 1941
Student, Army Military Academy TOYAMA January 1942-November 1943
Instructor, Army Officer's School TOKOOKA December 1943-July 1944
Staff Officer, 10th Air Division   July 1944-End of War


TOKUNO, Hiroshi, Lieutenant Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 18, 33

TOKUNO was an officer of the regular Navy and had seven years of duty in which he specialized in anti-aircraft gunnery. He knew very little about fleet plans or policies but possessed a detailed knowledge of his duties as a gunnery officer in the fleet during the war. He was Anti-aircraft Battery Officer on the Kirishima (BB) with the carrier force at the Battle of MIDWAY and was wounded on that vessel when it was sunk in a night action at GUADALCANAL, 14 November 1942. A few months later he was again wounded while serving as Gunnery Officer on the Minegumo (DD) when it was sunk at KOLOMBANGARA. Following this action he served as Executive Officer of the Naval Unit at MILLE where he was subjected to frequent bombing attacks. During interrogations this officer appeared nervous but answered all questions readily and without hesitation. His statements concerning damages received have been confirmed by official documents.

Assistant Gunnery Officer, Anti-Aircraft Battery Officer, Kirishima (BB)   1941-1942
Gunnery Officer, Minegumo (DD)   1942-1943
Gunnery Officer, SASEBO Naval Station   1943
Executive Officer, MILLE Naval Garrison   1943-1945

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TOYAMA, Yasumi, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 60

TOYAMA served 21 years in the regular Navy. As Chief of Staff on the Jintsu (CL), Flagship of the Second Destroyer Squadron, he escorted the Transport Force at the Battle of MIDWAY. In August 1942, he was again in the Jintsu when damaged by dive-bombers while escorting transports in the Battle of the Eastern SOLOMONS. At TASSAFARONGA, 30 November 1942, he was Chief of Staff, Second Destroyer Squadron during the night destroyer action. He exhibited an accurate memory for details of these actions which he checked by means of several personal notebooks. The veracity of his statements has subsequently been proved correct through official documents. He readily volunteered pertinent information concerning these actions, while at the same time displayed unusual professional interest in the actions of the opposing American forces.

Chief of Staff, Second Torpedo Squadron   1941-1943
Naval Technical Department TOKYO 1943-1944
Staff, Imperial Headquarters TOKYO 1944-1945
Commanding Officer, KASUMIGAURA Airbase   1945


TOYODA, Soemu, Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 75

Highly intelligent and widely informed, TOYODA was one more of the group of senior naval officers who apparently made strong efforts to prevent war with the UNITED STATES. He was an excellent contact for discussion of high level planning and operations. On the subject of Army policies and cooperation he became a very severe critic, and with a first rate presentation of his case.

He understood, but did not speak English

Commanding Officer, KURE Naval District   September 1941-November 1942
Member, Supreme War Council   November 1942
Commanding Officer, YOKOSUKA Naval District   May 1943-May 1944
CinC Combined Fleet   May 1944-May 1945
CinC Overall Naval Command   May 1945
Chief of Naval General Staff   May 1945-End of War


TSUDA (TSUGAWA), Hiroaki, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 66

TSUDA served 22 years in the regular Navy. He was Navigator of the Hyuga (BB) at the Battle of MIDWAY and later Navigator of the Yamato (BB) during the Battle of the PHILIPPINES, 25-26 October 1944. He was very cooperative throughout the interrogation and assisted, by means of a personal notebook, in checking previously submitted navigation track charts of the actions in which he participated.

Navigator, Hyuga (BB)   1941-1943
Navigator, Yamato (BB)   1945-1945
Hydrographic Officer TOKYO 1945


UKITA, Nobuye, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 83

UKITA served in the regular Navy for a period of 26 years. He was Gunnery Officer of the Kongo (BB) at the Battle of MIDWAY, GUADALCANAL, and the Battle of SANTA CRUZ in October 1942. He answered all questions willingly and thoroughly although sometimes referred to a personal note book. The information presented has been verified through other interrogations and official documents.

Gunnery Officer, KONGO (BB)   1941-1942
Personnel Officer, Naval Ministry TOKYO 1942-1945

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WATANABE, Yasuji, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 13

WATANABE was an officer of 25 years experience in the regular Navy. He specialized in gunnery and served as Gunnery Officer on several staffs including that of Admiral YAMAMOTO, CinC Combined Fleet, 1940-1943. During the PEARL HARBOR attack and the Battle of MIDWAY, he was with Admiral YAMAMOTO. Subsequent to these battles he also served as Landing Force Officer on the Combined Fleet Staff.

He had an excellent service reputation among other Japanese Naval Officers. During the interrogations he was most helpful in providing information and operation plans of the Combined Fleet. Outside sources have substantiated this information. He spoke very good English and all interrogations were conducted in that language.

Instructor, Gunnery College YOKOSUKA 1937-1938
Staff, 7th Cruiser Squadron   1938-1939
Staff, Second Fleet   1939-1940
Staff Gunnery Officer, Combined Fleet   1940-1943
Member of Council, Military Affairs, Navy Department   1943-1945
Staff, Supreme Headquarters TOKYO 1945


WENEKER, Paul H., Vice Admiral, German Navy Nav. No. 70

From personal acquaintance prior to the war (1935-1937), the interrogator knew WENEKER as a smooth and tactful attache of the German Embassy in TOYO, spreading the Nazi doctrine in the manner common to all German diplomatic missions at that time. However, he appeared to cooperate actively with his colleagues of other nationalities in exchanging information on the Japanese. He worked in full accord with his military opposite, Colonel OTT, then Military Attache and later (as Major General) the German Ambassador to JAPAN.

Ambassador OTT had a definite falling out with the Nazi regime in 1944, as a consequence of which he resigned and went to PEKIN to live as a private citizen. WENEKER has expressed an apparent corresponding reluctance to return to Germany "until the present situation is greatly clarified." This fact, coupled with his long and close association with General OTT, suggests that WENEKER is not too fully imbued with Nazi ideology.

WENEKER spoke with apparent frankness and gave a very favorable impression of his desire to cooperate.

German Naval Attache to JAPAN   1937
Returned to Germany to command Deutchland (BB)   1937-February 1940
German Naval Attache to JAPAN   February 1940-End of War


YAMAGUCHI, Meriyoshi, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 44

YAMAGUCHI was an officer of 20- years service and a naval aviator with 2000 hours in the air. During the war he held a succession of staff positions in air commands. From August 1944 to January 1945 he was on the Staff, Second Air Fleet which was based successively in FORMOSA and the PHILIPPINES. YAMAGUCHI was entirely cooperative, sometimes it was feared to the extent of inventing answers in order to be helpful rather than confessing ignorance of the questions at issue.

Staff, Fourth Fleet South PACIFIC December 1941-September 1942
Teacher of Training Air Corps   October 1942-May 1943
Senior Member, 202nd Air Corps NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES June 1943-March 1944
Staff, 2nd Air Fleet PHILIPPINES August 1944-January 1945
1st Technical Arsenal   February 1945-End of War

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YAMAMOTO, Tadashi, Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 109

YAMAMOTO served 14 years in the regular Navy and participated in practically every destroyer action in the SOLOMON Area in 1942-43. He was finally wounded in December 1943 and was hospitalized in JAPAN until March 1945.

YAMAMOTO appeared very intelligent and was most cooperative during the interrogation. Although he was able to answer most of the questions from memory he referred to official documents for tables of organizations and damage incurred by ships. His statements and tables have subsequently been checked by the Japanese Naval Historical Research Department and found to be correct.

Staff, Communication Officer and Adjutant, 2nd Destroyer Squadron RABAUL 1941-1943
Staff Operations Officer, 2nd & 3rd Destroyer Squadron RABAUL 1943
Hospital patient JAPAN 1943-1945
Staff Operations Officer, 4th KUSUMOKI Corps   1945
Liaison Officer, US-Japanese Prefecture WAKAYAMA 1945 (Peace Time)


YAMAOKA, Mineo, Captain, I.J.N. Nav. No. 10

YAMAOKA was an officer of 27 years active duty in the regular Navy. He had considerable experience on the staffs of commanders of aircraft divisions during the war. Although a non-pilot he displayed unusual knowledge of carrier aircraft operations. He answered all questions knowingly and without hesitation.

Executive Officer, Hiryu (CV)   September 1941-February 1942
Operations Officer, Staff, 5th Air Flotilla   February 1942-June 1943
Operations and Engineering Officer, Staff, 2nd Air Flotilla   June 1943-July 1944
Instructor, Naval Staff College   July 1944-December 1944
Staff Officer, Naval General Headquarters   January 1945-July 1945
Staff Officer, Headquarters, Combined Fleet   July 1945-October 1945
Staff Officer, Naval Ministry   October 1945


YASUMOTO, Shisei, Lieutenant Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 45

YASUMOTO, a regular naval officer of 7 years service, gained all his war time sea experience in convoy escort duties as Commanding Officer of the escort vessel Shiokaze and as a Staff Officer, 103rd Escort Squadron of the Seventh Fleet. His personal experiences included several attacks by U.S. submarines and one attack by U.S. Army aircraft. He remembered in detail the circumstances of the various attacks and was particularly impressed by the manner in which our submarines operated offensively in restricted waters. His escort experience extended over the South CHINA SEA and in the waters near JAPAN during the latter part of the war.

Commanding Officer, Shiokaze (escort vessel)   March 1944-May 1945
Staff Officer, 103rd Escort Squadron (TSUSHIMA Straits)   May 1945-August 1945

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YATSUI, Noriteru, Lieutenant Command, I.J.N. Nav. No. 37

YATSUI served 8 years in the regular Navy. He was navigator of the cruiser Oi at the time she was sunk by a submarine in the South CHINA SEA in July 1944. He spent the remainder of the war as Staff Officer, 7th Escort Convoy. In this assignment he accompanied two convoys to ORMOC Bay in November 1944 each of which sustained losses by air attacks. He was wounded in the destructive two day carrier aircraft strike on shipping at HONG KONG, 15-16 January 1945. YATSUI was able to recall many important details of the various attacks and the accuracy of his memory was verified in subsequent interrogations.

TSUCHIURA Naval Air Corps TSUCHIURA 1941-1942
Adjutant, South East Area Fleet   1942-1943
Student, Navigation School YOKOSUKA June 1943-October 1943
Navigation Officer, Oi (CL)   November 1943-July 1944
Staff, 7th Escort Convoy South CHINA SEA, PHILIPPINES September 1 1944-January 1945


YONAI, Mitsumasa, Admiral, I.J.N. Nav. No. 76

Prior to entering political activity, YONAI had a broad experience of active sea duty, coupled with foreign assignments, ultimately (1936) becoming CinC of the Combined and First Fleets. He is certainly one of the strong men of present day JAPAN, intelligent, forceful, and straightforward. His pro-American and anti-war tendencies are reported to have kept him out of responsible positions throughout the war until defeat was inevitable, when he joined the "peace" cabinet of SUZUKI.

YONAI understood English very well, and spoke fairly readily, but preferred to confer in Japanese.

Navy Minister, HAYASHI Cabinet   February 1937-June 1937
Navy Minister, KANOYE Cabinet   June 1937-January 1939
Navy Minister, HIRANUMA Cabinet   January 1940-July 1940
Appointed Member, Supreme Military Council   August 1937
Premier   January 1940-July 1940
Deputy Premier and Navy Minister, KOISO Cabinet   July 1944
Navy Minister, SUZUKI Cabinet   April 1945


YUNOKI, S., Lieutenant Commander, I.J.N. Nav. No. 46

YUNOKI served 8 years in the regular Navy. At the Battle of MIDWAY he served as Gunnery Officer of a destroyer escorting the Transport Force. At the Battle of GUADALCANAL, 12 November 1942, he was Officer in Charge, Main Battery Fire Control (Spotter) of the Hiei (BB) when that ship was sunk. Following that assignment he served as Gunnery Officer at MUNDA. This officer specialized in gunnery and gave the impression of being very capable. He readily answered questions from memory, the names and dates of vessels sunk were verified from official documents at a later date. During this interrogation he displayed unusual curiosity in the operations of the U.S. Forces during the actions in which he was present.

Gunnery Officer, Second Destroyer Squadron   1941-1942
Main Battery Spotter, Hiei (BB)   1942
Gunnery Officer MUNDA, KOLOMBANGARA, BUIN 1942-1944

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