Kan'in Kotohito (10 Nov. 1865 - 21 May 1945)
Prince Kan’in Kotohito was Chief of the Imperial Japanese Army General Staff in 1931, leading the Japanese forces in the Second Sino-Japanese War. In this role he was condemned for authorising the use of chemical and bacteriological weapons, including various poison gases and mustard gas.
In the 1940’s, Kan’in supported the signing of the Tripartite Pact and was fond of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. For these reasons he vehemently opposed the attempts of Prime Minister Yonai to seek improved diplomatic relations with the British and Americans. Kan’in would be a factor in the downfall of Yonai’s government in 1940.
Although he retired in October 1940 as Chief of the General Staff, he still continued on the Supreme War Council, as well as advising the Emperor with regards to the military. He died in May 1945.
For more information on Prince Kan’in Kotohito:
Dupuy, Trevor N. The Harper Encyclopedia of Military Biography (New York: HarperCollins), 1992.
In the 1940’s, Kan’in supported the signing of the Tripartite Pact and was fond of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. For these reasons he vehemently opposed the attempts of Prime Minister Yonai to seek improved diplomatic relations with the British and Americans. Kan’in would be a factor in the downfall of Yonai’s government in 1940.
Although he retired in October 1940 as Chief of the General Staff, he still continued on the Supreme War Council, as well as advising the Emperor with regards to the military. He died in May 1945.
For more information on Prince Kan’in Kotohito:
Dupuy, Trevor N. The Harper Encyclopedia of Military Biography (New York: HarperCollins), 1992.