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Seishiro ItagakiGeneral of the Imperial Japanese Army, Minister of the Army
Date of Birth: 21.01.1885
Country:  Japan |
Content:
- Seiichiro Itagaki: Imperial General and War Criminal
- Rise to Power in Manchuria
- Involvement in the Sino-Japanese War
- Minister of War and Decline
- World War II and Execution
Seiichiro Itagaki: Imperial General and War Criminal
Early Life and Military CareerSeiichiro Itagaki was born in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, in 1885. He graduated from the Imperial Japanese Army Academy in 1904 and participated in the Russo-Japanese War.
Rise to Power in Manchuria
In the 1920s, Itagaki served as military attaché to China. Upon returning to Japan, he held various positions in the General Staff before being appointed commander of the 33rd Infantry Brigade of the 10th Division stationed in China. In 1928, he became commander of the 33rd Infantry Regiment of the Kwantung Army.
As chief of the intelligence section of the Kwantung Army from 1931, Itagaki played a key role in the Japanese invasion of Manchuria. He served as military advisor to Manchukuo (1932-1934), deputy chief of staff (1934), and chief of staff (1936) of the Kwantung Army.
Involvement in the Sino-Japanese War
During the early stages of the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1938), Itagaki commanded the 5th Division in China. His division played a significant role in several battles, including the Battle of Beijing-Tianjin, the Chahar Operation, and the Battle of Taiyuan. However, his attack was repelled at the Battle of Taierzhuang, preventing him from aiding Isogai Rensuke's 10th Division.
Minister of War and Decline
Recalled to Japan in 1938, Itagaki briefly served as Minister of War (1938-1939). He returned to China as chief of staff of the Expeditionary Army (1939-1941). However, the defeat of Japanese forces against the Red Army at Khalkhin Gol damaged his reputation, and he was transferred to the rear as commander of Japanese forces in Korea.
World War II and Execution
In 1945, with the worsening war situation, Japanese forces in Korea were reorganized into the 17th Front, with Itagaki as its commander. He later commanded the 7th Front in Singapore, where he surrendered to the British after Japan's capitulation.
Post-war, Itagaki was charged with war crimes. He was found guilty on eight counts at the Tokyo Trials and sentenced to death. He was hanged at Tokyo's Sugamo Prison on December 23, 1948.
