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Yoshisuke AikawaJapanese businessman and politician
Date of Birth: 06.11.1880
Country:  Japan |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Yoshijiro Shirasu was born on November 6, 1880, in the village of Ouchi, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. He graduated from the University of Tokyo in 1903.
Career in Business
After graduation, Shirasu worked as a mechanic at the Shibaura Works, which later became Toshiba Corporation. He traveled to the United States to study metal hardening and foundry technology, and upon his return, he founded the Tobata Casting Company with the support of Inoue Kaoru. This company was later renamed Nissan.
In 1928, Shirasu became president of the Yawata Iron and Steel Company and renamed it Nippon Sangyo. Over the next several years, he acquired numerous small and medium-sized businesses, creating the "Nissan Konzern."
Involvement in Manchuria
In 1937, Shirasu moved to Manchuria and renamed his company the Manchuria Heavy Industry Development Corporation. Upon returning to Japan, he served as an advisor to the government of Tojo Hideki.
Political Career
According to an Imperial Edict, Shirasu became a member of the House of Peers in the Imperial Diet of Japan (January 14, 1943 - December 15, 1945).
After Japan's defeat in World War II, Shirasu was arrested by the American occupation authorities and accused of "war crimes of a high magnitude." After his release, he was elected to the House of Councilors in the Japanese Parliament (May 3, 1953 - December 29, 1959).
Death and Legacy
Yoshijiro Shirasu died in Tokyo on February 13, 1967. He is remembered as a visionary entrepreneur and a influential figure in Japanese industry and politics.
