Masanobu Tsuji

Masanobu Tsuji was born in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, in 1901. He received his secondary education at a military academy and later graduated from the War College. He was active in the Army's political intrigues as a member of the Tōseiha (Control Faction) and helped block the attempted coup d'état of the rival Kōdōha (Imperial Way Faction). He was a leading proponent of the concept of gekokujō, (literally "the bottom overthrowing the top") by acting without or contrary to authorization. He incited the 1939 border clash with the Soviet Union and was a vehement advocate of war against the United States. He was an important tactical planner in the Imperial Japanese Army and developed the detailed plans for the successful Japanese invasion of Malaya at the start of the war. He also helped plan and lead the final Japanese offensive during the Guadalcanal Campaign. As a Pan-Asianist, Tsuji pressured Asian countries to support Japan in World War II despite being involved in atrocities such as the Bataan Death March and Sook Ching. He evaded prosecution for Japanese war crimes at the end of the war and hid in Thailand. He returned to Japan in 1949 and was elected to the Diet as an advocate of renewed militarism. Through the 50's he worked for American intelligence alongside Takushiro Hattori. In 1961, he disappeared on a trip to Laos. Tsuji was among the most aggressive and influential Japanese militarists. He was a violent racist and mass murderer who escaped justice and accountability. He was a controversial figure who inspired admiration and hatred among his followers and enemies. He was a fanatic who stopped at nothing to secure victory for Japan and his vision of Asia.