KOISO Kuniaki

(1880-1950)
Born April 1, 1880 in Utsunomiya. He graduated from the Military Academy, participated in Russian-Japanese War. He was chief of staff of the Kwantung Army in 1932 and commander of the Japanese Army in Korea after 1934. In 1939-1940 Koiso was Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1942 became governor-general of Korea. Remain in office until 15 July 1944, when he was invited to form new cabinet. Koiso attempted reorganization of the political, economic and military structures in order to strengthen Japan's defense, but after the landing of American troops on Okinawa, resigned April 5, 1945. After Japan's surrender Koiso was arrested as a war criminal and sentenced to life imprisonment. Koiso died in Tokyo on November 3, 1950