Kenji Doihara

Kenji Doihara (1883-1948), an Imperial Japanese Army officer who served both in covert action and conventional command, was hanged in 1948 as a Class A war criminal, condemned by the International Military Tribual for the Far East. One of the Eleven Reliables, he was mentored by Prince Kanin.

Early China

He served as a spy in northeastern China and Siberia during the 1920s, and organized the assassination of Zhang Zuolin, a Chinese warlord.

Kwantung Army

Beginning in 1931, he was head of special services (i.e., clandestine human-source intelligence and covert action) for the Kwantung Army, became Mayor of Mukden, and was involved in planning the Manchurian Incident. He moved to Harbin to become special services chief, briefly commanded the 9th Brigade, and then returned to head special services for the entire Kwangtung army.

Conventional soldier

In March 1936, Doihara was appointed lieutenant general and chief of staff of the China Garrison army. In March 1937, he became general commanding officer of the 14th Division. From May 1939, he commanded 5th Army, China, returning to Japan in October 1940.

Japan

On his return, he took command of the Japanese Military Academy, then became Inspector General of Military Aviation in June 1941.