Akira Muto:

Lieutenant General

1892-1948
Graduated from Military Academy (age 25), Military College (age 32). He distinguished himself with the February 26th “Army Purge” event and as staff officer of the Kwantung Army. In 1938, he asserted vigorous policies against China regarding the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. As deputy head of the war campaign in Central China, he guided Japan through the politics of Nanking. In 1940, after he was installed as the bureau director of Military and Naval Affairs, he disbanded conspirators and preferred to be isolated, like Prime Minister Tojo and eventually became his right-hand man. Counter to the position of Japan provoking America, he was proactive in negotiations to resolve the situation. With the experience of being head of the Imperial Guards in Sumatra (Indonesia) and under the wishes of General Yamashita, he became chief of staff for the 14th district army. He was in the Philippines when the war ended.