Chikuhei Nakajima facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chikuhei Nakajima
中島 知久平 |
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Chikuhei Nakajima
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| Born | January 1, 1884 Nitta District, Gunma, Empire of Japan
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| Died | October 29, 1949 (aged 65) Mitaka, Tokyo, Allied-occupied Japan
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| Occupation | Businessman, naval architect, naval officer, politician |
Chikuhei Nakajima (中島 知久平, January 1, 1884 – October 29, 1949) was an important Japanese businessman, engineer, and politician. He is best known for starting the Nakajima Aircraft Company in 1917. This company became a huge supplier of airplanes for Japan. He also served as a government minister.
Contents
The Life of Chikuhei Nakajima
Early Life and Training
Chikuhei Nakajima was born in Nitta District, Gunma, Japan. His father was a farmer. Chikuhei went to the Imperial Japanese Naval Engineering School and finished in 1907. He became an Ensign in 1908.
On October 27, 1911, he made history by piloting Japan’s first airship. He also became a lieutenant in the Imperial Japanese Navy that same year. After more studies, he traveled to the United States. There, he became one of the first Japanese people to earn a pilot’s license from a flight school. When he returned to Japan, he helped design a better float plane for the Navy.
Starting an Airplane Company
In 1916, Nakajima went to Europe to see how airplanes were used in battles. When he came back to Japan in 1917, he left the military. He then opened a company to build airplanes in his hometown of Ōta.
He got financial help from another engineer, Seibei Kawanishi. Their company was first called Nihon Hikoki Seisakusho KK. In 1919, the partners separated, and the company became the Nakajima Aircraft Company. That same year, the company received its first order for 20 airplanes from the Japanese military.
A Career in Politics
Nakajima decided to enter politics in 1930. He was elected to the Lower House of the Diet of Japan. He had the support of the Rikken Seiyūkai political party. In 1931, he gave control of Nakajima Aircraft to his brother. This allowed him to focus fully on politics. He was re-elected four more times.
From June 1937 to January 1939, Nakajima served as the Railway Minister. This was during the time of the Konoe government. He also led an important political group within the Rikken Seiyūkai. For his service, he received a special award called the Order of the Sacred Treasure.
Later Years and Legacy
Chikuhei Nakajima was concerned about Japan's decision to go to war with the United States. He warned about America’s strong factories and ability to produce many things, especially airplanes. He was also upset when the Japanese military stopped his project for a long-range bomber. Even though he had to join a new political group called the Taisei Yokusankai, he often spoke out against it. He believed it was against the country's rules.
After Japan surrendered, the Prime Minister asked Nakajima to join the government again. He served briefly as Minister of Munitions and Minister of Commerce and Industry. Later, he was arrested along with other former government members by the Allied powers. He was held for questioning but was released before his trial in 1947. Chikuhei Nakajima passed away in 1949 at his home in Mitaka, Tokyo. His grave is in the Tama Cemetery in Fuchū, Tokyo.
See also
- Nakajima Aircraft Company
- Subaru Corporation (This company is the successor to his original company. It was known as Fuji Heavy Industries until 2017.)
