Toshinari Shōji facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Toshinari Shōji
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Toshinari (Toshishige) Shōji
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| Native name |
東海林 俊成
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| Born | October 27, 1890 Sendai, Miyagi, Japan |
| Died | December 10, 1974 (aged 84) |
| Allegiance |  Empire of Japan |
| Service/ |
 Imperial Japanese Army |
| Years of service | 1912-1945 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | 230th Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War II Netherlands East Indies campaign Guadalcanal campaign |
Toshinari (or Toshishige) Shōji (東海林 俊成, Shōji Toshinari (Toshishige), October 27, 1890 – December 10, 1974) was a Japanese military leader. He became a major general in the Imperial Japanese Army. He served during the Pacific part of World War II.
Contents
Life and Military Career
Early Life and Training
Toshinari Shōji was born in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. He started his military journey at a young age. In 1912, he finished his studies at the Imperial Japanese Army Academy. Later, he also graduated from the Army Staff College. This training prepared him for important roles.
Leading the 230th Infantry Regiment
On August 1, 1939, Shōji was promoted to the rank of colonel. In 1941, he took command of the 230th Infantry Regiment. This unit was sometimes called the Shōji Detachment. It was part of the 38th Division.
Battles in the Pacific War
Invasion of Java
From February to March 1942, Shōji's unit took part in the Netherlands East Indies campaign. They were involved in the invasion of Java. His soldiers quickly captured an airfield during the Battle of Kalijati. Later, they bravely broke through Dutch defenses around Bandung in the Battle of Tjiater Pass. This led to the Dutch forces giving up.
Fighting on Guadalcanal
In October 1942, Shōji and his regiment were sent to Guadalcanal. This was a very important battle during the war. His unit had a small role in the Battle for Henderson Field. However, they faced heavy losses in other fights. These included the Koli Point action, Carlson's patrol, and the Battle of Mount Austen, the Galloping Horse, and the Sea Horse.
After the War
Shōji survived the Japanese defeat on Guadalcanal. He was promoted to major general in March 1944. In 1945, he returned to Japan. He was then made commander of the Sendai Area Command. This was under the Japanese Fifth Area Army as World War II was ending.
After the war, Shōji faced questions about how prisoners and civilians were treated. He was found responsible for some actions that happened under his command. He received a sentence in January 1949. This sentence was later changed to 10 years in prison. He was sent to Sugamo Prison in Tokyo. Toshinari Shōji passed away in December 1974.
