Best Japanese General....

[Footslogger]

Who do you think was the best Japanese Army Commander in WWII? And why?

[Shellshock]

I'll go with the obvious choice of General Yamashita. He must have been good. In typical Japanese style, they benched him right after his biggest victory.

[Footslogger]

On youtube, there is a tribute for General Kuriyahbashi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWQP5Oh0WE8

[ilovestrategy]

I was just about to say Yamamato but caught myself in time. [X(]


Yeah, I have to go along with Yamashita.

[Shellshock]

Guess I could throw in a plug for general Adachi Hatazo, for his dogged defense in New Guinea.

[Sardaukar]

ORIGINAL: Shellshock

I'll go with the obvious choice of General Yamashita. He must have been good. In typical Japanese style, they benched him right after his biggest victory.

Tiger of Malaya.

He was also treated quite shadily in his War Crimes case, not the most glorious times of military justice.

I don't want to delve into if he was guilty or not, but he had this to say himself via translator:

As I said in the Manila Supreme Court that I have done with my all capacity, so I don't ashame in front of the gods for what I have done when I have died. But if you say to me 'you do not have any ability to command the Japanese Army' I should say nothing for it, because it is my own nature. Now, our war criminal trial going on in Manila Supreme Court, so I wish to be justify under your kindness and right. I know that all your American and American military affairs always has tolerant and rightful judgment. When I have been investigated in Manila court I have had a good treatment, kindful attitude from your good natured officers who all the time protect me. I never forget for what they have done for me even if I had died. I don't blame my executioner. I'll pray the gods bless them. Please send my thankful word to Col. Clarke and Lt. Col. Feldhaus, Lt. Col. Hendrix, Maj. Guy, Capt. Sandburg, Capt. Reel, at Manila court, and Col. Arnard. I thank you.

[Chickenboy]

Kuriyahbashi's performance was pretty hard to beat. There may be others out there that I am less aware of too.

[DivePac88]

In my book I would rate General Masakazu Kawabe as one of the best Japanese commanders of WW2. He inherited the command of the Burma Area Army after the disastrous failure of Imphal offensive. He then commanded in Burma for the rest of the war, and I think carried out a masterful defence against a hugely materially superior enemy.

[philabos]

ORIGINAL: DivePac88

In my book I would rate General Masakazu Kawabe as one of the best Japanese commanders of WW2. He inherited the command of the Burma Area Army after the disastrous failure of Imphal offensive. He then commanded in Burma for the rest of the war, and I think carried out a masterful defence against a hugely materially superior enemy.

While Gen Kawabe was in an impossible position, I believe it took less than 5 months for 14th Army advance from India to Rangoon, taking Mandalay in March, over beastly terrain. The Japanese laughed at the long British supply train, but things actually moved quite quickly forward given the challenges.

[anarchyintheuk]

Yamashita. Another good IJA commander was Ushijima. He did well at Okinawa.

[undercovergeek]

me - fear my KB!!!!!

[BJStone]

General Haiku.

His career was short.
He fought with few resources.
He fought with honor.


BJ

[Sardaukar]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minoru_Sasaki

was not shabby either, causing US troops all sorts of trouble in New Georgia.

[Cap Mandrake]

Should this be best Japanese General or best Japanese General not subject to a war crimes prosecution?