When was Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni born and where?
Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni entered the world on the 3rd of December 1887 in Kyoto. He was the ninth son of Prince Kuni Asahiko and court lady Terao Utako.
Questions about Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Why did Emperor Shōwa appoint Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni as prime minister?
Emperor Shōwa appointed him prime minister on the 17th of August 1945 to ensure orderly cessation of hostilities and demobilization of armed forces. The appointment aimed to reassure Japanese people that the imperial institution remained secure following the decision to accept the Potsdam Declaration.
What specific authorization regarding chemical warfare is linked to Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni?
A memo discovered by historian Yoshiaki Yoshimi revealed a specific authorization date for poison gas use against Chinese forces on the 16th of August 1938. This decision occurred during his command of the IJA 2nd Army stationed in China from 1938 to 1939.
How long did Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni serve as prime minister of Japan?
His tenure remains Japan's shortest-serving prime minister period starting from his appointment on the 17th of August 1945 until he was replaced by navy Admiral Kantarō Suzuki. He served only briefly before returning to private life after the war ended.
When did Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni die and what record did he hold at death?
Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni died of heart failure in Tokyo on the 20th of January 1990. At his death, he remained the last surviving full general of the Imperial Japanese Army and held the title of world's oldest living former head of government from the 14th of May 1988 until his passing.