New Statue to Celebrate Kiichiro Higuchi and His Legacy of Leadership and Compassion

At the end of World War II, Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration and surrendered. Upon its surrender, the Soviet Union attempted to invade the Kuril Islands. If they succeeded, their next target would have been Hokkaido. Lieutenant General Kiichiro Higuchi of the Imperial Japanese Army played a crucial role in preventing this invasion. To honor his achievements, a new bronze statue of General Higuchi will be erected at the Sapporo Gokoku Shrine. 

This decision was made during the Higuchi Kiichiro Memorial Foundation's inaugural meeting on January 23. The entity is a general incorporated foundation. General Higuchi's grandson, Ryuichi Higuchi, an emeritus professor at Meiji Gakuin University, heads the organization.

The unveiling ceremony is planned for August 18, 2027. It is a significant date marking the beginning of the Battle of Shumshu between General Higuchi's forces and Soviet troops on Shumshu Island on August 18, 1945. 

Humanity in Wartime

Higuchi's military career began early, and by World War II, he had risen to the rank of General. His most notable military command came during the Japanese administration of the Aleutian Islands, including Attu and Kiska.

Despite lingering claims about the harsh treatment of soldiers by Japanese generals, Higuchi was deeply committed to the well-being of his men. On May 18, 1945, he resolutely objected to abandoning Kiska Island and all the troops stationed there.

His handling of prisoners during the war, particularly in Hokkaido, has garnered significant attention. From 1942 to 1945, Higuchi oversaw 1,600 POWs, and under his care, there was not a single case of abuse. When 12 American POWs complained about the brown rice balls they were being fed, Higuchi provided them with flour and an oven so they could bake bread. As a sign of gratitude, the Americans gifted him three loaves of bread after the war.

The Otpor Incident

Higuchi is also remembered for his significant role in the Otpor Incident, which occurred in the early years of the war. In 1938, years before Chiune Sugihara's famous efforts to assist Jews in Lithuania, Higuchi took decisive steps to help Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis. 

While stationed in Harbin, on the border of Manchuria, he issued five-day visas to thousands of Jews, allowing them to escape Nazi persecution. These refugees were able to travel to the United States via Shanghai or Dalian.

Although estimates vary, it is believed that between 2,000 and 5,000 Jews were granted refuge thanks to Higuchi's actions. 

Some have argued that Higuchi's actions were in line with Japan's central policy at the time, specifically the Jewish measures policy (猶太人対策要綱, yudayajin taisaku youkou ). However, this policy did not prescribe the same direct action that Higuchi undertook and was not formalized until December 1938. 

His initiative also preceded the Fugu Plan (the plan to relocate Jews to Manchuria), which was decided in July 1938. Higuchi's visa program was already in place by March 1938.

The Battle of Shumshu

General Higuchi's leadership was also crucial during the Battle of Shumshu. It was the final defense of Japan's northernmost islands against the Soviet invasion in August 1945. 

On August 18, 1945, Soviet forces landed on Takedahama on the northern tip of Shumshu Island. The Japanese were caught by surprise, as they had already surrendered and were unprepared for the Soviet assault. This attack violated the Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact, which had been in effect since 1941.

However, General Higuchi's swift response to the invasion was instrumental in organizing a successful counterattack, allowing Japan to repel the Soviet forces. In a famous telegram, Higuchi ordered his troops to "Stand firm, launch a counterattack, and annihilate the invading forces" (断乎、反撃に転じ、上陸軍を粉砕せよ, danko, hangeki ni tenji, jorikugun o funsai seyo).

His orders were executed quickly. Colonel Sueo Ikeda of the 11th Tank Regiment arrived from the south to reinforce Major Norishige Murakami, who was stationed on Mount Shire and had been holding off the Soviet forces. 

Despite the overwhelming odds, Higuchi's leadership helped delay the Soviet advance. Japan lost between 600 and 1,000 troops. Soviet casualties, however, were significantly higher, with estimates ranging from 1,500 to 4,000.

Donations

A bronze statue of General Higuchi was previously erected in 2022 at Izanagi Shrine in Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture, his birthplace. Foundation Chairman Higuchi hoped the new statue would "honor General Higuchi's legacy worldwide and foster international friendship." The foundation is currently seeking donations to cover the costs of the statue. For inquiries, please contact 0120-502-153.

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Author: Daniel Manning