Diary of Koichi Kido
The diary of Koichi Kido, 1930 to 1946 was the single most important source of evidence for the prosecution in the Tokyo War Crimes trial. Kido served as the Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal of Japan from 1940 through the end of the war. He was Emperor Hirohito's most influential advisor. It was Kido who in 1941 recommended that Hideki Tojo become the Prime Mininster, believing that Tojo had the ability and influence to control even more radical elements within the Imperial Japanese Army. Kido argued against Japan attacking the Dutch East Indies, arguing that the attack would likely draw the United States into the war, and that the oil that could be obtained from the East Indies might be subject to a blockade. His advice was ignored. At the end of the war, Kido is credited with helping convince the government to surrender. After the war, Kido worked hard to protect the honor of the Emperor. Kido was charged as a Class A criminal in the Tokyo War Crimes trial. He was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Below are translated excerpts from Kido's Diary used as evidence against Hideki Tojo at the War Crimes trial.
(Source: Tavenner Papers of the University of Virginia, "Extracts from Kido's Diary 1946," IMTFE Official Records (Box 9, Folder 5))
Koichi Kido
